In L.A., Hugo Martin noted “a giant, smoldering gap in the side of Staples Center” is the “latest over-the-top campaign stunt for a new attraction set to open May 25 at Universal Studios Hollywood.” A giant “laminate stuck to the side of the sports venue makes it look as if an 80-foot tall, 20-ton metal alien creature from the movie ‘Transformers’ busted a hole through the building.” The laminate “will remain on Staples Center until Tuesday” and is “meant to bring attention the opening of Transformers: The Ride 3D” (LATIMES.com, 4/15).
PLANNING AHEAD: In Minneapolis, Sid Hartman notes a deal "has been made in which the Vikings would rent” the Univ. of Minnesota’s TCF Bank Stadium “for $250,000 per game” if construction of a new Vikings stadium requires the team to play at an alternate venue for a year. In addition, the university “would get all income from parking and concessions.” If the Vikings “want to install heating coils under the field to make the field playable in all weather, they would pay for that and any other capital improvements they want to make, including providing additional seating capacity” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/16).
FINAL STAGES: In Edmonton, Tanara McLean reported city officials Friday announced that PCL Construction “is the preferred company to manage construction” of the proposed Oilers arena “if the long-suffering project gets the final green light.” PCL “is a local company” and the city is “still working out a detailed contract” with the group. The company “will not officially be chosen until the contract is hammered out.” McLean noted there is “no timeline for when the contract will be finalized” (EDMONTON SUN, 4/14).
DELAY OF GAME: In Jacksonville, Timothy Gibbons reported the city “has pushed back the due date for proposals from companies that want to manage the city's entertainment facilities.” An addendum to the city's request for proposals “was posted on the Jacksonville procurement website shortly after 5:30 p.m. Friday.” Since the request for proposals was issued, contractors “have been submitting questions about the job, which would involve managing seven city properties, including EverBank Field” (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 4/14).
