NFL: Labor unrest among British Columbia's union
members and the B.C. Pavilion Corp. could impact the
American Bowl game between the 49ers and Seahawks, scheduled
for August 15 at B.C. Place Stadium. NFL execs are
optimistic the game will take place, and said it was
unlikely it would be moved elsewhere at such a late date.
About 30,000 tickets have been sold for the event (Toronto
GLOBE & MAIL, 7/29). In San Jose, Clark Judge reports the
49ers "expect to learn within 48 hours" if the game is a go
(Clark Judge, SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 7/29).
OTHER LEAGUES: Premier Soccer Alliance (PSA)
Commissioner Gordon Jago said the league was "pleased with
the attendance numbers" for its inaugural weekend games in
Dallas (10,371) and Sacramento (7,951). Jago said he was
"confident that the number of fans will increase as league
awareness grows" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 7/29)....The Central
Hockey League approved its biggest "pay and perks increase
in history," as teams will now be able to pay out $9,000 per
week in total compensation. Last season, the 10 teams were
limited to $6,600 a week. In OK, Scott Munn wrote the
compensation increase "will help the CHL stay on pace with
the rival" WPHL (DAILY OKLAHOMAN, 7/28).