Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Busch, USAir and Washington Gas have all
signed multi-year marketing agreements with MCI Center, the arena
being built in downtown Washington. As charter marketing
partners, each will receive exclusivity in in-arena signage,
promotions, and hospitality. The MCI Center is scheduled to open
in Fall '97 (Capitol Sports).... PLA Media has joined with Peter
Olach of Sports Marketing Concepts and NASCAR "insider" Bob Best
to develop NASCAR projects for '96, The group is looking for
sponsorship partners to team with drivers (PLA Media)....Sports
Exchange Workshops will host a two-day conference in New York
January 11-12 concentrating on investment opportunities in sports
(Sports Exchange Workshops)....The L.A. Invitational indoor track
event will be held this year despite being unable to secure a
title sponsor. Sunkist recently withdrew its support after 26
years (L.A. Invitational)....Sports Accessories & Memorabilia has
been given permission from NFL Properties to bring back NFL-
licensed bobbing-head dolls. S.A.M. is making 1,000 of the
limited edition dolls of each team for $44.95 each (USA TODAY,
12/21)....Knott's Berry Farm theme park in Southern CA is
targeting Northwestern and USC fans in town for the Rose Bowl.
The park is giving half-price admission tickets to any fans
wearing USC or NU merchandise from December 26-January 2 (Knott's
Berry Farm).
