In Phoenix, Gary Nelson reports the Cubs' new spring training facility in Mesa, Ariz., "has been christened Cubs Park." Cubs GM/Spring Training Business Operations Justin Piper said, "For the foreseeable future, it's Cubs Park. But it could certainly change." Nelson notes the team has naming rights for the new ballpark "with the option of selling the name to a sponsor." Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said, "I'm sure that, in the long term, there will either be a sponsor name or some other name" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 11/25).
BUILDING BLOCKS: In Oakland, Artz, McGlone & Parr cited a city report as showing that real estate agency Colony Capital "has officially joined the team seeking to redevelop the Oakland Coliseum complex and will take the lead in raising money for the multibillion dollar project." The report showed that Colony Capital Acquisitions and Dubai-based Hayah Holdings have "formed Bay Investment Group LLC, which will serve as the master developer for transforming the coliseum complex into a sports and entertainment hub." The project is "seen as the city's best hope to keep the Raiders" (OAKLAND TRIBUNE, 11/23).
YOU'RE SAYING THERE'S A CHANCE: Miami-Dade Commissioner Pepe Diaz yesterday said he thinks "something still could happen" regarding public financing for a new Dolphins stadium, but "that is up to them, not us." Diaz said, "Do we need a roof? Yes. Let's see what they can come up with, and see what the people accept. If it can be done with both sides on the same team, we're good" (MIAMI HERALD, 11/25).
EVERYTHING MUST GO: In Charlotte, Amanda Harris noted the Triple-A Int'l League Charlotte Knights earlier this month "held an auction at the soon-to-be demolished" Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, S.C. All proceeds from the auction "went to offset the team's move to uptown Charlotte." The 689 items on auction "included sinks, refrigerators, TVs and concessions equipment" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 11/24).
