NBA Commissioner David Stern yesterday said a progress report on the Bucks' proposed arena was "relatively upbeat." He added team owners and other league staff during the BOG meetings got an update on the "various architects, financial planners, committees, taxing authority, a variety of things that have to be considered as [the league] moves forward to see whether there is a viable building deal to construct a building in Milwaukee." In Milwaukee, Don Walker noted Stern's updates came two days before the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce is "expected to formally announce the rollout of an arena task force" (JSONLINE.com, 10/23).
OLYMPIC PROPORTIONS: The AP's Yuri Kageyama reports Japan is "scaling down the planned main stadium" for the '20 Tokyo Games, following "an uproar from some prominent architects who think it's too big and expensive." Japan Sports Minister Hakubun Shimomura yesterday said the projected stadium cost of US$3B is "too massive a budget." Kageyama notes the "futuristic-looking" stadium would contain 80,000 seats (AP, 10/24).
WELCOME TO MIAMI: In Miami, Evan Benn wrote of the $3.5M upgrades to AmericanAirlines Arena's two Flagship Lounges, "Out with the drab grays, tired furniture and worn carpets; in with a sleek, modern design that feels one part frequent-flier airport club, one part glitzy South Beach restaurant." The lounges have "improved cocktails and food" and are "accessible only to those with courtside or Flagship seats -- the two priciest vantage points in the house" (MIAMIHERALD.com, 10/23).
SOONER OR LATER: In Oklahoma, Jason Kersey reports among the agenda items for yesterday's Univ. of Oklahoma Board of Regents meeting was "Gaylord Family -- Oklahoma Memorial Stadium 2013 Master Plan Update." The meeting agenda stated that the "item was presented for information only, and 'no action is required.'" The agenda also stated that architecture firm Populous "will review and update the Master Plan" (OKLAHOMAN, 10/24).
