Facility Notes

Facility Notes

Published June 9, 2010

In Minneapolis, Jon Tevlin writes the Twins have "rightly been lauded for making probably the most disability-friendly stadium in the country," as Target Field has "nearly 800 seats" for the disabled. But a "lot of those seats are ending up online on Craigslist or StubHub." While "some used the symbol, 'WC,' for wheelchair, most didn't," and those tickets "get resold at inflated prices to fans who do not need special seats, which may prevent at least some disabled fans from attending games." Twins Exec Dir of Public Affairs Kevin Smith said that it is "hard to police those seats because many people who use the seats might not seem disabled because they have invisible illnesses, such as lung disease" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/9).

RING BEARERS: The AP's Doug Ferguson reported Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam, "asked to be 'global ambassadors' during golf's all-out sales pitch to be part of the Olympics, want to build the course" for the '16 Rio de Janeiro Games. Nicklaus said that he and Sorenstam "have written a letter to the International Golf Federation requesting they be considered as architects of the first Olympic golf course since 1904." Nicklaus said that one potential site "already has been identified." He added that if he and Sorenstam are selected, they will "collaborate on the strategy of each hole -- Nicklaus from championship tees for the men, Sorenstam with women in mind." Nicklaus: "I'll be surprised if they don't select us" (AP, 6/8).  

Cubs President Crane Kenney Sends Letter To Clubs Regarding Game Day Sales, Ticket Brokers

SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS: In Chicago, Ameet Sachdev notes Cubs President Crane Kenney last week sent a letter to operators of rooftop clubs across from Wrigley Field "reminding them that game day sales violate a city of Chicago ordinance governing their business." Kenney in the letter also said that it has come to the team's attention that rooftop seats are "being sold by ticket brokers and other third parties, another code violation." Only businesses with "special club licenses granted by the city are allowed to sell admissions to their rooftops" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6/9).  

BOOZE-FREE TAILGATING: In Chicago, Cheryl Jackson notes about 100 parking spaces "will be set aside this season for alcohol-free tailgating outside" Solider Field for Bears games. Solider Field GM Tim LeFevour said that the "Family Friendly" spots are an "experiment in response to fan comments." A 10-game parking pass "costs the same as it will for most of the other booze-friendly tailgating spots this season: $460, plus a $15 administration fee" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 6/9).