CLOSER TO FINE: In DC, Eric Fisher reported that
Redskins Owner Daniel Snyder is "placing field level seats
in each of the corners of FedEx Field." The front row of
"each mini-section will be a mere two feet from the back
corner of the end zone, giving seatholders proximity to the
field unparalleled in the NFL." The seats are being sold
for about $3,000 each per season (WASHINGTON TIMES, 8/20).
RAISED IN THE LIONS DEN: In Detroit, Tina Lam reports
that architects of the Lions' new Ford Field "are shooting
for something elegant" in the design of the stadium.
Features include a "glass elevator and a six-story atrium
with a skylight in the warehouse section of the stadium, and
suites that will have views of the atrium and field." The
field will "be dug 45 feet below street level, so the
stadium will appear smaller and more in keeping with nearby
Comerica Park and other buildings" (DETROIT NEWS, 8/21).
THE ART OF THE DEAL: In Denver, Cindy Brovsky reported
that a volunteer art committee has recommended that the
Metropolitan Football Stadium District spend nearly $2M on
artwork around four landscaped areas outside the new Broncos
stadium. Execs feel this is the "largest art project" for a
new NFL stadium. The project will be funded by $271,000 in
taxpayer funds, with the rest raised privately. Among the
works of art: a 4-foot-long marble mouth guard. Stadium
District Chair Ray Baker: "It is a risk when you choose art
that isn't considered traditional. But this is art that
people can interact with year-round" (DENVER POST, 8/18).
THESE ARE THE PROS & CONS OF NAMING RIGHTS: In L.A.,
Sanders & Silverstein reported that Staples "thinks it's
getting its money's worth" on its 20-year, $116M naming
rights deal to Staples Center in L.A. But despite the
promotional value, there "has been some bad news," as the
Democratic convention brought "televised clashes between
police and protesters, and the Lakers victory celebration
ended in the looting of nearby businesses." But most
marketing experts say "all the publicity, even when it's
bad, has served only to strengthen the retailer's brand
images and boost its visibility." Purdue Univ. Professor of
Consumer Sciences & Retailing Richard Feinberg: "Even if
there were riots in front of Staples Center and it was
reported like that in every news report, Staples could still
gain positive benefits for its brand name. What everyone is
fighting for is a top-of-mind awareness" (L.A. TIMES, 8/19).
