In Louisville, Steve Jones notes Papa John Founder John Schnatter, a Univ. of Louisville trustee, yesterday "appeared to question the U of L athletic department's decision to undergo" a $63M expansion of its football stadium "in light of the university's overall budgetary troubles." Schnatter at a BOT meeting "referred to the university's lack of cash on hand compared with the cost of the ongoing construction of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, which he jokingly referred to as 'my stadium.'" Schnatter: "We're getting to put $60 million in a stadium ... and we're $5 million over budget, and we've got 10 days of cash. This is crazy" (Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL, 4/13).
COMING TOGETHER: In Milwaukee, Scott Paulus noted construction on the exterior structure of the Bucks' arena in downtown is "nearing" 50% complete. Bucks officials said that construction crews will "start building the arena's roof later in April." Also "moving along quickly are the new parking structure north of the new arena and the new practice facility to the northwest" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/12).
LACE 'EM UP: In St. Paul, Frederick Melo noted when the Tria Rink opens in November, the Wild -- who "piece together practice time in metro rinks as far flung as Edina -- will finally be able to consolidate ice time in one location." They will "practice a couple of hours each morning, allowing schools, amateur leagues and hockey clinics to rent slots through the day." Hempel Cos. Principal Randy McKay, whose company helped build the venue, said that Hamline Univ. men’s and women’s hockey teams "hope to use the rink for home games and practices, though an agreement isn’t finalized" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 4/12).
TWIDDLING THUMBS: In Pittsburgh, Bauder & Fontaine noted the city has waited three years "in anticipation" of $500M in developments for streets, utilities and other infrastructure on the former Civic Arena site. While some Pittsburgh-area officials said that they "hoped a Columbus-style transformation would be under way by now around PPG Paints Arena, progress has been slow" (TRIBLIVE.com, 4/11).
