Disney announces plans today for a "major" three-year
expansion of its Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL.
Details will be given today at a news conference by Chair Michael
Eisner (REUTERS/DAILY VARIETY, 6/20). Eisner was on the "Today
Show" this morning discussing the expansion. The cost of the
project is estimated at $760M (NBC, 6/20).... Adidas is looking
to get into the sports license business, according to SPORTING
GOODS BUSINESS. "It is only a matter of time" before they either
acquire a sports license manufacturer or start up their own
division. Although adidas did not make an offer on Apex,
"reports are that adidas' management is very anxious to get into
the category" (SPORTING GOODS BUSINESS, 6/95 issue)....Office
Depot will become presenting sponsor of the PGA Tour's Bay Hill
Invitational Golf Tournament in Orlando beginning next year, with
the sponsorship continuing on a long-term basis. The announcement
was made by event host Arnold Palmer, who will serve as a
spokesperson for Office Depot (PGA NEWS).... Philip Morris USA
will take part in the "own the racetrack" program as part of a
new marketing push at Churchill Downs. The company's week-long
sponsorship includes signage, four-color ads on the back of para-
mutual tickets, on-track and off-track media support and more
(Churchill Downs)....The American Stock Exchange is the first
U.S. Stock Market to offer a web site. It will feature a daily
market summary and news reports. The address: http://www.amex.com
(N.Y. NEWSDAY, 6/20)....Topps will introduce their DIII
technology system in August. The three-dimensional card with
premiere with the DIII Baseball Series I (Topps)....A "sneaker
war is racing" to Charlotte, according to Erik Spanberg of the
CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL. Just for Feet and Kinetix are
looking to build multiple stores in the area (CHARLOTTE BUSINESS
JOURNAL, 6/19-23)....Nokia saw first quarter sales grow by 48%
over last year. Nokia is title sponsor of the Sugar Bowl, and
sponsors Formula One racing (Nokia).
