Barclays Center will “host two regular-season games of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League in January,” according to Steve Zipay of NEWSDAY. KHL President Alexander Medvedev said that he “had discussed the possibility” with Nets Owner Mikhail Prokhorov and that “five teams were under consideration for the games at the arena.” The dates for the games at Barclays Center “were not specified, except that they would be staged around the NHL All-Star Game,” which is in Columbus, Ohio on Jan. 27 (NEWSDAY, 5/30). In N.Y., Rich Calder notes “arena officials have said they want to tap into Brooklyn’s large Russian population.” Although Barclays Center "holds 18,200 for basketball, it can only hold 14,500 for hockey.” And because of sight restrictions, “a U-shaped seating configuration will be implemented during hockey contests with sections behind one of the two goals closed off” (N.Y. POST, 5/30).
ME AND MY CALVINS: The Nets yesterday announced that Calvin Klein has agreed to sponsor the team and Barclays Center in a deal that includes presenting sponsorship of the Calvin Klein Courtside Club and Calvin Klein VIP Entrance. The style brand also becomes the seventh Founding Partner of the Brooklyn arena. Other aspects of the deal include branding on courtside seats; TV-visible courtside and baseline signage; and a branded backdrop during certain events (Nets).
