In San Diego, Nick Canepa notes San Diego State and the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl will both "have SDCCU Stadium to play in next year." However, both of their leases with the city to use the stadium will "expire after this year." SDSU AD John David Wicker, who got the job in October '16, has been working on an extension "almost since gaining office." Wicker: "We plan on playing in SDCCU Stadium -- or whatever it is -- in 2019. We’ve had good conversations with the mayor’s office. I think we’re getting close to working out an extension" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 5/21).
GRAND OPENING: In Boston, Kevin Paul Dupont noted for the first time in its near-25-year existence, TD Garden "will have an entrance facing Causeway, part of the 2 million-square-foot buildout." Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs said that the construction project is "targeted to be wrapped up" by October '20. He said that it will include a "three-level sports bar, one that no doubt will put real pressure on the many bars and eateries dotting the immediate area" (BOSTONGLOBE.com, 5/19).
SIXTH SENSE: In Chicago, Patrick O'Connell notes there are new customer experience sensors at Wrigley Field, among "three types of equipment Lane Tech students designed, created, then set up" at the ballpark. They are part of the Lane of Things program, a curriculum that "teaches students about embedded sensor technology, digital fabrication, design and problem solving, data analytics and teamwork." All the sensors will "collect data during the Cubs' upcoming five-game home stand" against the Indians and the Giants. The other sensors will "measure weather, primarily in the upper deck, and the sound emanating from the ballpark" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 5/22).
