In Charlotte, Brendan Marks notes the NFL Panthers held the team’s first practice in their new "climate-controlled bubble since its completion earlier this summer." Panthers TE Greg Olsen said yesterday's practice was a "nice relief from being outside." Coach Ron Rivera: "I thought it went pretty well." The field is "about 60 yards long, not including the lone end-zone space," and there are "no field goal posts." It "isn’t a full field because the team won’t be using it for full simulations" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 8/20).
A CAPITAL IDEA: In Raleigh, Anna Johnson notes PNC Arena "would get guaranteed tourism money under a plan approved by Wake County leaders" yesterday. Under the plan, PNC Arena would get about $9M per year until '34 for improvements, which "could include a rooftop bar, new restaurants and suites for 'income-producing spaces'" (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 8/20).
UPDATED LOOK: In San Diego, Kirk Kenney noted San Diego State "unveiled updated design development renderings" for their new stadium during the football team’s annual Fan Fest at SDCCU Stadium. The 35,000-seat venue "includes three tiers along the home sidelines." SDSU AD John David Wicker said that this will "bring fans much closer to the action." Other "notable features include standing-room-only viewing areas, large concourse areas" and a food truck area. Wicker said that the timetable "remains breaking ground in March/April" of '20, with "completion in time" for the '22 football season (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 8/18).
