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Facility News
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Written by Maury Brown
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Wednesday, 11 June 2008 23:30 |
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 The Yankees are asking for $350 million in tax-exempt bonds to be issued, or else the $1.3 billion new Yankee Stadium may not be completed, state Assemblyman Richard Brodsky said on Tuesday.
New York City officials confirmed the request by the Yankees, but it would require a change to IRS regulations. "Right now, they (the Yankees) are saying they don't think they can complete the stadium unless the Internal Revenue Service ruling is reversed and they apparently have been joined in this effort to reverse the ruling by the Nets and the Mets," Brodsky told Reuters by phone. The Yankees have said that they will, however, complete the project, whether the IRS change in regulation goes into effect, or not. As reported by The AP: “The effort on the completion bonds will not affect the completion of the stadium,” team president Randy Levine said. “We are working under the strong leadership of the city and state along with other projects to seek relief from the IRS regulation.” Janel Patterson, of the New York City Economic Development Corp., which is working with the Yankees, said the project isn’t threatened. But she said the city is working to relieve an IRS regulation that prohibits more public debt to be incurred for the stadium. State Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, of Westchester, said that IRS change also is being sought to help stadium and arena projects for the New York Mets and New Jersey Nets.
The Yankees announced earlier this year that construction of the stadium would cost an addiitional $300 million more than expected (on top of three parking structures totallying $340 million, repleat with 600 free spaces for Yankee VIPs) . The team is also the most valuable American sports franchise, and forth most valuable in the world, according to Forbes. The Yankees brand, alone, is worth $217 million and has increased in value 44 percent the past three years. Remember, in 2006, Jonathan D. Schiller, a lawyer for the Yankees said, “The Yankees will have to consider leaving the city,” when Save Our Parks filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to halt construction of the stadium. Mr. Brodsky’s comments seem much the same. |
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Written by Maury Brown
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Tuesday, 10 June 2008 03:50 |
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 The negotiations between the State of Illinois, through the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, and the Tribune Co. to purchase and renovate Wrigley Field have broken down over a financing issue that pertains the use of taxes. Former Governor James R. Thompson, Chairman, Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, said in a statement, "The Tribune believes that ISFA's participation in such an acquisition requires either the transfer of future sales and amusement tax revenue from transactions at Wrigley Field for the next 30 years, or the imposition of new taxes, or the transfer of existing ISFA funds now pledged to projects at U.S. Cellular.” Thompson then added, “ISFA cannot agree to this. In our judgment, there are no votes in the City Council or in the Illinois General Assembly for transferred or new taxes for Wrigley Field. And we cannot break the promises we have previously made to the White Sox under our lease terms.”
Thompson mentioned that funds could be met through the use of Equity Seats Rights. The ESR concept is the product of Lou Weisbach (see The Biz of Baseball interview with Weisbach for details on the difference between ESRs and Personal Seat Licenses). The Tribune Company, through a statement, saw the matter differently. "As an employee-owned organization, Tribune has been clear and unwavering in its commitment to a transaction that is favorable to the public, to the company, and to the Cubs. Unfortunately, ISFA’s proposal did not meet this criteria and would, in fact, violate the policies of Major League Baseball. We continue to see a strong benefit for the state and the city in public ownership of the ballpark, but we cannot execute a transaction at the expense of our employees or in violation of MLB rules." While it is not specified, the use of ticket revenues to back the construnction bonds may be the violation of MLB rules. The news sets the stage for the approved bidders for the Cubs to now focus on the purchase of both the storied franchise and Wrigley Field. How the renovation of Wrigley Field will be funded is still yet unknown. The cost to repair Wrigley is estimated to be approx. $450 million. Thompson made it clear that while the negotiations between the State of Illinois and Sam Zell and the Tribune Co. have collapsed, the Cubs are safe in Chicago. “When Governor Blagojevich asked ISFA to explore this opportunity, he wanted to insure that under new ownerships the Cubs would stay at Wrigley Field in Chicago and that Wrigley Field would be restored. We have no doubt that these two goals will be reached -- whether or not ISFA acquires and restores Wrigley.” “We stand ready to resume negotiations with the Tribune or any new owner of the Cubs at their request.” Source: Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, Tribune Company |
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Written by Maury Brown
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Friday, 06 June 2008 04:02 |
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 In April of this year, two playing fields in New Jersey that use synthetic turf were closed after state health officials detected what they said were unexpectedly high levels of lead within the synthetic turf, which raised fears that children could inhale or swallow fibers or dust from the playing surface. Pigment containing lead chromate is often used in synthetic turf to make it green and retain its color.
