In K.C., Christine Vendel noted following the death of Chiefs fan Kyle Van Winkle while tailgating at Arrowhead Stadium in November, there are "concerns among some about safety and tailgating rules." But police said that they "can't recall a previous homicide at Arrowhead and that Van Winkle's death appears to be an isolated incident." K.C. Police Capt. Tye Grant said that the stadium and parking lots are "patrolled on game days by more uniformed officers than any city in Missouri on any given day." The number of officers on game days "has doubled in the last five years" (K.C. STAR, 12/7).
UNDER THE DOME: In St. Louis, David Hunn reported the St. Louis Regional Convention & Sports Complex Authority has "agreed to pay" $2M to reimburse the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission "for legal costs stemming from the unsuccessful arbitration" with the Rams. The Authority "would otherwise use the money to maintain or upgrade" the Edward Jones Dome (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 12/7).
ELECTRIC SLIDE: In N.Y., Belson & Sandomir reported "up to 18 megawatts of electricity -- enough to power 12,000 homes -- will be available" on Feb. 2 for the Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium. PSEG will provide two-thirds, and the rest will be "produced by diesel generators that will be brought in to power specific things, like the halftime show, and to ensure there is sufficient backup" (N.Y. TIMES, 12/8).
CRY OF THE OWL: In Houston, Mike Tolson wondered if Rice Stadium "has outlived its usefulness." Houston architect and Rice Univ. alum Jack McGinty said, "Over the years it has been looked at as [an] under-utilized asset -- we don't need it, we can't take care of it. It's been recommended that it be demolished. I think that time has passed. They realize its architectural value. It was the most famous football stadium in America." Rice has "contracted with HKS Architects" to do a "study of stadium enhancement and athletic department needs" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 12/7).
