In Pittsburgh, Mark Belko notes Kraft Heinz "did not exactly sack" speculation that it may give up naming rights to Heinz Field when its current deal expires in '21, "committing only to finishing out the last two years of its current agreement." Should Kraft Heinz give up the rights, any number of local companies "could be contenders to replace it." They include UPMC, which has its name atop U.S. Steel Tower; PNC, the bank which holds the naming rights to the Pirates’ ballpark; Highmark, which has naming rights to USL club Pittsburgh Riverhounds' stadium; and First National Bank (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 7/30).
RECHARGE: In Green Bay, Richard Ryman notes Packers fans can now "charge their phones or recharge their bodies in the new U.S. Cellular Loft in Lambeau Field's atrium." The loft is "on the third floor of the atrium in the area where Leinie Lodge once resided." It "includes charging stations for phones and mobile devices, a long bar, tables, TVs to show the game, a mobile device vending machine and three interactive selfie stations." Visitors can also "check out free mobile charging devices they can take back to their seats during the game." The space will be "accessible to all fans in the stadium on game day to warm up or cool down" (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 7/30).
STAYING PUT: In Louisville, Tim Sullivan reports the Triple-A Int'l League Louisville Bats "agreed to a new lease seven months ago that will keep the team at Louisville Slugger Field" through the '38 season. The city-owned ballpark "retains its tenant, Metro Council," which "agreed last month to authorize" $8M in stadium renovations (Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL, 7/30).