Health officials finalized their study of the materials and have found that unless under extraordinary circumstances, children are under no risk. MLB currently uses synthetic turf in only two facilities (Metrodome and Tropicana Field), while there are many more at the minor league level. There are approx. 3,500 synthetic playing surfaces across the U.S. Synthetic turf test results released by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) on June 3rd confirmed lead chromate levels are well below that necessary to cause harm to children and athletes using the popular playing field surfaces. Lead chromate has been used in a number of synthetic turf fields to extend the life of its colorfastness. Testing three fields in New Jersey with elevated lead levels, the NJDHSS focused on the bioaccessibility of synthetic turf, which it defines as "the fraction of a substance in a material that is soluble and made available for absorption" by the body. From its tests, the NJDHSS reported that the amount of lead chromate contained in fibers from the three fields available for absorption in the intestine, which is where food altered by stomach acid is absorbed by the blood and lymphatic systems, ranged from 2.5% to 11%. A couple of interesting findings: - According to calculations made by forensic toxicologist Dr. David Black, a 50 lb. child would have to ingest over 100 lbs. of synthetic turf to be at risk of absorbing enough lead to equal the minimum threshold of elevated blood lead. That level is even more unreachable than Dr. Black's original worst case bioaccessibility, which was based on ingesting 23 lbs. of turf.
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidance states that young children "should not chronically ingest more than 15 micrograms of lead per day from consumer products." Putting these test results in perspective, polymer and fiber engineering specialist Dr. Davis Lee calculated that a child playing on the three New Jersey fields would have to wipe his fingers on the turf and put them in his mouth 750 times in a day to receive enough lead to equal the CPSC threshold level.
One would expect and hope that children are not conducting these types of activities. Source: Synthetic Turf Council |
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Written by Maury Brown
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Thursday, 29 May 2008 09:12 |
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 Comcast SportsNet reported last night that the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks will play this coming January at Wrigley Field in a continuation of the NHL’s outdoor Winter Classic.
According the report, the announcement could come as early as this week. As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times: Hawks president John McDonough has been pushing for an outdoor game after the success of this season's Winter Classic on New Year's Day at Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Stadium. A league-record 71,217 fans saw the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Sabres 2-1 in a shootout.
Yankee Stadium had been seen as a likely location for the next Winter Classic, but Gary Bettman saw the site as an unlikely location. Last year saw 71,217 fans attend the Winter Classic in Buffalo at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is contributor to Baseball Prospectus, and is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted |
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Written by Maury Brown
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Wednesday, 21 May 2008 19:47 |
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 UPDATE: The fan that fell last night at Turner Field has died.
A 25-year-old fan, sliding on a handrail, fell a considerable distance at Turner Field Wednesday night. He later died due to injuries sustained in the fall. As reported by the Atlanta Journal Constitution : The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office identified the man as Justin Hayes, 25, of Cumming. Hayes fell an estimated four levels inside the stadium to field level, striking concrete and metal railing, according to Atlanta Police spokesman Ron Campbell.
