In Tampa, Marc Topkin reports the Rays are "planning to install new turf at Tropicana Field before Opening Day." The club expects the "change to the Shaw Sports Turf to be easier on their players, provide a firmer and truer surface and look better." The Rays are "paying for the new turf," which will cost around $1M. The agreement includes "installation of a turf infield and a practice area at the team's Port Charlotte facility, and that work has begun." The new turf "replaces AstroTurf that was installed" in '11 as part of a sponsorship deal through MLB (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 2/9).
MOVING THE BIG O: In Cincinnati, Steve Watkins reported the Univ. of Cincinnati as part of the upcoming $87M renovation to Fifth Third Arena will "move the landmark Oscar Robertson statue" that stands outside the venue. Meanwhile, features of the renovation include a "new exterior, added concourse for the upper level, new concourse on the main level, new suites, 600 club seats and three clubs." Construction will "start almost immediately after UC’s last home basketball game on March 5." The renovation is "expected to finish" in fall '18. UC AD Mike Bohn said that he expects the school to "announce by Feb. 14 where its men’s basketball team will play next season while the arena is closed for renovations" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 2/7).
KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOUR: In Newark, Adam Clark reports the planned upgrades to Rutgers' football practice fields will come with an $8.5M price tag "expected to be covered solely by athletic department boosters." The cost of the major improvements was a "mystery to the public" until the Rutgers BOG approved the project at its meeting yesterday. An anonymous donor will cover $5M of the project, while the remaining $3.5M is expected to be "secured through additional fundraising" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 2/9).
