In Nashville, Anita Wadhwani noted the Titans are "seeking approval for construction of a concert stage" at LP Field. The request "was not formally announced" by Titans officials, but "appears on the agenda for a Metropolitan Sports Authority meeting" scheduled for Thursday. The agenda notes that the stage construction "would be undertaken at the expense of Cumberland Stadium, a Titans business entity" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 5/19).
NEUTRAL GROUND: In Cincinnati, Bill Koch cites sources as saying that the Crosstown Shootout game between the Univ. of Cincinnati and Xavier Univ. "will be played next season at U.S. Bank Arena." After the brawl in last year’s game at Xavier’s Cintas Center, officials from the two schools "agreed to move it to a neutral court for two years in an attempt to improve the climate surrounding the game." It will be "the first time in 25 years" the game will be held at the venue. The game "will be played on Dec. 18, 19 or 20," and financial details "have not been finalized" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 5/22).
NEW DIGS: On Long Island, Greg Logan noted Stony Brook Univ. on Sunday formally announced a $21.1M project to "create a 4,000-seat sports and entertainment venue." Construction is "expected to begin the second week of June, and the facility is scheduled to open" in the fall of '14. The renovations "will include four luxury boxes and a VIP lounge area at the loge level with premium courtside seating, thanks to an anonymous private donation" of $1M because "state funds cannot be used for that purpose" (NEWSDAY, 5/20).
YOUNG TURKS: IMG Worldwide and Turkey-based conglomerate Dogus Group announced that they have signed a deal for a 50/50 joint venture. The purpose of the new entity will be to create and develop a broad range of sports, fashion and entertainment projects to be implemented in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Initial plans include building, ownership and operation of venues, as well as sales of sports media and sponsorship rights (IMG).