Alcohol may have been involved, Campbell said. Hayes was reported to have been sliding on a handrail in the bottom of the 8th inning when he slipped off. He was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Turner Field accident comes just over a month from a fan falling from an escalator at Shea Stadium to his death. There are conflicting reports as to what happened in that incident. It was reported by family members that the man in question lost his footing on the escalator, and fell over the side. Police, however, say that he, like the man at Turner Field, was sliding on the railing and fell over the side. |
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Written by Maury Brown
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Sunday, 18 May 2008 05:44 |
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 Florida Marlins owner Jeffery Loria announced the signing of shortstop Hanley Ramirez to $70 million, six-year contract extension against the backdrop of the decaying Orange Bowl, where the Marlins plan on building a new stadium.
And, while there are still legal hurdles to clear, the Marlins see the new stadium as a reason to invest in the future. As reported by The AP: "Today we're taking not one, but two giant steps forward," Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said. "The first is that by standing here on this very site we reaffirmed the vision of our city and county leaders to guarantee Major League Baseball stays here in South Florida ... and we have one of the greatest young players ever to wear a Marlins uniform."
The Marlins currently have the lowest player payroll in MLB at $20 million. That is $5 million less than what the team is reportedly pulling through revenue-sharing. Asked if the new stadium is why the Marlins were able to sign Ramirez, others in the front office agreed. "I think [the stadium] is definitely a big part of it," Marlins general manager Larry Beinfest said. "We've had a lot of good young players here. Whether it's Derrek Lee or Dontrelle Willis, several players were probably worthy of multiyear consideration. But there wasn't a stadium on the horizon. Now there is."
Ramirez, is making $439,000 this season. With the contract extension he will receive $5.5 million next year, $7 million in 2010, $11 million in 2011, $15 million in 2012, $15.5 million in 2013 and $16 million in 2014. The Marlins have been known for signing key players in advance of a new stadium, although the Ramirez deal is one without strings attached. In 2003, the Marlins signed Mike Lowell to a four-year, $32 million deal that was tied directly to approval for stadium funding. At the time, the deal was structured if a new stadium was not approved, the contract became a one-year guarantee with a player option, leaving the decision to remain with the club up to Lowell. In October of 2004, Lowell and the Marlins amended the contract to guarantee the final three years of his contract.
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is contributor to Baseball Prospectus, and is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted |
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Written by Maury Brown
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Friday, 16 May 2008 09:39 |
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 It was announced today that Monday the Boston Red Sox will formally unveil solar hot water panels on the roof at Fenway Park. The panels, which will help heat water used throughout the facility, are part of a series of environmentally-sustainable practices that have been implemented at Fenway Park this year. The Red Sox report that the panels will replace 37% of the gas traditionally used for the process of heating water at the park, saving both energy and expense and avoiding 18 tons of CO2 emissions each year.
Larry Lucchino, President/CEO, Boston Red Sox along with Ian A. Bowles, Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Bryan Glascock, Director of the Environment Department, City of Boston, Bruce Johnson, Director of Energy Efficiency, National Grid and Patrick Nye, Vice President of Sales, Bonneville Environmental Foundation will be in attendance. Source: Boston Red Sox |
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Written by Maury Brown
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Thursday, 15 May 2008 04:33 |
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 Tampa Bay Rays officials will present their preliminary financing plan for waterfront $450 million ballpark in downtown St. Petersburg today. The site being proposed is at the current location of Al Lang Field. As reported by Etic Fisher of the Sports Business Journal:
The plan will be negotiated with local officials over the summer and put before voters in a November referendum. It calls for $150M from the Rays, $75M from the sale of Tropicana Field land and retirement of stadium debt, $50M from bonds against future parking revenues at the new ballpark, $100M from tourist taxes used to help pay down Tropicana Field debt and $75M from extending St. Petersburg's annual contributions to the Tropicana Field debt.
See images and more information on the proposed Rays ballpark here. |
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Written by Maury Brown
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Tuesday, 13 May 2008 10:01 |
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 The Detroit Tigers announced today that they are offering Father’s Day gift package with opportunity to hit off of former Tigers pitcher and 1984 World Series Champion Dave Rozema.
