In Cleveland, Marc Bona notes Cavaliers fans going to Quicken Loans Arena this season will "notice two new towering figures" in the venue's lower concourse, as the partnership between the Cavs and Goodyear has produced a "pair of sculptures, each crafted out of tires and holding basketballs." One figure "wears the blue emblem of the old Goodyear Wingfoots," while the other is wearing a Cavs jersey. The "hand-painted sculptures" were created by Blake McFarland, who "used 218 tires, more than 3,120 screws and 400 hours to complete" them. The figures will "remain in the lower-level concourse" this season (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 10/18).
WHERE THE GREEN GRASS GROWS: The CP's Neil Davidson noted MLSE is "moving to improve the much-maligned playing surface" at BMO Field, the home of Toronto FC and the CFL Argonauts. A new grass surface will be "laid next month, with improved lighting and irrigation." In April, the field will be "strengthened" by artificial fibers that will "hold the surface together, protect the grass and reduce recovery time between events." Toronto FC "opted not to install a new surface" after the '17 MLS Cup because of "winter and the short off-season" (CP, 10/16).
PLANNING AHEAD: In Cincinnati, Charlie Hatch reported USL club FC Cincinnati is "interested in hosting high school Ohio state championship games in the future West End stadium, if possible." The Ohio High School Athletics Association currently "has a deal" through '21 to play title games at Mapfre Stadium in Columbus (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 10/17).
