MARKETPLACE ROUND-UP

          SGB's Mark Tedeschi reports that CA-based Sketchers
     "has served notice that it intends to be a major player in
     the athletic arena."  Sketchers will introduce a new line of
     men's sport shoes "to help further build its men's business
     in sporting goods channels" (SGB, 5/15 issue)....The
     Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers and Pepsi have agreed to
     sponsor the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Ram Tough 200,
     presented by Pepsi, September 17-19 at Gateway Int'l Raceway
     in MO (SPEEDNET, 5/21)....MA-based Mullen Advertising signed
     with the N.Y. Yacht Club's Young America Challenge as the
     official marketing services agency of the America's Cup team
     (Young America)....MCI will sponsor the '98 Goodwill Games
     Figure Skating Competition (MCI).