Articles of Interest

Friday, August 8, 2008

Ranking the biggest marketing blunders in Olympic history.

Experts say horse racing tracks unlikely to attain former popularity.

The SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE's Mark Zeigler writes the National Stadium replacing Mao Zedong's image on the 10 yuan note "is an apt metaphor to what is about to happen over the next 17 days … when China emerges from its murky past and steps into the world's spotlight" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE). The S.F. CHRONICLE's John Crumpacker writes Ethiopia's Haile Gebrselassieopting for the 10,000 meters instead of the marathon because of the Beijing air "was the first protest of China's games, and it was accomplished without shaking a fist, holding a sign or calling a news conference" (S.F. CHRONICLE).

On The Olympics:

• Media members test Beijing's air pollution by staging a 10K.
• Games highlighted by U.S.-China race for Gold Medal count.
• Is push for medals putting damaging pressure on China's athletes?
• Softball, baseball, golf athletes gearing up for '09 vote on inclusion.
• Beijing's Olympic Village excels in level of comfort for athletes.
• Profile of Jillian Wanik, lead dietician for athletes and media.

Also:

• Athletes not getting the message to keep private lives off of Web sites.
• Are exhibition tournaments a better alternative to EPL's 39^th step?
• Writer argues possible De La Hoya-Pacquiao fight shouldn't happen.

Favre Trade Sparks Merchandise Frenzy, Sets Jersey Sales Record

Favre's Jets Jersey Already In High Demand

THE POWER OF FOUR: DAILY VARIETY's Mike Flaherty reported Jets coach Eric Mangini, as "part of the pitch" to lure Favre to the Jets, "told Favre of the marketing and promotional boom that a move" to the N.Y. area could mean (DAILY VARIETY, 8/8). CNBC's Michelle Caruso-Cabrera Thursday said of Favre's off-the-field impact, "Think Oscar de la Hoya. Past his prime, but he still makes more money in the boxing ring than anyone else. ... David Beckham. He's past his prime but everyone wants to see him." CNBC's Dennis Kneale: "Favre is finally going to become a true endorsement hero. He will make a ton of money, more from endorsements than playing" ("Power Lunch," CNBC, 8/7). ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser said, “Right now, Brett and Deanna Favre are David and Victoria Beckham in New York City.” Kornheiser added Favre is going to make "about $45[M]" in endorsements in the next 12 months. But ESPN’s J.A. Adande said, “This is much more of a sports story than a Page Six story. David Beckham is People magazine. Brett Favre is still Sports Illustrated” (“PTI,” ESPN, 8/7). BRANDWEEK's Barry Janoff writes Favre "will become the marketing face of the [Jets] as it seeks to steal some of the spotlight from the Super Bowl defending champion" Giants. Favre also is "likely to become a fixture in the New York metro area with the team's marketing partners and other local companies." ESPN Radio 1050 N.Y. already is dubbing itself as the "exclusive home of Brett Favre and the New York Jets" (BRANDWEEK.com, 8/8). ESPN’s Jim Rome: “Now we have one of the biggest stars in the league and the biggest story of the year relocating to the biggest media market in the world. It is going to be all Favre all the time” (“Jim Rome Is Burning,” ESPN, 8/7).

Packers Pro Shop Will Continue Selling Favre's Packers Jersey

SAME FACE, NEW PLACE: EA Sports later this month will release a downloadable cover of "Madden NFL 09" depicting Favre in a Jets jersey. The main physical version of the game will release Tuesday as planned with cover athlete Favre in a Packers uniform, as reiterated early yesterday in a blog post from EA Sports President Peter Moore. But the online cover offering, to be released at easports.com and can be printed to lay over the existing cover, heightens an existing trend of alternate EA game covers that generally has been limited to special retail promotions (Eric Fisher, SportsBusiness Journal).

McManus Says Favre's Debut On CBS To Be Available In More Markets

TOUGH COVERAGE: In N.Y., Bob Raissman writes unless Favre "has a change of heart -- highly unlikely -- his media plan will make life difficult for notebooks and microphones assigned to cover him." The only access reporters can look forward to is "one mass interview during the week and his postgame sessions," and Favre's "fresh-squeezed juice will be reserved for national TV types." Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Assistant Managing Editor/Sports Garry Howard said of Favre, "He'll talk to one person, like [ESPN's] Chris Mortensen, to get his message out. That's the way he operated here" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/8).

Panasonic, Best Buy Team For All-Spanish Soccer Ad Campaign

Panasonic, Best Buy Launching Spanish Ad Campaign Featuring MLS Players

MLB Teams See Buzz Around Players Acquired At Trade Deadline

Teixeira, Other Recently Traded Players Leading To Renewed Buzz For New Teams

Wheels & Deals: Kobalt Tools Withdraws Truck Series Title Bid

Kobalt Tools, the Lowe's brand that was considered the leader to be the title sponsor of the NASCAR truck series, has withdrawn from the bidding, sources say. Craftsman is in its final season as the title sponsor. With Kobalt stepping away, the door is open for Craftsman to renew its status as the official tool of NASCAR, which the brand had hoped to retain even though it was not renewing title sponsorship of the series (Michael Smith, SportsBusiness Journal).

Elliott Sadler Among NASCAR Drivers To Be Featured In New Tylenol Campaign

NOTES: Play Along toys' first NASCAR line will be unveil this month and includes "toy cars, a track set and helmet racers, which serve as car launch pads." Featured drivers include Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne (SCENEDAILY.com, 8/7)....As part of 3M Car Care's "Gas N' Go Giveaway," the first 100 drivers to "produce a gas receipt higher than $50" at the NAPA Auto Parts in Livonia, Michigan, from 6:00am-1:00pm ET Tuesday will receive two tickets to the August 17 3M Performance 400 at Michigan Int'l Speedway (DETROIT NEWS, 8/8)....IRL driver Tony Kanaan Thursday signed a five-year contract to remain with Andretti Green Racing (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 8/8).