Long Island developer Ed Blumenfeld said that site plans for the redevelopment of Nassau Coliseum, led by Forest City Ratner Chair & CEO Bruce Ratner, "will be submitted to the Town of Hempstead within two months, and a building application will be filed by fall." On Long Island, Lisa Du notes work on the coliseum is "slated to begin next year," when the Islanders move from Nassau Coliseum to Barclays Center. Ratner said that the renovations "could take up to 18 months to complete" (NEWSDAY, 3/6).
EVERYTHING'S BIGGER...: In Dallas, Candice Carlisle reported American Airlines Center is "expanding its theater box suites in a final expansion of the Service King Lounge, having recently sold out of options." The arena is "expanding its 22-box suites by another 16 theater box suites." American Airlines Center CRO Andrew Silverman said that this will be the venue's "final expansion of the Service King Lounge to ensure the VIP area keeps an intimate and exclusive atmosphere" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 3/5).
TALKIN' BOUT PRACTICE!? In Richmond, Tim Pearrell notes the Exec Committee of VCU’s BOD on Tuesday “approved an amended plan to build a basketball practice facility with a significantly increased price tag." The 60,000-square-foot facility "will house two gyms -- one each for men’s and women’s basketball -- and support facilities and will cost" $25M. The project "originally was approved" in the '11 capital plan as a privately funded, $14.5M single gym. VCU Senior Dir of Public Affairs Anne Buckley said that no state funds "will be used." Construction is "expected to start in the spring and take about 20 months" (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 3/6).
