In Austin, Dave Doolittle writes anyone "hoping that NASCAR could soon be coming" to the Circuit of the Americas "probably shouldn't hold their breath." The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series holds 38 races during the season, while the Nationwide Series has 33, but "still runs 10 months out of the year." Driver Kurt Busch said, "Could we stack on another one? Not likely. Somebody’s going to have to lose a date. If somebody’s losing a date, they’re going to be out millions and millions of dollars" (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 5/1).
COMING UP ROSES: Rose Bowl officials said the venue's $84.4M premium seating pavilion is "substantially complete," with all levels ready to be used for major events. In Pasadena, Brenda Gazzar notes officials "plan to 'substantially complete' the project" for $181.5M by "putting off some elements, mainly expanding the last four entry and exit tunnels and putting up temporary rather than permanent concession stands" (PASADENA STAR-NEWS, 5/1).
STEEL CITY SHOWDOWN? In Pittsburgh, Scott Brown notes Consol Energy Center "could be a future home of the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships." The arena hosted the Frozen Four last month, and the NCAA men's basketball tournament "returns in 2015 after second- and third-round games were played there" in '12. The NCAA will "release bid specifications for 2015 events, including wrestling, in June." The arena "wouldn't try to bring the national wrestling tournament to the area until 2016 at the earliest because of its commitment to the 2015 NCAA basketball tournament" (PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 5/1).
LIVE, LOVE, EAT: In California, Nancy Luna notes restaurateur Wolfgang Puck is "launching two restaurants in Anaheim," including one at Honda Center. Arena officials yesterday announced plans for a "full-service restaurant and a gourmet pizza stand" in September. The 220-seat restaurant is part of a $2M "Grand Terrace dining project" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 5/1).
