The MLB Cardinals on Thursday on their Facebook page announced that Fox Sports Midwest Live!, the "giant sports bar that fills the first-floor atrium in Ballpark Village, has changed its dress code to allow jerseys and hats any time." The post insists that the bar "had been planning to allow jerseys during 'all sporting events home or away,' but changed after the outcry this week." Cardinals Nation, the "village restaurant run by the team, clarified its dress code, too" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 3/28).
BUFFALO NICKELS: In Boulder, Kyle Ringo reports Univ. of Colorado President Bruce Benson "directed the CU Foundation" to donate $10M to the athletic department "toward the push" for $143M in facilities upgrades in and around Folsom Field. The gift -- made in January -- is the "largest ever given to the CU athletic department." It "helped push" AD Rick George "past the halfway point in early February toward achieving his goal" of at least $50M in private funding before going into the bond market for the rest of the money. The athletic department "will soon reveal whether it has met its goal" of raising the $50M or if it "will require more time" (Boulder DAILY CAMERA, 3/28).
TALKING ABOUT PRACTICE! The Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE notes the Univ. of Minnesota on Thursday "disputed a report that the school plans to break ground" on a $70M football practice complex in December. UM Fundraising Campaign Chair Lou Nanne said, "There is no plan in place to break ground at any time, and we certainly do not have plans for a $70 million practice facility. We’re looking at plans that would not even be remotely close to that." School officials indicated that the "amount dedicated to the football facility would be closer" to $30M (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 3/28).
LIONS' HABITAT: Orlando-based WFTV-ABC cited a construction agreement between incoming MLS club Orlando City SC's and the city as showing that a new facility "will hold more than 18,000 spectators and include 2,500 club seats." It also will "have 300 seats" in specialty suites, and "will house retail shops, restaurants and bars." Construction is "expected to cost" $69M and another $15M "is needed for land and other infrastructure." The Orlando city council, which still has to approve the plans, "will look over the construction agreement next week." The plan is "expected to be approved" (WFTV.com, 3/26).
