In Chicago, Patrick Finley noted Bears Chair George McCaskey "would be open to issuing naming rights to Soldier Field," though there is "no reason to think it would happen anytime soon." McCaskey said the issue of selling naming rights has “come up from time to time.” He added that the Bears "must always be cognizant of its status as a war memorial." The Chicago Park District "owns Soldier Field and would make any decision -- not the Bears." McCaskey stressed that it "wasn’t a front-burner issue for him or the Bears" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 9/8).
BAR RESCUE: In Minneapolis, Rochelle Olson noted a recently expanded premium space at U.S. Bank Stadium "already is sold out for Vikings games." Some 900 fans "can get seats -- or standing space -- in the Truss Bar, Lodge Bar and cabins." To access the Truss Bar, tickets "cost $200, on top of the regular game ticket." That "doesn’t include food or drinks either." Vikings Exec VP/Public Affairs & Stadium Development Lester Bagley said that "brisk ticket sales gave the team incentive to build out the space, an add-on to the original stadium plans, sooner rather than later" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 9/8).
BLASTS FROM THE PAST: In New Orleans, Josh Katzenstein notes the Saints have "added a giant 'Legends Banner' behind one of the end zones" of its indoor practice facility at the team HQ. The illustration "shows several of the best players in franchise history -- Rickey Jackson, Willie Roaf, Morten Andersen, Archie Manning and Will Smith among them -- heading onto the field at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome." Saints coach Sean Payton: "I can't say it was because of the 50th anniversary; I think that's more coincidence. This was just an idea -- one of the handful of ideas -- that we had, in kind of recognizing players and putting a couple of finishing touches on what we think is a really good indoor facility" (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 9/9).
FARM TO TRAINING TABLE: In Sacramento, Debbie Arrington noted the 49ers on Thursday "unveiled a rooftop farm" at Levi's Stadium that will "help supply fresh produce and herbs to the facility's club level food service." Team and stadium officials said that the 4,000-square-foot organic garden, known as the Faithful Farm, is the "first-ever rooftop farm at a major professional sports venue." Fresh-picked shishito peppers, special "49ers Squash" and much more will be "served to patrons at games." The farm is "located on the NRG Solar Terrace atop the stadium's SAP Tower" (SACBEE.com, 9/8).
