| | The Daily Insider
Afternoon News & Headlines
Friday, April 2, 2004
4:00pm ET | |
| |
| • | HBO Tonight Premieres Fourth Season Of “On The Record” With Bob Costas |
| • | NCAA Basketball Tournaments Continue This Weekend With Final Fours |
| • | F1 To Host First Grand Prix In Middle East Sunday At New Bahrain Int’l Circuit |
| • | Braves To Move Double-A Affiliate From Greenville, SC, To Pearl, Mississippi |
| • | Critics Weigh In: “Walking Tall” And “Hellboy” Open Nationwide Tonight |
| • | Buzzer Beaters/Weekend Events/Channel Surfing/The Daily Stat |
BOB COSTAS KICKS OFF FOURTH “ON THE RECORD” SEASON TONIGHT
HBO tonight premieres the fourth season of “On The Record” with Bob Costas at 11:00pm ET. Topics include a conversation with actor Billy Bob Thornton and a roundtable with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick of “The Producers.” HBO runs a half-page ad in USA Today promoting the premiere (THE DAILY).
The Syracuse POST-STANDARD noted that “last season’s shift … into a general talk show is now in full gear.” Costas contacted Barry Bonds about participating in the premiere, but Bonds “declined after Costas insisted that he had to ask about allegations Bonds received performance-enhancing steroids.” Costas, on the guest list: “We just figure that our goal is to provide the most informative and entertaining show possible and, over the course of 12 weeks, the proportion (of sports) will take care of itself” (Syracuse POST-STANDARD, 3/31).
NCAA MEN’S HOOPS TOURNEY CONTINUES TOMORROW WITH FINAL 4
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament continues Saturday night with the Final Four at the Alamodome in San Antonio. CBS begins coverage at 2:00pm ET with the “College Basketball’s Ten Greatest Teams.” Georgia Tech-Oklahoma State tips at 6:07pm ET. UConn-Duke follows with a scheduled tip of 8:47pm (THE DAILY).
The HOUSTON CHRONICLE notes that CBS’ “Road To The Final Four” features Seth Davis’ interview with former Baylor assistant coach Abar Rouse, and producer Adam Berger’s story on the ‘01 plane crash that killed ten people associated with the Oklahoma State basketball program (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 4/2).
NEW ORLEANS ARENA SOLD OUT FOR NCAA WOMEN’S HOOPS TOURNEY
The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament continues Sunday night with the Final Four at the New Orleans Arena. ESPN begins coverage at 6:30pm ET with a preview show, followed by LSU-Tennessee at 7:00pm and Minnesota-UConn at 9:00pm (THE DAILY).
The AP notes that the 18,000 seats at the New Orleans Arena “have been sold out since last year. Next door in the Superdome, Hoop City, the 166,000-square-foot interactive display of games and basketball activities, will host even more fans than the games.” Last year, a sellout of 28,210 attended the championship at the Georgia Dome. The year before, 29,619 were at the Alamodome (AP, 4/2).
The Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE notes that 20 cameras “will be used for Sunday’s semifinals and Tuesday’s championship, including above-the rim cameras, a robotic overhead shot in the scoreboard and a baseline extended camera. By comparison, there are only about six cameras used during the regional finals” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/2).
The L.A. TIMES notes that ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Patrick will work his ninth Final Four, while analyst Ann Meyers Drysdale works her thirteenth (L.A. TIMES, 4/2). Reviews of various broadcasters follow:
- USA TODAY notes that ESPN’s studio team of “host Rece Davis and co-analysts Nell Fortner and Stacey Dales-Schuman has shown it can dish out the opinions and barbs similar” to the men’s trio of Chris Fowler, Digger Phelps and Dick Vitale (USA TODAY, 4/2).
- SPORTS ILLUSTRATED notes that WNBA Monarchs G & ESPN analyst Kara Lawson “has been so impressive in her role that she may have just stumbled upon a second career” (SI, 4/5 issue).
F1 TO HOST FIRST MIDDLE EAST GRAND PRIX SUNDAY IN BAHRAIN
F1 will host the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday outside the capital of Manama, and REUTERS noted that the first grand prix in the Middle East since the Morocco GP in ‘58 “is a big step for Formula One, just as it is for Bahrain.” For the moment, the country can “claim the world’s most modern Formula One circuit – a gleaming $150[M] oasis shimmering in the desert heat on the site of an old camel farm” (REUTERS, 4/1).
