In Detroit, Bill Shea in a front-page piece reports Red Wings Owner the Ilitch family “has privately floated the idea that the state of Michigan own a new downtown hockey arena." Michigan Economic Development Corp. emails show that the suggestion to “possibly use the Michigan Strategic Fund as the venue's owner was discussed in a November meeting between state economic development executives and representatives of the Ilitch family" (CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS, 1/28 issue).
LET'S ALL SHARE: In Charlotte, Morrill & Harrison report NFL Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson met with N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory and state House Speaker Thom Tillis yesterday “in pursuit of as much as $62 million in state money to help renovate Bank of America Stadium.” The team has also “asked the city" for $125M. The Panthers have said that the club “could split" the other $125M with the state for a total renovation cost of $250M (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 1/29).
THAT'S THE PRICE YOU PAY: In Indianapolis, Jon Murray reported the City-County Council yesterday “approved tax increases that will cost car rental customers and event-goers at Downtown sports venues and the convention center.” The council voted 16-12 to "increase the admissions tax" to 10% from 6%. The increases will “create a new stream of revenue to compensate Indianapolis public safety agencies for providing police and fire coverage at the Capital Improvement Board’s facilities, including Lucas Oil Stadium, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and the Indiana Convention Center” (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 1/29).
PENALTY KICK: In Edmonton, Angelique Rodrigues note it will be “at least a year before local soccer fans can expect a decision on a proposed 15,000-seat stadium from city council.” Council members yesterday "concluded they did not have enough information and asked administrators to take the next year and determine the demand for a new facility, and whether or not renovating an existing facility could do the trick” (EDMONTON SUN, 1/29).
