Closing Bell

Nashville is “getting the 2030 Super Bowl,” according to a source cited by Dan Patrick. The source told Patrick the deal is “signed and ready to go.” Nashville hosting the Super Bowl in 2030 will come a year after Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium hosts the big game in 2029. Patrick noted by that point the Titans will have a new stadium open, which “always helps.” The new Nissan Stadium in Nashville is slated to open in 2027 (“The Dan Patrick Show,” 4/20).

The Maryland Stadium Authority on Monday voted to “purchase” Laurel Park from The Stronach Group for $48.5M. After hosting next month’s Preakness Stakes -- relocated while Pimlico Race Course undergoes a $400M renovation -- Laurel Park is to be “transformed into a statewide thoroughbred training center.” The purchase, originally approved in January, enables the state to “pivot thoroughbred training operations to Laurel Park while focusing on hosting ship-in racing events at Pimlico.” The stadium authority expects to spend up to $120M on the “purchase and upgrades to the Laurel track.” The authority is “no longer considering an alternative horse training site” at Shamrock Farm. The MSA will “present the deal to the Board of Public Works on June 17 and expects to close the purchase by June 29″ (BALTIMORE SUN, 4/20).

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said the organization is “thinking about” potential pathways back to the tour for LIV Golf players, possibly similar to the one given to Brooks Koepka when he decided to return earlier this year. Rolapp, speaking on “The Pat McAfee Show,” said, “We know those guys are under contract, we’ll respect that. Brooks came back to the tour because he made a phone call and said ‘look, I’m out of my contract and I want to come back.’” Rolapp: “We’ll react when we have an opportunity to react, but right now we’re focused on making the PGA Tour better.” Rolapp said LIV did for the PGA Tour “what the AFL did for the NFL years ago, maybe what the USFL did for the NFL years ago -- basically, competition makes you better.” Rolapp: “Whenever you get competition, you figure out what you do well and what you don’t do well.” Rolapp added, “In a lot of ways, I think LIV did the professional golf world a favor” (“The Pat McAfee Show,” ESPN, 4/20).

Chiefs EVP/Communications David Higdon announced on social media Monday that he will be leaving the franchise at the end of the month. In his time with the Chiefs, Higdon led executive communications, government affairs and community engagement resulting in a $4B agreement for a public-private stadium in Kansas. He also helped with communications strategies for the launch of the team’s Foolish Club Studios, among other initiatives. Prior to his time with the Chiefs, Higdon spent six years as Global Head of Communications/Esports at Riot Games. He also had stops at the LPGA (Chief Communications Officer), NASCAR (VP/Integrated Marketing Communications), the Champ Car World Series (EVP/Strategic Development & Communications) and the ATP Tour (VP/Communications). Higdon did not mention where he would be working next, but mentioned that he is actively pursuing his next career opportunity (SBJ).

Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman announced that she is retiring after 13 years in the role, effective Aug. 31. Reactions quickly poured in on social media to news that Ackerman, a member of SBJ’s 2011 class of Champions, would be leaving the position.

• DePaul AD DeWayne Peevy: “Val Ackerman has helped shape the modern Big East while strengthening our identity, elevating our brand, and positioning the conference for long-term success. Her leadership has made a lasting impact on all of us who are part of this league. Grateful for her partnership and wishing her the very best ahead.
• Wings SVP/Chief Communications Officer Pam Flenke: “Lots of thoughts (and feelings!) on this - but no one has had a greater impact on my career. Few people have fought harder for the growth of women’s basketball.”
• Former Big East Senior Associate Commissioner John Paquette: “I was fortunate to be part of Val’s team @BIGEAST Plenty of challenges. Lots of success. All the best to you, Val.”
• NBC Sports’ Nicole Auerbach: “Val Ackerman’s retirement is huge news for college sports. She’s been involved in all sorts of governance issues and legislative efforts.”
• SI’s Pat Forde: “Val Ackerman had a major impact in that role. Big shoes to fill.”
• Virginian Pilot’s David Teel: “A 1980 and ‘81 Academic All-American basketball athlete at #UVA, where she majored in political and social thought. A true pioneer in women’s athletics.”
• CNN’s Dana O’Neil: “An amazing job reconstructing the league from near extinction. And a very big job to fill for college hoops.”

F1 teams and stakeholders agreed unanimously on Monday to “rule tweaks aimed at improving the racing and driver safety from the next race in Miami on May 3.” This season marked a “new era” for F1 with “big changes to both chassis and engine rules, with the new power units split roughly 50-50 between electric and combustion power.” Drivers have complained over the first three races about “having to ‘lift and coast’ into high-speed corners so the combustion engine can recharge the battery, and have aired safety concerns.” FIA in a statement said the proposals will be “tested in Miami and adopted following feedback and analysis” (REUTERS, 4/20).