Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said the city is "verbally close to an agreement" on an incentives deal for the proposed $500M Lot J development at TIAA Bank Field. Curry said that he "expects an incentives package will be presented to City Council by the end of the summer." In Jacksonville, Mike Mendenhall noted Jaguars Owner Shad Khan, through his development company, Iguana Investments Florida, "plans to develop Lot J with a Live! Arena, a 300-unit residential tower, a hotel and an office building." The city and Khan have "been in talks since April" (Jacksonville DAILY RECORD, 7/9).
THROWING SHADE: In New Orleans, Rod Walker noted all bleacher seating at the Saints' practice facility will be "covered and misted" for the team's training camp this year. The Saints will have 12 practices "open to the public." In addition to the covered seating, there will also be "upgraded concession and merchandise sales options" (NOLA.com, 7/9).
TAKING BIDS: The Pistons announced a "special online auction selling various memorabilia and items" from the Palace of Auburn Hills, which will be "demolished this fall." Items "can be purchased and bid on right now at ownpalacehistory.com." Over 3,000 items are for sale, and memorabilia auctions go until July 20. Stadium support equipment is "up until July 31." Arena seats are also "up for purchase" until Aug. 2 (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 7/12).