The AP noted that the Bahrain Int’l Circuit “features a grandstand roof designed to look like a traditional Arab tent. It was built in only 16 months, with 3,000 workers laboring around the clock” (AP, 4/1).
BLOOMBERG NEWS reports that Grand Prix organizers “said they created a special non-alcoholic drink known as Warrd for the post-race ceremony out of respect for the culture and traditions” of Bahrain (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 4/2).
SIERRA MIST TO BREAK PELE-FREDDY ADU SPOT SATURDAY ON ABC
PepsiCo’s Sierra Mist will break a new TV spot, “World Cup,” during the MLS Earthquakes-United season opener Saturday at 4:00pm ET on ABC. The ad features Pele and Freddy Adu, and the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES notes that the spot “was originally planned as a Spanish-language commercial, but an English-language version was added to the mix because of the perceived popularity of both athletes” (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/2).
Meanwhile, a free preview of the Direct Kick package is available for the first weekend of the season for DirecTV, Dish Net and InDemand Subscribers (MLS).
CBS TO AIR “WILT CHAMBERLAIN: LARGER THAN LIFE” SUNDAY
CBS will air the 90-minute documentary, “Wilt Chamberlain: Larger Than Life,” Sunday at 4:30pm ET, and SPORTS ILLUSTRATED notes, “They’ve made Wilt Chamberlain – one of the most charismatic players to grace the NBA – thuddingly dull” (SI, 4/5 issue).
In N.Y., Richard Sandomir writes the documentary “falls short on the promise of its title or in portraying him as a 7-foot-1 man in full. It is much more the tale of a basketball player than it should have been.” While it “excels in mining archival footage,” the documentary “lacks a voice and a heart, providing little to explain Chamberlain’s thoughts and motivations, especially in his postcollege years” (N.Y. TIMES, 4/2).
But in S.F., Steve Kroner writes the documentary “truly makes its mark by profiling Chamberlain in his high school and college days” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 4/2).
REEBOK TO HAVE PRESENCE AT NICKELODEON KIDS’ CHOICE AWARDS
The 17th Annual Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards will air live Saturday at 8:00pm ET. As an associate sponsor, Reebok will feature several products in the nominee and presenter gift bags, including the Classic Supercourt, Zenswa and Classic Illuminate. Reebok will also preview the hero shoe from the Sweets collection for ‘tween girls, the Emma Rhinestone. The company will also host an interactive ad with a game component on nick.com (Reebok).
BUZZER BEATERS
The AP reports that NATO alone will pay for its role in “helping safeguard the Olympics as Greece struggles with the growing financial cost of the Games” (AP, 4/2).
The Braves today announced that their Double-A affiliate will move to Pearl, MS, beginning with the ’05 season. The team, which will be known as the Mississippi Braves, currently plays in Greenville, SC (Braves).
The NHL and the Thrashers today introduced the logo for the ‘05 All-Star Game (NHL).
The MIAMI HERALD reports that the Marlins surpassed 8,000 season-ticket sales after selling 89 full-season equivalents yesterday, the “highest one-day total since the World Series.” The team has sold over 50,000 tickets for the opener (MIAMI HERALD, 4/2).
The Bengals today announced plans to install FieldTurf at Paul Brown Stadium prior to the team’s August 21 preseason home opener. Installation is expected to begin in the next two weeks (Bengals).
The Padres today announced the launch of Ticket Marketplace, which allows season-ticket holders to post their tickets on the club’s Web site for all games they are unable to attend. Customers will be able to sell their tickets via an auction style venue or at a pre-established price and receive credit for the sale with the Padres (Padres).
The ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS reports that the Colorado Altitude, a Denver-based pro softball team that was “supposed to participate in the inaugural season of the National Pro Fastpitch league this summer, has put its operations on hold in hopes of instead fielding a team for the 2005 season” (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 4/2).
The AP reports that the college football all-star Gridiron Classic is returning to The Villages, “the massive retirement community 50 miles northwest of Orlando.” This year’s game was a sellout of 12,300 (AP, 4/2).
The Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL notes that the “eighth edition of the Maker’s Mark commemorative Keeneland bottle goes on sale around Kentucky today. Meanwhile, this year’s Woodford Reservelimited edition Kentucky Derby bottle features a miniature version of a painting by Louisville artist Dionisio Ceballos.” Each bottle retails for about $40 (Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL, 4/2).
