In San Jose, Mike Rosenberg reported the first budget for the newly formed Santa Clara Stadium Authority “totals $1.5 million for the fiscal year starting on July 1." Tax revenues from properties “around the stadium site will provide the fuel to run the stadium authority, which is teaming up with the 49ers to plan, fund and build the $987 million project.” The budget “is separate from the big funding plan needed to pay for stadium construction,” but Rosenberg noted it is “still crucial” (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 6/19).
EVERBANK IMPROVEMENTS: Jaguars Owner Wayne Weaver said that outgoing Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton has given his successor, Alvin Brown, a “transition statement about needed improvements at EverBank Field.” In Jacksonville, Vito Stellino reported the major items on the transition statement include “upgrading from analog to digital scoreboards and televisions and improving the stadium’s sound system.” An additional issue is “closing the adjacent street between the team’s practice fields and the Fairgrounds to provide more space for the Jaguars to build an indoor practice bubble, which the team would pay for.” Although the city “pays for improvements,” the rent paid by the Jaguars and the “portion of the bed tax that goes into the sports complex will help fund the improvements” (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 6/19).
DELAY IN PORTLAND: In Portland, Brad Schmidt noted a Memorial Coliseum proposal is “slated for Portland City Council consideration in November -- five months behind schedule.” Officials for Portland Mayor Sam Adams are “blaming the delay on a desire for specific financial plans,” which they say will not be available “until later this year.” The city council had been scheduled Thursday “to hear rough details and give preliminary approval for eventually spending tax dollars on the 50-year-old coliseum” (Portland OREGONIAN, 6/18).
OFF TARGET: Twins President Dave St. Peter said that the club “never had a contract for Paul McCartney to play at Target Field as had been reported.” St. Peter said, “We offered McCartney the date of Sept. 1 and as it turned out they weren’t scheduled for a show on that date” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/20).
