In S.F., Scott Ostler noted bailed-out banks have "pledged a large chunk of money to help finance the construction of a new stadium for the 49ers" in Santa Clara. Bank of America, the "second-largest recipient of bailout funds," is "in on the fun." Goldman Sachs also "is in on the stadium; it got bales of cash, and at one point its people were having a tough time explaining where all the dough went." And the bank in July "announced 1,000 layoffs." Ostler: "You're out on the street, looking for a dry place to sleep, and the 49ers are building that new stadium, one entire side of which will be lux suites filled with corporate fat-cats using their 49ers-love as a tax write-off, which you will pay out of your taxes" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 12/9).
COMPLEX IDEA: The WASHINGTON EXAMINER's Ben Giles reports Prince George's County (Md.) officials are "seeking to build a sprawling lacrosse complex in Bowie, complete with a 25,000-seat stadium, that they hope could lure" MLS DC United. Maryland state Sen. Douglas J.J. Peters, state Rep. Justin Ross and lobbyist Gerry Evans "have met with the county's elected officials, including County Executive Rushern Baker, and planning officials to pitch their vision of a lacrosse complex that could become a national destination for matches and tournaments in a state known as a hotbed for the sport." The proposed stadium "would become the new home" of the MLL Chesapeake Bayhawks, who currently play at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis (WASHINGTON EXAMINER, 12/7).
MOVING ON CAMPUS: Tulane President Scott Cowen Thursday said that the school "will be playing football on campus" by the fall of '14. After a year-and-a-half of "intense fundraising, Tulane has amassed $40 million in pledges for the $60 million, 30,000-seat stadium." The school is "seeking to raise another $10 million for the football program, which could be directed toward a new locker room, weight room and academic advising areas." The next $30M of the fundraising "has been officially opened up to the public" in a campaign titled, "Home Field Advantage" (NOLA.com, 12/8).