The Tigers are gearing up for their annual Fantasy Batting Practice at Comerica Park. Campers will swing for the fences against Rozema, shag fly balls, field grounders, play catch, hit in the batting cage and sit in the dugout. All campers will receive an official certificate of participation. Available dates for the camp include: - Friday, June 20, 7:30-11pm $249 *Under the lights and includes visitors clubhouse tour.
- Saturday, June 21, 9am-12:30pm
- Saturday, June 21, 1-4:30pm
- Sunday, June 22, 9am-12:30pm
- Sunday, June 22, 1-4:30pm
Jerry Lewis, Detroit Tigers Director of Fantasy Camps, said the batting practice would make a great Father’s Day gift for dads to relive their childhood baseball fantasies. “To hit off a former Tigers pitcher is the ultimate fantasy experience, especially under the lights in a major league ballpark,” Lewis said. Source: The Detroit Tigers
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Written by Maury Brown
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Tuesday, 13 May 2008 04:33 |
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 The plan to sell off Wrigley Field separate from the Cubs, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, and Wrigleyville Premium Tickets is no more. Zell has rejected the offer from Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, thus placing the bid for prospective owners of the Cubs will get a complete package. As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times:
Sources said Zell has rejected the state's proposed terms because it relies on a novel and untested financing plan: the sale of individual seats at Wrigley as if they were condominiums. The idea is called equity seat rights and has been advanced by Chicago area business executive Lou Weisbach, who has applied for patent rights on it. Zell, Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney and their advisers have concluded that the equity plan and its tax ramifications would violate both the Internal Revenue Service code and the rules of Major League Baseball, the sources said. They said Thompson's plan called for selling several thousand seats to raise money for ballpark renovations. The purchase of the ballpark could have been covered by state bonds backed by future ticket revenue.
As we advised and reported here heavily, the decoupling of Wrigley Field from the Cubs would have been a negative for potential owners of the Cubs. The financing plan proposed by the ISFA would have used rent payments from the new owners to pay for $400-$450 million in renovations to Wrigley, while Cubs ownership would not be controlling the facility or owning the equity. The sale of all the baseball-related assets that Tribune owns could fetch as high as $1 billion. We recently projected the sale price for all the assets at $725-$880 million. Today, we are resetting that range to $785-$910 million. Read the Business of Sports Network interview with Lou Weisbach of Stadium Capital Financing READ MORE ON THE PROPOSED SALE OF THE CUBS: Tell Us What You Think... Leave your comments on the sale of the Chicago Cubs |
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Written by Maury Brown
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Friday, 09 May 2008 14:55 |
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A lawsuit by Norman Braman, an auto dealership magnate in the Miami area challenging the constitutionality of funding for the proposed Florida Marlins stadium has been given the green light and will go to trial in July. As reported by The AP: A judge in Miami-Dade Circuit Court decided Thursday to let the lawsuit go forward. Braman claims the $3 billion plan is unconstitutional because of the way it is financed. Besides the 37,000-seat ballpark and parking garage, the plan calls for construction of a tunnel to Miami’s port, a new downtown trolley line and money for the arts. The Marlins ballpark, which would be built at the site of the decaying Orange Bowl, would cost approximately $515 million. The 6,000 space parking structure is priced at $94 million.
The Marlins have targeted a 2011 opening date. While Braman scored a victory in getting the case to trial, the judge did throw out claims in the lawsuit contending that the funding agreement was reached in secret, a violation of Florida law. (See renderings of the possible new Marlins stadium design here) |
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Written by Maury Brown
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Friday, 09 May 2008 07:28 |
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Crane Kenney, the Chairman of the Chicago Cubs outlined how the sale of Wrigley Field and its renovations would be paid for. Speaking in an interview on WSCR-AM670, Kennedy outlined the complex structure being proposed by which the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority would purchase Wrigley separately from the Cubs and other baseball related assets that the Tribune Co. currently owns. The model outlined by Kenney has the following moving parts: - Wrigley Field would be sold to the ISFA
- Bonds would be issued so that the ISFA could pay Tribune for the purchase of Wrigley.
- To pay for the bonds, rent, paid by the new owners for the use Wrigley, would be used.
