MasterCard and Pepsi are "just some of the
advertisers" who have signed to display ads via PVI's
virtual signage system, during Sunday's Yankees-Mets game on
ESPN. Mets Manager of Corporate Sales Paul Danforth: "We're
going to test it to see how well it's received" (N.Y. DAILY
NEWS, 6/26)....TX-based Team Mouse has begun an exclusive
promo featuring its MLB Interactive Screen Saver through
150-plus CompUSA locations nationwide (Team Mouse).
THE MERCH: In Detroit, Rene Wisely reports that sales
of Red Wings championship merchandise "have surpassed last
year," and Kmart has already sold 60% of its championship
line, meaning the items won't have to be discounted. One
retailer said the more expensive items are popular this
year, such as embroidered and denim shirts (DETROIT NEWS,
6/26)....Andy Smith, Assistant Manager of MO-based
memorabilia store Megacards, on Mark McGwire merchandise:
"We've got 25 people on a waiting list right now who'll pay
$75 to $100 for an autographed ball. ... It is the hottest
thing we've ever had" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 6/26).
CLARIFICATION: MSG Network's contract extension with
Anheuser-Busch is an advertising-only contract. It does not
include an exclusive pouring rights component (THE DAILY).
