In S.F., Ann Killion writes the Warriors' new Chase Center is "going to be a good" venue, as it "feels intimate, even for a huge event." The floor size is "smaller and more compact" than at Oracle Arena. The steep angles "give good sight lines and will make the basketball players feel like the crowd is right on top of them." The acoustics are "excellent." The "seeing spheres" art installation at one entrance is "already becoming a must-visit spot" ( S.F. CHRONICLE, 9/12 ).
PUBLIC FUNDING : In Cleveland, Courtney Astolfi notes the Indians are "asking taxpayers to replace what the team describes as an outdated and malfunctioning system that regulates lights, heating and cooling at Progressive Field." The replacement system is "expected to cost" more than $1.6M. Indians Senior VP/Tech & Chief Information Officer Neil Weiss said that it is a "top priority for Progressive Field because the current system fails multiple times a week." The Indians made the request yesterday to the board of the Gateway Development Corporation. Board members said that they "would review the Indians' proposal to ensure it meets criteria in the lease before voting on the expenditure" ( Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 9/12 ).
ISLAND LIVING : In Honolulu, Ferd Lewis notes developers of the new Aloha Stadium believe having the venue ready for a '23 football season opening is "eminently do-able, sensible and economical." Crawford Architects Owner & Senior Principal Stacey Jones said less than three years is "ample time to deliver the stadium plus whatever constitutes the first phase of development." The state of Hawaii is paying Crawford Architects $5M to conduct an Environmental Impact Study and master plan while "helping to shepherd the process to completion" ( HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER, 9/12 ).
