AEG Sports COO Kelly Cheeseman said that there “won’t be an alumni game” surrounding the Jan. 25 Kings-Ducks Coors Light NHL Stadium Series event at Dodger Stadium. Cheeseman said, “We went through that exercise ad nauseum to try to make that work, because … we were very excited about that possibility. But, unfortunately, just the logistics and the timing of our game, and the concerns of the ice conditions, aren’t going to allow us to pull off an alumni game.” He added, “We looked at all the possibilities, and then we just said for the good of the game and for protecting the ice conditions, we needed to make sure that we held that integrity” (Jon Rosen, LAKINGSINSIDER.com, 8/22).
TAKE A HIKE: In Toronto, Rosie DiManno wrote under the header, “Greediness of Maple Leafs franchise knows no bounds.” While many fans will object to the team’s new ticket pricing, "the disgruntlement will not affect sales one iota.” The Leafs “plan to hike prices on a tiered basis” for the ‘13-14 season with ticket prices “jacked up for visits by 'premium'" teams. DiManno: “The franchise operates in an environment that defies real world verisimilitude” (TORONTO STAR, 8/22).
COME ON BACK: On Long Island, Cody Derespina noted the Yankees want to reward fans who held tickets to Thursday’s game against the Blue Jays, which had a 3.5-hour rain delay before the first pitch. Anyone with a valid Aug. 22 ticket, “regardless of whether they attended the game or not, can use it to redeem a free Grandstand Level or Terrace Level ticket at the Stadium” for any game during their Sept. 2-4 series with the White Sox. Fans can also use the ticket as a 50% off coupon to "any other non-suite portion of the park during the same series" (NEWSDAY.com, 8/22).
FAILING GRADE: In Sacramento, Tom Couzens noted the A's have "been one of the best teams" in the AL, and are on pace to reach the playoffs. However, he asked, “Where are all their fans?” Only 11,112 showed up at O.co Coliseum on Monday night, the “24th time this season the A's have drawn fewer than 20,000 fans.” The A’s average attendance of 22,990 entering Tuesday night was “25th in the major leagues” (SACBEE.com, 8/21).
