In Columbus, Tim May notes the Ohio State athletic department will “send a proposal to the university’s board of trustees next week seeking approval for a 2,500-seat addition to Ohio Stadium” in ‘14 that will cost an estimated $9M and “make it the third-largest college football stadium.” Sources said that the “new seating sections are expected to bridge the gaps over the ramps in the southeast and southwest corners.” The expansion would push seating capacity at the stadium from 102,329 to 104,829 (DISPATCH.com, 5/31).
TWIN CITIES BLOCK PARTY: In Minneapolis, Janet Moore noted the T’Wolves and WNBA Lynx confirmed that they have “considered the nearly vacant retail entertainment complex Block E as a potential practice facility.” T’Wolves CMO Ted Johnson said “nothing is imminent.” Moore noted the T’Wolves also “must reach an agreement with the city of Minneapolis" regarding $100M in renovations to the Target Center, “made possible by the Vikings stadium bill” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 5/30).
PEACHTREE PETITION: In Atlanta, Dave Williams notes a government watchdog group “launched a petition drive Thursday to force the city of Atlanta to hold a voter referendum on the public financing portion of the new Falcons stadium.” But the city’s lawyer said that Atlanta “has no legal authority to schedule a referendum without authorization from the General Assembly.” Officials with Common Cause Georgia “conceded it would be an uphill fight to gain the 35,000 signatures” required to schedule a public vote (BIZJOURNALS.com, 5/30).
SCHOOL OF ROCK: Browns CEO Joe Banner said of the team's July 14 Fan Kickoff Concert featuring Bon Jovi, “This is the type of event we’re hoping is reflective of the type of organization we want to be.” He added that the July 14 event at FirstEnergy Stadium is “just part of a new Browns initiative to make better use" of the venue (CLEVELAND.com, 5/28).
