In Tampa, John Romano writes the money for a proposed $900M Rays ballpark in Ybor City is "not adding up," and there may not be "enough magic in Tampa Bay to make that happen." That "doesn’t mean the deal is presumed dead." Rather, it "suggests that someone" -- either Rays ownership, a Hillsborough politician or a corporate partner -- is "going to have to come up with more cash than they’re currently considering." A "ton more cash." It "sure seems" like the ballpark plan is in "trouble." There is no "simple way out" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 10/4).
FIXER UPPER: In Milwaukee, James Nelson notes the Miller Park roof needs a $1M repair -- a "replacement of a noisy bearing -- that will be conducted after" the Brewers season ends. It is the "first noteworthy repair project to be done on the roof" since '06, when new machinery "was installed to move the panels." The work "will be paid through a reserve fund maintained by the stadium district" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 10/4).
COURT COMPLAINT: In Baltimore, Scott Dance noted three wheelchair users have sued the Orioles and the Maryland Stadium Authority -- the owner of Oriole Park at Camden Yards -- over "accessibility" at the ballpark, citing a "broken wheelchair lift and frequently blocked views." Each plaintiff said that they have been "trapped when a lift on the club level of the stadium has malfunctioned." On the lower level of the ballpark, they said that the field "isn’t visible from accessible seats anytime the crowd rises to its feet" (BALTIMORE SUN, 10/2).
