In Atlanta, Tim Tucker noted a "new 11-acre multipurpose greenspace officially opened" yesterday on the site where the Georgia Dome once stood. The Home Depot Backyard will be "used as a tailgating area on game days," starting with the Falcons' home opener on Sunday against the Panthers. The green space, which was "built atop 15 feet of crushed debris from the Georgia Dome," now includes "expanses of lush natural grass, wide walkways, a playground and a pavilion" (AJC.com, 9/11).
FIELD OF DREAMS: In Miami, Adam Beasley noted the playing surface at Hard Rock Stadium has "held up well" despite being used for a "third time in as many days." Dolphins Vice Chair, President & CEO Tom Garfinkel tweeted that grounds crews "put in new field" after the preseason game against the Ravens after a Taylor Swift concert. He added that the crews then "took it out and put in new field" after a Jay-Z concert last Tuesday, and then worked until 6:00am ET Friday and until 4:00am Sunday morning to have the field ready for Titans-Dolphins. Garfinkel: "They bust their butts and do a great job" (MIAMIHERALD.com, 9/9).
CAN'T WIN THEM ALL: In Boston, Devra First wrote under the header, "The Patriots Are A World-Class Team. So Why Isn't The Food At Gillette Better?" First noted inside Gillette Stadium, "greasy Papa Gino's pizza, hot dogs and stale pretzels rule the day, with more gourmet offerings largely reserved for premium seating." Concessions at the venue are "managed by an in-house food and beverage department." The current offerings "clash with the team's image and send the wrong message" (BOSTONGLOBE.com, 9/8).
