Fac notes

Facility Notes

Published April 20, 2012

In El Paso, Cindy Ramirez noted residents may be asked to vote for a $655-835M bond issue “that could include a new multipurpose arena and stadiums” for MLS and Triple-A baseball teams. The bond issue is likely to be “an all-or-nothing proposal that will go to voters in November.” Among the projects are a $150M downtown arena, $45M Triple-A baseball stadium, “which would be contingent on securing a team,” and up to $50M in Sun Bowl upgrades. A new soccer stadium estimated at $100M “may also be on the ballot if a stand-alone facility is needed to secure a team” (EL PASO TIMES, 4/19).

BEST PRACTICES: In Chicago, Gordon Wittenmyer writes the Cubs should “take a panoramic gaze at what the newly christened Miami Marlins have done with their gaudy revenue-producing digs.” It is about “what a new ballpark has done to inject life, and money, into a Marlins franchise that had been on the brink of relocation or extinction for most of its 19 seasons” (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/20).

TAKE A NUMBER: In Philadelphia, Mike Armstrong notes the MLS Philadelphia Union “has a waiting list for season tickets that now tops about 2,000 names.” Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz said that “once that list grows to about 8,000 and 9,000, the team will begin to explore expanding the 19,000-seat” PPL Park that opened in ’10 (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 4/20).