- To pay for the $400-$450 million in renovations to Wrigley Field, construction bonds would be issued.
- To pay the construction bond schedule, a proposed method by which the incremental tax revenues created inside Wrigley (sales tax, amusement tax and other taxes collected) that go into the general fund coffers would be baselined using 2007’s figures.
- When the taxes collected at Wrigley exceed the baseline, they would be used to pay the construction bonds for the renovation.
Read that through a few times and it makes sense and doable. Where things get confusing is when this model is set against comments by former Gov. Jim Thompson, who is the ISFA chairman. Thompson said that no tax money would be used as part of the renovation to Wrigley. As reported in the Chicago Tribune: "We are working on a proposal to present to Tribune Co. that will allow ISFA to acquire and fully restore Wrigley Field, as well as add parking and neighborhood improvements, without using any public tax money, either state or local," Thompson said late last month. Speculating for the moment, it may be that Thompson is saying that no new tax dollars would be used. If not, the part of Kenney’s model by which in-stadium taxes above a certain threshold are earmarked for paying renovation bonds goes out the window.
The proposed model outlined by the Cubs and Tribune come at a difficult time for public support of the ISFA purchasing and renovating Wrigley Field. It also comes at a time when the financial “books” are to be delivered to prospective bidders looking to purchase the storied franchise, with, or without, Wrigley in-tow. As we have reported prior, the idea of new ownership paying rent to payoff a facility purchase that they will not own is a glaring negative. By not owning the facility, they do not control it. In that sense, they may have input on the renovations to Wrigley, but not the final say. As to the renovations, the Chicago Tribune story offers the following: Kenney also said the Cubs want to restore Wrigley Field to "its original look," which would include removing exterior chain link fences and concrete panels. The renovations also would include upgraded luxury suites and premium seating behind home plate that would require the destruction of the team's offices. Pointing to the bleacher expansion, Kenney said Cubs fans should trust them to treat the ballpark with respect. "We aren't foolish enough to ruin what makes the place special," Kenney said.
READ MORE ON THE PROPOSED SALE OF THE CUBS: Tell Us What You Think... Leave your comments on the sale of the Chicago Cubs |
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Written by Maury Brown
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Tuesday, 06 May 2008 10:10 |
 While it has not been officially announced, the first concert that is likely to be held at the newly opened Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. will be the Eagles. The schedule currently does not display the concert date, but the Nationals confirm that they are in talks with the super group. As reported by the Washington Times: Although no such date appears on the Web site for the Eagles' summer tour, a VIP ticket request form obtained by The Washington Times lists an Eagles show on July 26 at the new baseball stadium in Southeast. Washington Nationals officials confirmed talks are taking place for such a show. "It remains a discussion," team President Stan Kasten said. "There really isn't a deal yet. But there is no question we would like to be in the big concert business. We hope to know one way or another soon."
Revenues from concerts continues to be a stream that clubs are looking to tap into on non-game days. Recently, bands like the Police, have played in ballparks once reserved solely for baseball, such as Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. |
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Written by Maury Brown
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Tuesday, 29 April 2008 04:00 |
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 In one sign that the Twins are about to enjoy considerably more revenues, the Twins have reported that nearly all of the suites in their new stadium are sold out, nearly two years before it opens. As reported by the Minnesota Star Tribune:
47 of the 55 suites at the ballpark are leased — including the 14 most expensive ones — and the team expects them all to be snapped up by 2010. They will bring about $8 million a year, or a potential $240 million during the team’s 30-year stadium lease.
To add to this, the Twins will add other revenue streams that they currently have been unable to enjoy: Pohlad controls the naming rights to the ballpark, and a deal expected this year could yield $8 million to $15 million a year, according to one sports marketing expert. As a result, Pohlad and the Twins expect to pull in $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion from new revenue streams during their lease when they add in receipts from new club seats, restaurants, concessions, concerts and stadium advertising.
