Angels Owner Arte Moreno said that he is “'very optimistic' about his chances to secure a long-term lease at Angel Stadium." He said that discussions with the city of Anaheim are "ongoing about a deal that would extend into the 'mid-2030s.'” Moreno said that the "main components" include the team putting in "capital for various infrastructure improvements to the stadium; then the Angels would recoup some of their investment with revenues from redevelopment on city-owned land surrounding the ballpark" (FOXSPORTS.com, 1/16).
THE GOOD OL' HOCKEY GAME: In N.Y., John DeMarzo notes the NHL is beginning to "construct an ice rink" at Yankee Stadium for the Coors Light Stadium Series. The Winter Classic at Michigam Stadium was played before 109,901 people, and Yankee Stadium "can hold less than half of that number (50,291)." But NHL Senior Manager/Facility Operations Mike Craig said that in "terms of setting up, there’s no real difference." This is the "first time that there will be multiple games at an outdoor venue, and Craig acknowledges it could pose a new set of logistical questions." Craig: "I don’t think that’s going to affect us too much -- it’s really just a matter of keeping on top of the weather patterns and making sure we’re able to maintain things where it’s great ice shape out there" (N.Y. POST, 1/16).
CLEVELAND ROCKS: In Cleveland, Andrew Tobias reported the Cuyahoga County Council on Tuesday night "introduced legislation that would ask voters in May to approve a 20-year renewal of the county's tax on alcohol and cigarettes." The money, which projects to $260M "over the next 20 years, would pay for maintenance for FirstEnergy Stadium, Progressive Field and Quicken Loans Arena." The proposal would "renew the county's tax on cigarettes at 4.5 cents a pack, 16 cents per gallon on beer, 32 cents per gallon on wine and mixed beverages, 24 cents per gallon of cider and $3 per gallon of hard liquor." The proposal "still needs 'yes' votes from eight of council's 11 members before a Feb. 5 filing deadline to make it on the May ballot" (CLEVELAND.com, 1/14).
BREAKING TRADITION: In San Diego, Ed Zieralski noted Del Mar Thoroughbred Club's "traditional Wednesday opener will be moved to Thursday this year due to the San Diego County Fair’s later than usual closing date." Del Mar "starts its 75th season on Thursday, July 17," and track officials said that the "extra day will allow the staff to prepare the grounds and racing surface and horses will get more time to acclimate to the new grounds and artificial Polytrack." The summer meeting will run July 17-Sept. 3 (UTSANDIEGO.com, 1/15).
