In DC, Steven Goff notes DC United execs and attorneys on Thursday hope to clear the "last obstacle in a decade-long grind" to build their new Buzzard Point stadium. Barring last-minute complications, the five-member DC Zoning Commission will "grant final approval to a public-private project at Buzzard Point." With permission granted Thursday, United "would have the green light to begin applying for building permits Friday and commence construction in earnest within weeks." A formal groundbreaking involving city, team and league officials "would mark the occasion at the end of the month" (WASHINGTON POST, 2/13).
WE CAN WORK IT OUT: While Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban has discussed his disappointment in the team's lease at American Airlines Center, Stars President & CEO Jim Lites said that he "hopes the AAC is here much longer than that." Lites: "I see it more as a 50-year building than a 30-year building." Lites said that the Stars and Mavericks are in "contact on all issues of the AAC and said he understands Cuban's concerns." But he said that his "hope is that the two teams stay in the AAC for years to come." Lites: "It's the perfect building, the bones are great and we can make any adjustments needed" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 2/11).
TALKIN' ABOUT PRACTICE: In Buffalo, Mark Sommer noted the Bills have "acquired a nearly 3-acre parcel that will be used as a 100-yard practice field south of the fieldhouse and existing practice facilities in Orchard Park." The Bills will "deed the land to Erie County, which owns New Era Field." The Bills will "pay for the practice field," while the county will "pay for the realignment as part of its annual capital improvements allowance" (BUFFALO NEWS, 2/12).