The biggest reason the Twins will gain exceptionally more revenues than before has to do with being able to control all of them within the stadium. Currently, the Vikings control that vast majority of the revenues in the Metrodome from suites, advertising, concessions and nonbaseball events.
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
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Written by Maury Brown
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Thursday, 24 April 2008 11:03 |
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 The Dodgers have announced the most expansive renovation plan to Dodger Stadium since the McCourts purchased the club, with plans to add a promenade at the outfield enterance which will include restaurants, shops, club offices and a Dodgers museum and add two parking garages that will be used to replace the spots removed for the new construction.
As reported by the LA Times : The Dodgers would not confirm the project cost or other specifics, but a news release from the office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa put the cost at $500 million. The McCourts purchased the Dodgers -- and their stadium and surrounding parking lot -- for $430 million four years ago.
The McCourts' letter did not detail the renovations, but the plan would enact a vision Frank McCourt outlined when he bought the team in 2004 -- to transform at least part of the parking lot into an area offering dining and shopping for fans who arrive early and stay late, avoiding pregame and postgame traffic.
The Dodgers would generate additional revenue as well, not only on game days but from year-round use of the new facilities. The Dodgers briefed civic leaders and community groups this week on the project, targeted for completion in 2012. Today, via press release, the Dodgers passed on the following information: “We’re creating a new stadium without tearing down the old,” said Dodger owner Frank McCourt. “That may take more effort and more resources, but we’re talking about Dodger Stadium. This stadium sits in the heart of Los Angeles and in the hearts of Angelenos. The Dodgers are a world class organization, a world class brand, and a franchise with a history of courage and vision. What we’re announcing today honors that history by protecting and modernizing Dodger Stadium and making sure that it lives on and thrives for the next 50 years.”
"We are very pleased to see the Dodgers commit to remain at a 'new' Dodger Stadium," said Commissioner Selig. "The plans to add trees, landscaping, attractions, and picnic areas will enhance the experience for families, and they will help usher in a whole new generation of baseball fans. We commend Frank and Jamie McCourt for their vision and their dedication to grow the game in the 21st Century."
Johnson Fain and HKS will lead the team of designers on the project that features the following components: - Dodger Way – A dramatic, new tree-lined entrance will lead to a beautifully landscaped grand plaza where fans can gather beyond center field. The plaza will connect to a modern, bustling promenade that features restaurants, shops, and the Dodger Experience museum showcasing the history of the Dodgers in an interactive setting.
- Green Necklace – The vibrant street setting of Dodger Way will link to a beautiful perimeter around Dodger Stadium, enabling fans to walk around the park, outdoors yet inside the stadium gates. This Green Necklace will transform acres of parking lots into a landscaped outdoor walkway connecting the plaza and promenade to the rest of the ballpark.
- Top of the Park – The Green Necklace will connect to a large scale outdoor plaza featuring breathtaking 360 degree views spanning the downtown skyline and Santa Monica Bay , the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains, and the Dodger Stadium diamond.
“We hope to deliver all the modern amenities and conveniences of new ballparks, while protecting and preserving the greatest and most romantic venue in professional sports,” said Dodger President Jamie McCourt. “Families will have a reason to come early and stay late any day of the year. Getting to the ballpark will be easier and spending time at the ballpark will be more comfortable and more fun.” In keeping with MLB's green initiavitves, the new facilities will be designed to meet silver “LEED” sustainability standards.
The stadium improvement plan also addresses the need for operational enhancements including completing the concourse transformations, started this year with the Field Level Concourse. It will include new restrooms, concession facilities, and improved kitchen areas so food for fans and guests can be prepared in a fast and convenient manner. In addition to the new Dodger Experience museum, new buildings will include the ultimate Dodger retail store and a central ticketing facility for fans. Above these uses, there will be room for Dodger-related office space and work areas for onsite security personnel, Dodger operational staff, and the Dodgers Dream Foundation. Parking improvements include two terraced parking structures on either side of the stadium that will replace existing surface parking, along with below-grade parking under the two new plazas.
