COLA WARS: In CO, Lee Jenkins reports that NHL sponsor
Coca-Cola "gave its OK" for the 2001 NHL All-Star Weekend to
be held at the Pepsi Center in Denver (GAZETTE, 1/20)....In
Dallas, Steve Davis writes that because Pepsi has a
marketing deal with TX Stadium, home of the Cowboys, former
coach Chan Gailey was "always careful to hide his rival soda
preference," Diet Coke. But Gailey was seen "proudly
wagging a Diet Coke" as he left the Cowboys training grounds
the day after his dismissal (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 1/20).
DEALS & DOLLARS: Subaru of America has inked a deal to
become the Official Car of the LPGA. Subaru vehicles will
be provided for use by LPGA staff at events and select
players. The company has current marketing deals with
players Juli Inkster and Meg Mallon (LPGA)....The MLBPA has
signed EA Sports, Heineken and Fogdog Sports as sponsors of
the "Big League Challenge" HR hitting contest. The series
will be broadcast on ESPN beginning March 20
(MLBPA)....Northwest Suites has signed on as a sponsor of
the WNBA expansion Seattle Storm (Northwest Suites).
