The Steelers announced that FedEx has agreed to sponsor the Great Hall at Heinz Field in a 10-year deal, effective immediately. The area, which showcases the team's history and memorabilia, will now be called the FedEx Great Hall. Steelers TV shows and segments, including "Steelers Huddle" and the "McDonald's Steelers KidZone" will be taped there (Steelers). The facility had been sponsored by Coca-Cola "until earlier this year when the team switched soft-drink sponsors to go with Pepsi" (POSTGAZETTE.com, 9/10).
RING MY BELLE: In Detroit, Mike Brudenell reports workers "began repairs Monday on the Belle Isle race course that split apart at the seams during the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix on June 3." The race was "red-flagged midway through when sections of the 2.1-mile street course crumbled." Belle Isle Grand Prix Chair Bud Denker said that more than 82,000 square feet of pavement "would have to be replaced on the track, at a cost of more than $1 million" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 9/11).
OLYMPIC PROPORTIONS: In London, Charles Sale reported EPL club West Ham has "put in a high offer" to become new tenants of London's Olympic Stadium "despite the lack of opposition." It is believed West Ham made a bid close to US$15.9M per year, which "should be enough to secure a rental deal" (London DAILY MAIL, 9/9).
EMPIRE STATE OF MIND: The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Alexander Abnos writes MLS' tentative deal to open a new stadium in Flushing Meadows "won't only give the league an on-field presence in New York City -- it may also offer an opportunity for the city's up-and-coming soccer players." Despite the city's "strong soccer fan base and vibrant playing community," MLS stats show that "only a dozen of the 1,760 players in MLS's history said they hailed from New York" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 9/11).
