A bid for the Metrodome to host the NCAA Final Four in 2014, 2015 or 2016 will be submitted in early June to the NCAA, according to Bill Lester. Those years are far enough away that Lester, executive director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, along with others representing the city of Minneapolis and University of Minnesota, are comfortable that either the Metrodome will still be in existence or a new Vikings stadium with a retractable roof will be available.
Although cities with newer facilities than the Metrodome have an edge on Minneapolis, Lester said the previous success of Final Fours hosted here is a plus for the local bid. He said, too, the NCAA likes the light rail transportation expected to be in place in the years ahead, including the rail line linking Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Starting with next year in Detroit, the NCAA will only host Final Fours in venues that can seat 65,000 or more, Lester said. Reconfiguration of seating will expand capacity from 35,000 or more in domes to almost twice that number.
Last year former Timberwolf Troy Hudson predicted that eighth seed Golden State would upset No. 1 Western Conference seed Dallas in the opening round of the NBA playoffs. Sports Headliners asked Pioneer Press Timberwolves beat writer Rick Alonzo last week what team may surprise this spring. He said eighth seed Denver could beat the Lakers, the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
Royce White, the former DeLaSalle basketball player who is expected to the Gophers’ No. 1 in-state recruit in next year’s senior class, remains close to Islanders’ coach Dave Thorson, according to a source. White, who left DeLaSalle because of issues earlier this year, is expected to play next season at Hopkins. White, about 6-foot-7, is an exceptional offensive player with a quick step to the basket and ability to draw fouls while also having an effective mid-range jump shot.
Tracy Austin, former No. 1 ranked tennis player in the world, makes appearances at local Lifetime Fitness clubs on May 4 and 5.
The Nashville Predators, once owned by new Wild owner Craig Leipold, could relocate to Kansas City where the city has a new building but no NHL or NBA team. Although Oklahoma City has been mentioned as a future site for an NHL team, that’s probably not going to happen with the Seattle SuperSonics relocating there instead.
Francisco Liriano has walked 10 batters in his first two outings as he tries to establish himself as a Twins’ starter after missing all of last season because of arm surgery. Liriano’s control problems are troublesome but not unexpected because of his long absence from pitching. What’s encouraging is his seven strikeouts in a total of 9 and 2/3 innings so far. His left arm is lively.