WEEKEND EVENTS
Saturday Auditions for Mark Cuban’s new reality show, “The Benefactor,” will be held from 9:00am-5:00pm CT at Eddie Deen’s Ranch in Dallas (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 4/2).
The Bobcats will host the “Ball on the Wall” party at 5:00pm ET at the Atrium Uptown in Charlotte. Upon darkness, the team will project the NCAA Men’s Final Four onto the side of the adjoining Wachovia building. Those in attendance will also be able to place deposits on Bobcats season tickets.
The 76ers will distribute Gumby figurines to the first 5,000 fans age 12 and younger in attendance for the team’s 7:00pm ET game against the Knicks. The six-inch Gumby sports a personalized No. 3 home uniform. Gatorade is sponsoring the event.
Collectors who visit participating card stores will receive free trading card packs from Donruss Playoff, Fleer, Press Pass, Topps and Upper Deck, as part of the first National Trading Card Day.
Sunday The NHL Panthers will conduct a silent auction of game-worn jerseys following the team’s regular season finale against the Hurricanes at 3:00pm ET.
The Pistons will distribute Corlis Williamson bobbleheads to the first 10,000 fans in attendance for the team’s 1:00pm ET game against the Pacers.
The Sharks will host HP Fan Appreciation Night during the team’s 1:00pm PT game against the Kings at HP Pavilion. The team will distribute babushkas of Evgeni Nabokov, Patrick Marleau and Brad Stuart to every fan in attendance.
Monster will host a private concert by Smash Mouth at 10:00pm CT at the “Monster Den at Mad Dogs” on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Tickets will only be available from mystery Monster spotters on Saturday from 11:00am-2:00am and Sunday from 11:00am-6:00pm. The spotters will search for fans wearing Monster bucket hats and visors at NCAA Hoop City, on the Riverwalk and in downtown San Antonio.
The Qatar National Olympic Committee will host Qatar Sports Int’l 2004, a sports business expo and conference designed to introduce int’l sports industry suppliers to Asian sports event and venue managers (AME).
CHANNEL SURFING
Friday
ESPN2 will air coverage of the ATP’s Nasdaq-100 Open at 7:00pm ET.
CSTV’s “Primetime” will broadcast live from the Final Four at 8:30pm ET.
ESPN will air Cavaliers-Bucks at 8:30pm ET.
Pro Football HOFer Eric Dickerson, CBS’ Billy Packer, Saint Joe’s basketball coach Phil Martelli, Georgia Tech basketball coach Paul Hewitt, former NBAer John Salley and actors Bill Bellamy and Chris Klein are scheduled to appear on FSN’s “BDSSP.”
Saturday
CBS will air the WTA’s Nasdaq-100 Open Final at noon ET.
ABC will air the World Short Track Speed Skating Championships at 1:00pm ET.
CSTV will air NCAA men’s lacrosse: Virginia-Maryland at 1:00pm ET.
ABC will air coverage of the World Figure Skating Championships at 2:00pm ET.
Fox will air NASCAR Busch Series’ O’Reilly 300 at 2:00pm ET.
NBC will air third-round coverage of the PGA Tour’s BellSouth Classic at 3:00pm ET.
ABC will air Earthquakes-United at 4:00pm ET.
ESPN2 will air third-round coverage of the LPGA’s The Office Depot Championship at 5:00pm ET.
ESPN will air horseracing: Santa Anita Stakes, Illinois Derby and Aventura at 5:30pm ET.
ESPN will air coverage of the World Figure Skating Championships at 7:00pm and 9:00pm ET.
ESPN2 will air Thrashers-Lightning at 7:00pm ET.
CSTV will air NCAA baseball: Long Beach State-Cal State-Fullerton at 8:00pm ET.
NFL Network will air the NFL Europe season opener: Admirals-Galaxy at 8:00pm ET.
NBA TV will air Suns-Mavericks at 8:30pm ET.
OLN will air coverage of PBR’s Nile Bull Riders Invitational at 9:00pm ET.
Donald Trump will host NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” featuring musical guest Toots and the Maytals at 11:30pm ET.
CSTV’s “Scoreboard” will broadcast live from the Final Four at 11:30pm ET.
| NCAA Men’s Final Four Programming On CBS |
| Time | Program |
| 2:00pm ET | College Basketball’s Ten Greatest Teams |
| 3:00pm ET | Ultimate Road to the Championship |
| 4:00pm ET | Road To The Final Four |
| 6:00pm ET | Oklahoma State-Georgia Tech |
| 8:30pm ET | Duke-Connecticut |
Sunday NFL Network will air NFL Europe: Centurions-Fire at 10:00am ET with an encore presentation at 8:00pm.
