The Northern California Toyota Dealers Association signed a multiyear, multimillion dollar contract with the 49ers to become the exclusive auto partner of both the team and Levi's Stadium. The partnership will begin with the '14 season. One element of the deal will be the Toyota Plaza, comprising the Northeast Entrance Gate to the stadium, complete with Toyota signage and vehicle exposure. In addition, any time the 49ers' offense is inside the 20-yard line, the Toyota Red Zone will splash across in-bowl digital assets (49ers).
MORE CHEESE, PLEASE: In Milwaukee, Rich Kirchen notes Cabela's retail store near Lambeau Field will "attract 2.8 million visitors this year" to the Packers' new "Titletown District," but the team "is not ready to proceed with developing the balance of the property destined for the district." Packers Dir of Public Affairs Aaron Popkey said that the team has "no firm timetable for development." He added that one of the reasons the Packers "can't immediately redevelop the site is that existing businesses already occupy the land and hold long-term leases." Meanwhile, Murphy said that the Packers will "open a planned Milwaukee office by mid May" (MILWAUKEE BUSINESS JOURNAL, 5/9 issue).
THE WAITING: In Boston, Gayle Fee reported the Red Sox have "applied for permits for more concerts this summer" at Fenway Park, which are expected to include Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Steve Winwood. The Red Sox have "asked for permits for Saturday, Aug. 30, and Sunday, Aug. 31, but it's unclear whether the vintage rockers can sell out two nights" at the ballpark. So they will "most likely put just one night on sale for starters." Meanwhile, Fenway Park already has "booked Billy Joel for one night, on June 26, and the Zac Brown Band for the next two nights" (BOSTON HERALD, 5/12).
WILD, WILD WEST: In Denver, Steve Raabe notes the city is "proposing a sweeping redevelopment of the aging National Western Complex in a plan to create year-round activity and compete for new events." Recommendations from a feasibility study unveiled yesterday include "building a new 10,000-seat arena to replace the Denver Coliseum, a 5,000-seat livestock stadium arena, a 4,500-seat equestrian events center and an exposition hall that might one day be used for Olympic speedskating events." Missing from the study "is a cost estimate." An '11 study "pegged the price at about" $500M. Atlanta-based consultant Strategic Advisory group conducted the feasibility study (DENVER POST, 5/14).
