In Ft. Worth, Carlos Mendez noted TCU "sent a survey to football season-ticket holders to gauge their interest in suites and 'premium seating options' on the east side of Amon G. Carter Stadium." However, TCU AD Chris Del Conte said that "no expansion plans are imminent." Del Conte: "We just want to make sure if and when we do something, we're armed with the right information." The survey "asks for respondents to rate their interest in amenities like a climate-controlled club lounge, a private stadium entrance, shaded seating areas, cooling fans and misters and wider, padded seats." The stadium currently has 24 suites and "about 2,500 club seats on the west side" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 9/28).
NOT LEAVING THE NEST YET: In Philadelphia, Marc Narducci noted Temple is in the "last year of an agreement with the Eagles" to play at Lincoln Financial Field, but the school has "two, one-year options." Temple has "already exercised its option" for '18 and is "expected to do the same" for '19. Temple President Richard Englert on Thursday said that the "effort to get an on-campus football stadium built is ongoing." A new stadium is "expected to seat 35,000." In February '16, Temple trustees "approved a resolution that the construction budget for the football facility shall not exceed" $130M. Englert said that Temple "could save money by building its own facility over continuing to pay rent to play" at The Linc (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 9/28).
DEVIOUS DEVELOPMENT: In Phoenix, Anne Ryman notes Arizona State "has received the go-ahead for the final phase of Sun Devil Stadium's renovation that will add a fourth level on the east side to open the facility for use 365 days a year." The latest price tag of $307M includes adding a "building that can be used for meetings and conferences on the fourth level." ASU President Michael Crow "envisions a renovated stadium that can host events, such as corporate meetings, for as few as 50 people to as many as 50,000." The ASU Board of Regents on Thursday approved an additional $38.9M for the renovation, "pushing the completion date" to June '19. Renovations were originally "projected to cost" $225M (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 9/29).
FRIAR FIX: The PROVIDENCE JOURNAL noted a "newly-designed court will greet" the Providence College men's basketball team and its fans this season at Dunkin’ Donuts Center. The new design features Providence's "primary logo at center court." The playing surface also "displays the name 'Dave Gavitt Court' near the sideline opposite" Providence's bench in honor of the late Basketball HOFer and Big East conference Founder. The Big East logo is "located in each key, the word 'Providence' is located on each baseline and the name of the arena, Dunkin’ Donuts Center, is located in front of the visitors' bench" (PROVIDENCE JOURNAL, 9/27).