“We commit to embodying the vision and spirit of this storied Dodger franchise,” Frank McCourt said. “We’re keeping this wonderful ballpark where it is, and providing more gathering places in the heart of Los Angeles . When completed in 2012, Dodger Stadium will continue to reflect the world class history and future of this storied franchise.” Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
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Written by Maury Brown
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Sunday, 20 April 2008 20:28 |
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 Move over, Joltin’ Joe, Babe Ruth, and Mickey Mantle, you’re about to be joined by someone with a lower batting average on Monument Park.
The Knights of Columbus are donating a bronze plaque to commemorate Pope Benedict XVI's April 20 Mass. The pontiff was expected to bless the plaque in a private ceremony before the Mass today. The 105-pound papal plaque, which is 39.5 inches tall and 27 inches wide, will be located in Yankee Stadium's Monument Park, along with plaques memorializing Masses celebrated there by Pope Paul VI (Oct. 4, 1965) and Pope John Paul II (Oct. 2, 1979), also gifts of the Knights of Columbus. The Benedict XVI plaque was crafted by United States Bronze of New Hyde Park, N.Y. There are other “did you know” ties, according to the Knights of Columbus and Yankee Stadium: In 1953, the Knights of Columbus acquired the acreage on which Yankee Stadium is built. It was sold to the city of New York upon the stadium's refurbishment in the 1970s. New York Gov. (and U.S. presidential candidate) Al Smith, a Knight of Columbus, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium's inaugural game, April 18, 1923. Yankee slugger and Hall of Famer Babe Ruth was a Knight of Columbus, and hit the stadium's first home run. Retired Yankee and Cy Young Award winner Ron Guidry is also a Knight. Both players' numbers (Ruth's #3 and Guidry's #49) have been retired and are a part of the Monument Park display, which will be relocated to the new stadium upon its completion.
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
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Written by Maury Brown
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Friday, 18 April 2008 16:31 |
 The Seattle Mariners announced today that on April 22, Earth Day, they will, as they report it, “stage the first carbon-neutral game in Major League Baseball history.”To achieve "carbon-neutral" status, the Mariners will offset the global warming impact of energy used at Safeco Field during the game between the Mariners and the Baltimore Orioles. Global warming impacts include: - Emissions associated with electricity and natural gas used to operate Safeco Field on April 22;
- Disposal or recycling of waste generated during the game,
- Air travel emissions for the Orioles (from Baltimore), Mariners (from Los Angeles) and umpires for the game;
- Hotel-related emissions for Orioles and the umpires;
- Ground travel to and from the ballpark by staff and fans.
- The Mariners report that more than 230 short tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution will be generated from these energy use activities. To offset the impact of these emissions the Mariners will purchase high quality carbon offsets from NativeEnergy, a carbon offsets company, and 58,000 kWh of "green power" credits from the Seattle City Light Green Up program.
The NativeEnergy offsets will be generated by a new farmer-owned methane project in Pennsylvania and a farmer-owned distributed wind project in the Midwest. The City Light credits, generated by the Stateline Wind Project in eastern Washington, will support the development of new, renewable energy facilities throughout the Northwest.
"We know that just buying carbon offsets isn't enough," said Howard Lincoln, Mariners Chair and CEO. "This is not a one-time event for us. We are committed to a comprehensive program of recycling and conservation so that we are operating Safeco Field and the entire Mariners organization in a way that minimizes our impact on the environment."
Other interesting facts about how the Mariners say they are "going green": - In 2007, the Mariners recycled 342 tons of plastic bottles, paper, cardboard, cans and glass;
- Last year, the Mariners became one of two Major League teams to recycle food waste, diverting 100 tons of food scraps and food-contaminated paper from the waste stream to be made into compost by Cedar Grove;
- Through an energy efficiency program, the Mariners have so far reduced the use of natural gas by 36% and electricity consumption by 18%;
- All diesel-powered motorized groundskeeping equipment runs on B-20 biodiesel,
- Flow-restricting aerators have been installed on all restroom faucets;
- All plastic cups used in the ballpark are made of biodegradable, compostable plastic;
- When plastic bowls, plates and utensils are used, they contain less plastic by volume, which will reduce waste by 18,000 per season;
- Paper products in all bathrooms contain paper towels, tissues and toilet paper that are elemental chlorine free and made from 40% post-consumer fiber.
