In Denver, Andy Vuong reports CenturyLink has "tossed the first pitch" in its rebranding of Qwest after the two companies merged last month. CenturyLink "started displaying video-board and LED messages at Coors Field and other ballparks last weekend stating that 'Qwest is becoming Century Link.'" The company in an e-mail this week also indicated that in "early August, the Qwest brand in its 14-state local-phone service territory ... will be replaced with CenturyLink-branded products and services." CenturyLink added more details would come soon "regarding venues that currently carry the Qwest name," including the Seahawks' stadium in Seattle (DENVER POST, 4/20).
MONEY ON THE WAY? In San Jose, Mike Rosenberg reports the Santa Clara City Council "voted unanimously Tuesday night to sell up to $25 million in bonds to refurbish public buildings in the Bayshore area, and possibly up to an additional $10 million to help fund a new 49ers stadium." If the city "sells more than $25 million in bonds, that extra revenue -- up to $10 million -- will go toward funding the planned 49ers stadium." The amount of bonds sold "will depend on the financial market," and officials are "not overly optimistic that they will have takers for the full $35 million offer" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 4/20).
EXPRESSING CONCERNS: In N.Y., Clare Trapasso reported while the USTA "hopes to break ground" this summer on a 3,000-seat stadium at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, site of the U.S. Open, the facility "has raised concerns about increased traffic congestion and parking woes." Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Conservancy President Pat Dolan said her advocacy group is "not opposed" to the stadium, but added, "There is a very, very real burden on the people who live and do business around the park." Dolan noted that she is "worried that green spaces will be converted to temporary parking lots in the park during the Open to accommodate" fans. However, USTA Managing Dir of Corporate Communications Chris Widmaier said that the stadium "isn't expected to add many spectators to the roughly 700,000 who attend the Open" (NYDAILYNEWS.com, 4/19).