CBS will air the ATP’s Nasdaq-100 Open Final at noon ET.
NBC will air AFL regional coverage of SaberCats-Storm, Desperados-Storm or Dragons-Cobras at noon ET.
ABC will air regional coverage of Kings-Rockets or Pacers-Pistons at 1:00pm ET and Spurs-Lakers at 3:30pm.
Fox will air NASCAR Nextel Cup Series’ Samsung/Radio Shack 500 at 1:00pm ET.
ESPN will air “The Babe and the Billy Goat: Reverse the Curse” at 1:00pm ET with an encore presentation on ESPN Classic at 10:00pm.
NBC will air final-round coverage of the PGA Tour’s BellSouth Classic at 3:00pm ET.
ESPN will air regional coverage of Blues-Wild or Blackhawks-Stars at 3:00pm ET.
CBS will air NCAA men’s basketball: The Final Two Show at 3:30pm ET.
CSTV will air NCAA softball: UCLA-Arizona at 4:00pm ET.
CBS will air “Wilt Chamberlain: Larger Than Life” at 4:30pm ET.
ESPN2 will air final-round coverage of the LPGA’s The Office Depot Championship at 5:00pm ET.
ESPN2 will air MLB Opening Night: Red Sox-Orioles at 8:00pm ET.
FSN’s “Beyond the Glory” will premiere the profile of Tony Dorsett at 8:00pm ET.
OLN will air coverage of PBR’s Nile Bull Riders Invitational at 8:00pm ET.
TNT will premiere “The Winning Season,” a Honus Wagner biopic, at 8:00pm ET
NBA TV will air Hornets-Sonics at 9:00pm ET.
| NCAA Women’s Final Four Programming On ESPN |
| Time | Program |
| 6:30pm ET | Final Four Special |
| 7:00pm ET | LSU-Tennessee |
| 9:00pm ET | Minnesota-UConn |
TODAY’S TEASER…
General: What happened at the Alamo and in what year did it occur?
THE DAILY STAT: NOT IN TOP THREE, BUT BIG GAINS FOR YUENGLING
The following presents a list of the top ten brewers in the U.S, according to Beverage Marketing Corp. research. The three leading brewers – A-B, Miller and Coors – accounted for 82% of U.S. beer volume in ’03 (Beverage Marketing):
| TOP TEN BREWERS IN THE U.S. '02-03 |
|
| MILLIONS OF BARRELS | SHARE OF VOLUME | % +/- |
| BREWERS | '02 | '03 | '02 | '03 | '02-03 |
| Anheuser-Busch | 101.8 | 102.6 | 51.6% | 51.9% | 0.8% |
| Miller | 38.8 | 37.0 | 19.7% | 18.7% | -4.6% |
| Coors | 22.7 | 22.4 | 11.5% | 11.3% | -1.5% |
| Pabst Brewing | 7.9 | 7.2 | 4.0% | 3.6% | -9.0% |
| Boston Beer | 1.3 | 1.2 | 0.6% | 0.6% | -3.6% |
| D.G. Yuengling & Son | 1.2 | 1.3 | 0.6% | 0.7% | 13.7% |
| Latrobe | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.5% | 0.5% | -2.7% |
| High Falls | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.5% | 0.4% | -3.3% |
| Sierra Nevada | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.3% | 0.3% | 4.7% |
| City Brewing | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.3% | 0.3% | 3.9% |
|
| TOP TEN SUBTOTAL | 176.7 | 174.7 | 89.5% | 88.5% | -1.1% |
CRITICS WEIGH IN: “WALKING TALL” & “HELLBOY” OPEN NATIONWIDE
The Rock stars in “Walking Tall,” an adventure inspired by the true story of a man who fought back against crime in his hometown by becoming the county sheriff. Meanwhile, in “Hellboy,” an investigator of supernatural events, who also happens to be a demon, discovers that his latest case involves the same evil forces that brought him to Earth.:
| | ——————Movie—————— |
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| “Walking Tall” | “Hellboy” |
| Chicago Sun-Times | 
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| Hollywood Reporter |
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| N.Y. Times |
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| USA Today |
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…TODAY’S ANSWER
Under siege by thousands of Mexican soldiers led by dictator Santa Ana, the 189 defenders of the Texas Republic at the Alamo held out for 13 days – from February 23 through March 6, 1836.
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