The Redskins announced on Thursday that they "will be breaking ground for an indoor practice facility at Redskins Park.” Described as "an 'air structure,' the facility will be built over a full-size football field and is expected to be completed later this fall.” A team spokesperson said that “construction of the practice bubble in Ashburn has no bearing on whether the Redskins would move their practice headquarters to Prince George’s County.” A decision on that has yet to be made (WASHINGTON POST, 9/2).
BILL OF RIGHTS: In L.A., McGreevey & Riccardi report a "final bill was being frantically drafted Thursday evening” in the California state Legislature in response to AEG's request for an "expedited process for any legal challenges" to its Farmers Field project. Sources indicated that the measure "would allow legal challenges to the stadium’s environmental impact report to be heard immediately in the state court of appeals, which would have between 150-175 days to rule.” That “would avoid protracted litigation.” In exchange, AEG “would pledge to build a carbon-neutral stadium with more public transit users than any other stadium in the country.” The company’s “push to get special treatment was spurred by a 2009 vote to grant a complete environmental waiver to a competing stadium proposal by Majestic Realty in the City of Industry.” State Sen. Mark DeSaulnier said that he "was concerned by AEG’s plan to gut an existing bill on an unrelated subject, insert language on the stadium and fast-track it through the Legislature” (L.A. TIMES, 9/2).
NOTHING TO SEE HERE: In Detroit, Gregg Krupa reports Red Wings and Amway officials “discouraged any thought the growing relationship has much to do with the prospective development of a new arena for the Red Wings, beyond adding some revenue.” Sources said that “with the company owning the naming rights to the Amway Center in Orlando and the Van Andel family, which founded Amway with the DeVos family, having its name on the arena in Grand Rapids, stadium marketing opportunities appear to be maximized.” Officials said that “no move is imminent on a prospective arena, especially given the state of the economy” (DETROIT NEWS, 9/2).
THRILLER: In Boston, Donna Goodison reports “Spooky World, the haunted Halloween attraction, will celebrate its 20th anniversary" this year with an event at Fenway Park. The Fear at Fenway runs Oct. 28-Nov. 6 and includes “three all new haunted attractions: 3D Freakout, Hancock Hill Cemetery and Brigham Manor” (BOSTON HERALD, 9/2).
