In S.F., Slusser & Shea note the A's first order of business this winter "remains getting a stadium in San Jose, and the team believes the process is gaining momentum." A's GM Billy Beane said, "I'm optimistic because this seems to be the most tangible solution we've had since I've been here." Recent signs "point to a potential vote on the issue at the owners' January meetings." White Sox Chair Jerry Reinsdorf said he is "totally supportive" of A's Owner Lew Wolff "getting a new ballpark and going to San Jose." Reinsdorf: "He needs to be there. It has to come to a head soon. ... Certainly, (the Coliseum is) past its time. In my opinion, Oakland's past its time, too. Oakland's had plenty of opportunity to build a stadium and hasn't gotten it done" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 12/6). A’s GM Billy Beane said, "There’s been a lot of talk recently about a potential move and a new stadium in the South Bay. We expect some resolution sometime soon and that’s really the best news we can get so we can put a business plan together" ("Hot Stove," MLB Network, 12/5).
DINNER AND A GAME: In Atlanta, Leon Stafford noted Philips Arena will "open Red, a new full-service restaurant, in February." Officials said that the restaurant will be "tiered so that all guests will have good views of what's going on either during Atlanta Hawks games or at a rock concert." Seven "rows -- about 400 seats -- were removed from the arena for the dining establishment." Red will "cost about $2 million and seat 250 guests" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 12/3). Hawks President Bob Williams said that the team's ownership group, "lead by majority owners Bruce Levenson and Michael Gearon Jr., are paying for the renovations" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 12/2).
PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS: In Baltimore, Alexander Jackson noted the city "could soon being seeking bidders interested in managing First Mariner Arena." Arena management execs said that SMG's current contract to "manage the nearly 50-year-old building expires June 30, 2012, and the city is expected to issue a request for proposals next year that could generate significant competition for the job." VenuWorks VP Joe Briglia said that other firms that "could bid for the right to manage the 12,000-seat downtown arena include" Global Spectrum and AEG Facilities (BALTIMORE BUSINESS JOURNAL, 12/2 issue).
CELEBRATING 15: The Predators and Bridgestone Arena have compiled "15 Years of Bridgestone Arena in 15 Days" to commemorate the arena's 15th anniversary. The feature is running daily on nashvillepredators.com, along with a year-by-year look back at significant stories and events that defined the venue, and facts related to the Predators and the arena (Predators).
