Sad news out of Atlanta: a 29-year-old man fell to his death from the upper deck of Turner Field during last night’s Braves-Phillies game. Ronald Homer of Conyers, described as a life-long Braves fan, was taking shelter from the rain and was reportedly heading back to his seat when the accident occurred. He landed in […]
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Cubs to bring HoHoKam spirit to new ballpark
The Mesa HoHoKams, key in originally attracting spring training to Mesa, will have a continued presence at the new Cactus League home of the Chicago Cubs when it opens in 2014. The HoHoKams take their name from an extinct American Indian tribe once found in the Sonoran Desert. Today the HoHoKams represent a service organization […]
Negotiations begin: Tampa asks for at least $200M from Rays for new ballpark
After years of relative inactivity, things are moving on a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark, with Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn launching things publicly with a stance that the Rays put up a third of the cost of a new $600 million ballpark. From the Tampa Tribune: Buckhorn and Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan held […]
St. Pete mayor relents on Rays lease; Tampa moves to woo team
With St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster finally facing reality and softening his stance on a move of the Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa officials are already prepping a game plan to lure the franchise across the bay. In the middle of a tough reelection campaign, the hardnosed Foster — who has insisted from Day One that […]
Dodger Stadium undergoes soccer makeover
No baseball this weekend at Dodger Stadium, as the ballpark is being made over to host two professional soccer matches. Jackhammers were leveling the pitching mound yesterday, and sod was being laid down in the infield and the outfield warning track. From KPCC: One goal will be near the Dodgers dugout. The other will be […]
2015 ASG good for Cincy, bad for county taxpayers
It will cost Hamilton County taxpayers $5 million to spiff up Great American Ball Park for the 2015 MLB All-Star Game, as routine repairs to the home of the Cincinnati Reds are accelerated. From the Cincinnati Enquirer: A separate “2015 All-Star Game Ball Park Preparation” memo shows just what the $5 million will pay for. […]
Brewers: $10 vouchers for fans at Miller Park in August
In an attempt to regain the favor of fans put off by a losing team and the Ryan Braun doping scandal, the Milwaukee Brewers are distributing $10 vouchers to fans attending a game in August. Brewers Chairman and Principal Owner Mark Attanasiomade the announcement today that all fans attending any of the 12 Brewers home […]
Ricketts: No Wrigley renovations without rooftop-bleacher deal
Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts made it clear that any Wrigley Field renovations would be shelved unless local rooftop-bleacher owners all agree not to sue the team over potential lost revenues. The issue: a new videoboard that could impact the views of Wrigley Field from the surrounding rooftop bleachers, but the Cubs have also agreed […]
Hillsborough County ready to talk new Rays ballpark
If the Tampa Bay Rays can extract a concession from St. Pete to look at new-ballpark sites in the region, Hillsborough County is ready to talk about a new downtown Tampa facility. The Rays and St. Petersburg officials met Wednesday to discuss a change in the Tropicana Field lease that would allow the Rays to […]
Wrigley Field upgrades approved by City Council
Now that the Chicago City Council has approved a $500-million makeover of Wrigley Field, the big question is when the five-year project will commence after Tom Ricketts demands cooperation from local rooftop owners. The passage was unanimous today for the Cubs to make over Wrigley Field with a revamped upper deck, widened concourses, additional restaurants […]
Yankee Stadium still potential home of MLS team
It sounds like there are still a lot of moving parts in play, as Major League Soccer (MLS) officials address the possibility of an expansion team playing in Yankee Stadium while a new home is being built. The issue: where the new home could be built. New York officials had proposed putting a 25,000-seat MLS […]
Pohlads, IRS disagree over Twins valuation
The worth of Carl Pohlad’s share of the Minnesota Twins at the time of his death is the centerpiece of an IRS action demanding $255.8 million in underpayments and penalties. The issue: exactly how much the Twins franchise was worth as well as Pohlad’s share of it. The Pohlad family and their tax attorneys say […]
Osceola County delays vote on new Nats spring facility
A final decision on a new Washington Nationals spring-training facility in Kissimmee has been delayed a month by Osceola County commissioners, as local business groups ask for time to review the agreement. The new facility would cost $98 million ($88 million from tourism taxes, $10 million from the state) and be located south of the […]