In Chicago, John Byrne reports the Cubs yesterday "got preliminary approval" from the city's aldermen for an ordinance to give the team "more flexibility to schedule night games." But the Cubs' efforts to set up an outdoor plaza next to Wrigley Field "ran into a delay so neighborhood residents can get a closer look at the details." Alderman Tom Tunney said that community groups "want to hear more about what the Cubs have in mind for the plaza, which could allow the team to host noisy bands as a way to attract people on nongame days" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/5).
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: In Portland, Michael Russell reported the Rose Quarter and the Trail Blazers plan to "launch a new restaurant in the space currently home to The Game sports bar." The new restaurant, which "does not yet have a name, is expected to open in February and will occupy about 7,000 square feet." It will be "managed by Levy Restaurants, the Chicago-based food and beverage services company that recently took over culinary operations at the Rose Quarter and Moda Center" (OREGONLIVE.com, 12/4).
LET THE LIGHT SHINE IN: In Sacramento, Matthew Barrows notes the design of Levi's Stadium "doesn't lend itself to capturing noise." Whereas CenturyLink Field "shields the rain, the facility in Santa Clara's welcomes the region's abundant sunlight." Levi's Stadium has a "large lower bowl and places fans closer to the field than at Candlestick Park." But the stadium's "central theme is its openness." It also has "gaps on either side of the suite tower on the west side, which will allow decibels to escape into the ether" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 12/5).
HOW TO BUILD AN IGLOO: In Pittsburgh, Mark Belko reports the Penguins are "delaying the submission of formal plans to redevelop the former Civic Arena site after Hill District residents railed against the level of affordable housing included in the proposal." Team officials had hoped to "submit a preliminary land development plan and a request for a new zoning district to Pittsburgh planners next week but now have delayed that indefinitely" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 12/5).
