Penguins-Sabres Slated For Ralph Wilson Stadium

The NHL is looking to build some buzz with its first-ever outdoor game in the U.S. -- Penguins-Sabres on New Year's Day in Buffalo -- and that effort is off to a quick start as all 42,000 tickets made available today have sold out. While some have questioned the decision to play the game on a day traditionally reserved for college football, NBC sees the diluted bowl schedule as an opportunity "to stand out on New Year’s Day.” Despite a potential sellout of over 73,000 and a title sponsorship from PepsiCo's Amp energy drink, Gary Bettman says the league does not expect a large profit.

Case Of The Mondays 
ESPN overnight for Redskins-Eagles down 9.6%; NBC sees 18% decline for Chargers-Patriots but beats Emmys in key male demos.

Stars & Stripes 
adidas becomes third major sponsor to ink deal with LOCOG for 2012 Olympic Games.

Back In Black 
Financial disclosure shows Braves a money maker for new owner Liberty Media.

Friendly Skies 
Southwest Airlines continuing to buy media from NFL rights holders despite dropping league sponsorship; MasterCard opts out of NHL. 

Capital Improvements
Ted Leonsis predicting double-digit revenue growth for Capitals in ’07-08.

Sonic Boon 
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe offers to donate 26.5-acre parcel of land for new Sonics arena.

Hand Check
Isiah Thomas endures another tough day of testimony in Anucha Browne Sanders' sexual harassment lawsuit.