Nashville-based WKRN-ABC's Cory Curtis noted there is “no word yet” on if Mayor Megan Barry’s resignation will lead to any “future challenges” on construction of Nashville SC's MLS stadium, which is slated to begin in ‘18 and be completed in ’20. After securing funding for a $250M stadium at the Nashville Fairgrounds, along with $40M for upgrades, a judge "dismissed a lawsuit aimed at stopping the project" (WKRN.com, 3/6).
ADDING FUEL TO THE FIRE: In Jacksonville, David Bauerlein notes the Jaguars are "interested in bringing an entertainment district to EverBank Field’s parking lot J, but that effort faces an additional obstacle." Before it was a stadium parking lot, the property was a "fuel tank farm in the era when wharves and manufacturing put an industrial stamp on that part of downtown." The fuel storage tanks "went out of operation" around '84. The Jaguars are still "assessing the situation, but the environmental issues have not derailed the team’s interest in bringing an entertainment district to the sports complex" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 3/7).
BALLPARK BUZZ: In Utah, Jasen Lee notes Salt Lake City this week began "installing a state-of-the-art, light-emitting diode system aimed at enhancing the viewing experience for fans in the stands and players on the field" at the city-owned Smith's Ballpark, home of the Triple-A PCL Salt Lake Bees. Salt Lake City Deputy Communications Dir Paul Murphy said that crews with Cache Valley Electric and Wagstaff Crane are "expected to complete their installation activities this week" before the '18 baseball season begins (DESERET NEWS, 3/7).
