Facility Notes

In Philadelphia, Jonathan Tannenwald noted there has been a "string of problems with the playing surface" at Talen Energy Stadium this season, and fans have "tweeted photos of divots or big clumps of sod coming up during multiple games." The Union "installed a new field in November for the first time in nine years." Some of the possible issues include soil temperature not allowing the sod to "fully take hold" and the stadium opening "earlier this year than it has before." Venue management firm Spectra, which is owned by Comcast-Spectacor, is "contracted by the Union to run the stadium" (PHILLY.com, 4/23).

STARTING FROM SCRATCH: Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander said that the city will "put together a plan for a brand-new arena to capture major events," after he said that analysis found that building out the 48-year old Scope Arena "wasn't feasible." Alexander said that the city will "plan for a new arena in a different location" than the current Scope Arena's downtown lot (PILOTONLINE.com, 4/23).