The Bucs have named FL-based PR firm Pecora & Guitar
"as the NFL team's agency of record," according to Jill
Krueger of the ORLANDO BUSINESS JOURNAL. The move "marks
the first time" the team has hired an outside agency.
Financial details of the six-month contract "were not
disclosed." Krueger: "While it may seem odd to have selected
an Orlando firm, increasing the team's Orlando presence has
been part of its overall strategy since the Glazer family
took over the team" (ORLANDO BUSINESS JOURNAL, 10/18 issue).
BARBARO'S ON THE CASE: In New Orleans, John DeShazier
profiled NFL uniform "inspector" Gary Barbaro, one of a
group hired by the NFL to enforce the league's uniform
equipment code. Barbaro: "I think the biggest fine would be
for the bandannas with the tails sticking out of the helmet.
And the reason is because of the possible gang connotation."
Each inspector is a former NFL player who lives in an NFL
city and receives $350 per game and a performance bonus at
the end of season (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 10/21).
RALLYING AROUND THE RAMS: QSR Rally's Hamburgers has
become an official sponsor of the Rams and will run full
marketing and radio support beginning with Sunday's game.
Rally's logo will be featured on the stadium's Jumbotron for
one full quarter at every home game and appear on the screen
for two instant replays. The radio package will begin with
30-second spots on KSD-FM Radio, the team's flagship station
(Rally's). In related news, St. Louis' Jim Thomas reported
that the Rams have "met NFL sellout requirements for the
rest of their home schedule" (S.L. POST-DISPATCH, 10/19).
THEY'RE A BREW....HOUSE: Detroit's Big Buck Brewery &
Steakhouse has signed Lions DT Luther Elliss and DE Robert
Porcher as promotion spokespersons through 2002 (Big Buck).
