In Toronto, Don Peat reported the proposed expansion of BMO Field "is one step closer to reality" after the Exhibition Place BOG "voted unanimously Friday to approve planned expansion and enhancements." If the Toronto Exec Committee "gives the plan a green light, it will then need full-council approval before the massive renovation can get underway." MLSE President & CEO Tim Leiweke said, "We knew this would be a process, so we move on one step at a time" (TORONTOSUN.com, 3/7).
RUST BELT NEVER SLEEPS: Browns President Alec Scheiner said that construction crews are more than 50% finished "with removal of old video boards and upper-level and end-zone seats in Phase One of the renovation of FirstEnergy Stadium." Scheiner said that this is "impressive progress, given that the harsh Northeast Ohio winter has cost workers about 14 days." He said renovations are "at or ahead" of schedule. Scheiner: "We're going to have a real, modern NFL stadium" (CLEVELANDBROWNS.com, 3/7).
SILICON VALLEY SMARTS: 49ERS.com's Andrew Pentis reported Levi's Stadium will have the "first automatic, collapsible" goal posts in the NFL. It will take one groundscrew member "eight seconds to lower the uprights and cross bar onto the field." First Down Football Products President George Wiley "was inspired to create this flexible system for NCAA football stadiums after his work overseeing public safety at the Rose Bowl." The 49ers hired Wiley, the patent holder on the system, to "keep their new stadium on the cutting edge" (49ERS.com, 3/7).
GREATEST SPECTACLE IN EATING? In Indianapolis, Anthony Schoettle noted Indianapolis Motor Speedway has inked a multiyear deal with Levy Restaurants to "operate concession stands and manage premium beverage operations during major events," including the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Brickyard 400. IMS previously handled all concessions in-house (IBJ.com, 3/7).
