In St. Paul, Frederick Melo notes the City Council on Wednesday "held a public hearing on creating an 'entertainment district'" outside Allianz Field, dubbed the "Great Lawn." A final vote is "likely Jan. 22." The site is "privately owned, developed and maintained" by property owner MUSC Holdings, with the "expectation, according to the new ordinance, that it will become 'a greenspace open to the public as a component of the city's park system, as well as for use and enjoyment by the public in connection with events and activities at the stadium'" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 1/17).
TAKE A SEAT: In Pittsburgh, Alex Stumpf noted the Pirates are "investing in upgrades" to PNC Park, including "replacing seats." A source said that the seats are "part of a longer-term plan that will improve seating throughout the stadium." Stumpf noted the Pirates will "announce the details of all of the ballpark improvements in a media event shortly before the start of the regular season in March." All of the planned changes are "focused on improving the fan experience" (DKPITTSBURGHSPORTS.com, 1/14).
BALLING OUT: In Massachusetts, Jim Kinney noted the Basketball HOF will be "temporarily closed to the public from Monday, Feb. 3 to Wednesday, March 25 as it continues the final phase" of its $23M renovation program. During this time, the Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams will be "fully redeveloped, along with implementation of new interactive areas around the court." Additionally, the HOF's second floor will be "deconstructed for a full transformation" (Springfield REPUBLICAN, 1/16).
