In Detroit, Bill Shea reports the Lions will "return to Ticketmaster" for the '18 season and drop the Dan Gilbert-owned Flash Seats "paperless digital ticketing system used at Ford Field" since '13. What the change in ticket providers will "mean in terms of technology and stadium entry procedures for Lions fans isn't yet known." The Flash Seats deal expires this summer when the team is "expected to make a formal public announcement about the return to Ticketmaster" (CRAINSDETROIT.com, 4/9).
L.A. LAW: In L.A., Dan Woike reports an attorney representing Inglewood officials, including Mayor James Butts, "called a lawsuit filed by Madison Square Garden a 'sham' in court documents filed Monday." MSG Co. sued Inglewood and Murphy's Bowl -- a Clippers-controlled company -- over "plans to explore a new arena in the city." The lawsuit "alleges fraud and breach of contract," and claims that the arena would "violate MSG's development agreement with Inglewood and accuses Murphy's Bowl of interfering in the contract" (L.A. TIMES, 4/10).
NEW & IMPROVED: In Hartford, Jenna Carlesso reports the city and state are moving ahead with a "sweeping redevelopment of Hartford's crumbling Dillon Stadium." City council members are calling for a $10M "overhaul of the facility, with new bleachers, locker rooms, restrooms, press box and an artificial turf field." Hartford Sports Group "offered to put up" $7-10M for the creation of a new USL club, to "begin playing" at Dillon in Spring '19 (HARTFORD COURANT, 4/10).
