Hillsborough County (Fla.) officials hope to "finalize an agreement on enhancements at Raymond James Stadium that would include everything from new video scoreboards to seat cushions," according to Rick Stroud of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. The Tampa Sports Authority (TSA) will present more than $25M in "capital improvements to its finance committee today as part of its agreement with the team." Improvements to Raymond James Stadium were "pledged as a part of a bid" that landed the January '17 CFP Championship. The project would also "greatly aid" Tampa's bid for the '19 or '20 Super Bowl. The NFL in May announced that the city is a "finalist along with Atlanta, Miami and New Orleans." The TSA's capital improvements include $6.491M to "install new high definition video boards, scoreboards and ribbon boards as well as renovating the control room with HD equipment." They also include $4.49M to "purchase new televisions in suites and other public spaces, including concourses," as well as $1.949M to "replace all roofing with the exception of the sideline." The TSA also pledged $2.3M to "replace all loose furnishings in upper and lower suites." More than $4.2M would be used to "replace central station air handlers and centrifugal chillers" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 7/21).
UPDATING THE LAIR: In Charlotte, Erik Spanberg noted when the NFL Panthers hold their annual fan fest Aug. 7, all 153 suites at Bank of America Stadium "will have been completely renovated." The team has "nearly doubled the amount it promised to spend" -- to $71M -- as part of an agreement with the city that provides $87.5M in taxpayer money for stadium enhancements. Updating the luxury suites and improving the cellular antenna system this offseason "cost the team" $34M. Panthers President Danny Morrison said of team Owner Jerry Richardson, "This is an owner who has over-delivered" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 7/20).
