League Notes

In Atlanta, Tim Tucker reported that Atlanta’s desire to combine the ’08 NHL All-Star Game with a “weekend-long fan festival has the NHL at least looking into the possibility of shifting dates” for the event. When the NHL announced last spring that the game would be played in Atlanta, the league said the game would be on Wednesday, January 16, but NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman last weekend “was surprisingly noncommittal on whether the game will be played on a weeknight or a weekend.” The Thrashers have also removed the January 16 reference from their Web site (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 2/4).

Swindal Awaiting Decision From MLB On Excelsior Racing Relationship

MLB: MLB VP/PR Pat Courtney said that Commissioner Bud Selig as of Friday “had not yet ruled” on Yankees General Partner Steve Swindal’s interest in Excelsior Racing Associates, which is vying for control of New York’s Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga racetracks. In Boston, Nick Cafardo wrote if Selig does not rule against Swindal’s participation, “you might as well allow slots at the new Yankee Stadium” (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/4).

F1: Abu Dhabi has secured the rights to host an F1 grand prix beginning in ’09 (F1). F1 Management Chair Bernie Ecclestone said that the deal is for seven years but “could be extended to 20 races.” Ecclestone: “We are aiming for 20 races. I think we are now well served in this part of the world.” Ecclestone also “confirmed that he wants to add night races to the championship calendar.” Ecclestone: “I would like to do one or two night races. It could be good in Japan or China” (REUTERS, 2/3).

AFL: AFL Commissioner David Baker called returning a franchise to South Florida “a priority” and listed the area among five candidates for two teams in ’08. Baker “is looking for the right ownership group and has spoken to BankAtlantic Center and AmericanAirlines Arena (MIAMI HERALD, 2/4).