Source: Seattle Mariners
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
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Written by Maury Brown
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Thursday, 17 April 2008 14:52 |
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 Well, at least one of my predictions for 2008 seems to be coming true.
The efforts by the Oakland Athletics to get Cisco Field developed (see high-resolution renderings of the proposed stadium) by 2011 has been shelved due to the complex environmental impact study, which could take 14 to 18 months to complete. Now, 2012 is the target date. As reported by The AP: Speaking at a community meeting this week, A's co-owner Keith Wolff said the team could only make the move by 2011 if the city approves the environmental impact report by the end of this year. But Wolff and city officials say that's highly unlikely given the size and complexity of the proposed project.
One of the more difficult parts of the massive Ballpark Village, which will incorporate 3,000 homes, retail, and an elementary school, along with the ballpark, is the relocation of Scott Specialty Gases, a possible toxic concern. In my interview with A’s owner and general partner, Lewis Wolff, he responded by saying: The Scott Gas issue is one of relocation and not of a soil problem. And we think we have a balanced program which will explain it in more detail to our first constituent, the City, on the “traffic side”. Nobody wants any more traffic anywhere. This particular project is zoned for 3.5 million sq. ft. of office space; Cisco at one time was going to do a campus there. So today, if we wanted to do that, we’d probably produce more traffic, which has already been approved....that we’ll be doing with the ballpark.
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
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Written by Maury Brown
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Thursday, 10 April 2008 10:30 |
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 With Yankee Stadium now in its final season, there has been talk of the final game ever being played within The House That Ruth Built being an outdoor NHL game.
But, the final year of Yankee Stadium will see something completely different when Pope Benedict XVI visits later this month.
While this author is not Catholic, the following news by way of press release is one of those, "You never thought of that" bit of news interesting enough to pass along.
When the faithful come forward for communion at the Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium on April 20th, they will be served by 500 Catholic priests and deacons.
How do you dress the 500 for such a visit? Each will wear a white stole designed and made in Pittsfield, Maine, by CM Almy, who they claim is "America's oldest church outfitter."
The Archdiocese of New York, which ordered the stoles from Almy, specified that each be embroidered "Benedict XVI, April 20, 2008" and plans to give them to participating clergy as keepsakes.
"Church vestment making is still centered in Europe. The Pope and much of his retinue are outfitted by European companies," said Almy President Stephen Fendler. "Yet we believe the Archdiocese trusts us to make vestments and appointments for its clergy, and for distinguished guests, that are equal to the world's finest. They also know that we can manage such a large project reliably. Over the years, it has been a privilege to be a part of many moments, big and small, in the life the Archdiocese."
No word on whether Majestic Athletic or New Era is looking to get into the "Church vestment" business. With the stories that Yankee Stadium could tell, and the idea of communion taking place in the same confines... well, what would Ruth, Mantle, and who knows how many others, say?
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
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Written by Maury Brown
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Wednesday, 09 April 2008 03:42 |
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 In the midst of the World Series champions Boston Red Sox’s season opener yesterday, and during the eighth-inning sing-along of "Sweet Caroline", the video board displayed Neil Diamond where it was announced he will be performing live in concert at the Fenway on Saturday, August 23rd, 2008 as part of his 2008 World Tour.
Since 1997, Diamond’s 1969 hit “Sweet Caroline” has been pumped from the speakers at Fenway Park during every Red Sox home game. Since 2002 it has become a tradition in the middle of the eighth inning and embraced by Red Sox fans. Ticket information for Neil Diamond’s August 23 show at Fenway Park will be announced on www.neildiamond.com. Source: AEG
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
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Page 7 of 17 |
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Ballpark Facility News
