In Milwaukee, Rich Kirchen reported Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who previously anticipated that a Bucks arena-funding deal would be done already on Thursday said that he "anticipates one 'in the next couple weeks.'" Walker added that he "does not believe" the Bucks' owners "will need to put more money into the arena project" beyond the combined $250M they and former owner Herb Kohl have pledged to a new arena. Walker "reiterated what Republican legislative leaders have been saying for weeks that the city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County will need to make a 'meaningful contribution' if the state is to provide cash for the arena" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 5/7).
CHECK LIST: In N.Y., Tim Rohan notes if the Capitals advance past the Rangers to the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final, perhaps with a win Friday in Game 5 at MSG, they "will be playing later in the calendar year than they have in 17 years." Verizon Center Senior VP & GM David Touhey said that his staff "had honed its process in recent postseasons." It "starts the day before game day." His staff "precools the building to four or five degrees lower than usual." They "try to limit the number of deliveries to the arena on game day to keep the loading dock doors closed" and "even discuss how they will limit the number of doors used by fans at a specific entrance." Touhey’s nightmare "is a guest relations staff member who props open a door" (N.Y. TIMES, 5/8).
GROWTH CHART: In Oklahoma City, Darnell Mayberry cites public records as showing that Thunder Owner Clay Bennett's Professional Basketball Club this week purchased land for $1.545M that "sits to the immediate east" of the team’s practice facility. A team spokesperson said that the land "was purchased to have the flexibility for strategic opportunities down the line but added there are no imminent plans for development." Given the "proximity of the land to the Thunder’s practice facility, it appears the team could be planning an eventual expansion of its training center" (OKLAHOMAN, 5/8).
ICED: Tampa-based WTVT-Fox' Alcides Segui reported if the Lightning beat the Canadiens and advance to the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final, "at least some 'Disney on Ice Presents Frozen' shows planned for Amalie Arena may be rescheduled," depending on whom they would play in the next round. Team officials said that there "is a contingency plan in place should there be a conflict, but they have not publicly outlined the plan." A similar conflict occurred in '11, when arena officials "moved the shows to a different day" (MYFOXTAMPABAY.com, 5/7).
