In California, Nick Green notes the Galaxy for the first time are "running free game-day shuttles" to StubHub Center. Green rode the Galaxy Express and writes he is "never driving to the stadium again." The "uncrowded, clean and modern buses" offer a "short, pleasant ride on a route that avoids the worst of game-day traffic" (Torrance DAILY BREEZE, 3/16).
COST OF DOING BUSINESS: In Sacramento, Diana Lambert reported the NBA Kings have "more than tripled the amount they will charge Sacramento State for commencement at the new Golden 1 Center compared to their old home." Last spring, the university "paid $59,842 to hold seven spring graduation ceremonies at Sleep Train Arena." Sacramento State’s new contract calls for the university to "pay a base fee of $50,000 plus 'additional charges.'" School officials "estimate those charges, which include traffic management, camera operators, lighting and stagehands will add another $140,595 to the bill -- for a total cost of $190,595" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 3/15).
TAKE A SEAT: In Detroit, JC Reindl notes the seats being installed at the new Little Caesars Arena were "revealed" yesterday. Manufactured by Grand Rapids-based Irwin Seating, the cushioned seats are "designed to offer more width and comfort than those at aging Joe Louis Arena." They also will have "cupholders" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/16).
HEAR ME ROAR: In Baton Rouge, James Bewers noted a new indoor baseball practice facility at LSU's Tiger Park will be submitted for approval tomorrow. The proposed facility would "measure 13,600 square feet and would be situated behind the scoreboard and right-field bleachers." The project was initially approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors in September, and the estimated total cost was $4.4M (Baton Rouge ADVOCATE, 3/11).
