Quote of the Day
"I don’t think I’m some grand savior."
-- LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan, who officially assumes his new role Monday (NORTH COUNTY TIMES, 12/30).
Top Stories
The NHL’s Winter Classic in Boston on Friday will be a good test of the event’s long-term future. The biggest challenge is one that event organizers have no control over -- the weather. The forecast remains unsettled, and rain would certainly dampen spirits around the Bruins-Flyers contest. Contingency plans have the game moving to Saturday, taking some of the shine off the New Year’s Day spectacle. But the possibility still remains for snow, which would result in perfect images from historic Fenway Park. One aspect that can’t be questioned is the buzz in the Boston market. Ticket prices for the game are "on a level that in some cases surpasses what the Red Sox would charge for a World Series game," and one can expect plenty of images of the famed ballpark from NBC. The network's Sam Flood says, “Hockey's wonderful, but this is bigger than that. It’s about the scene. Fenway Park is the star." And of course, the key metric coming out of the game will be the ratings, as the NHL aims to build upon a key, tentpole event.
Fenway Park Set To Host Third Iteration Of Winter Classic
Monday, Monday
ESPN closes the books on most successful “MNF” run in its 4-year history, tallying 14 of the top 15 cable ratings for all of '09.
Give Me A High Five
Subway set to break new 15-second spot with Michael Phelps touting $5 foot-long.
We're Talking Playoffs
NFL’s Greg Aiello outlines league’s thinking on flexing Bengals-Jets game to Sunday night.
Times Has Run Out?
Future of Wash Times sports section uncertain, but signs point to shuttering its coverage.
'Cause I'm Mr. Brightside
THE HOCKEY NEWS selects Bettman as most powerful in hockey, but does not profile commish because he would "have a response that would portray his league in dazzling sunshine."
It Doesn't Matter If You Win Or Lose
INDY STAR says Colts' "critical error" was "signaling disrespect" for fans, not in sitting stars.
Green Monsters
Renting out Fenway ice time draws criticism for fees up to $30,000 for an hour or two.





