In San Jose, Dan Nakaso reports the Warriors have "sold more than 14,000 season tickets, a franchise record, and will set another franchise record with 17 appearances in nationally televised games." Warriors G Stephen Curry is "one young player in particular" helping to sell tickets. Curry and coach Mark Jackson on Friday were in L.A. to film the team's "first appearance in ESPN's offbeat series of RV commercials." Meanwhile, Curry's No. 30 will be "one of the few to appear on T-shirts across the country in all Champs Sports stores through a partnership with the NBA" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 9/17).
COAT FACTORY: In Buffalo, Tim Graham notes the Bills on Sunday "began a Wall of Fame tradition by issuing navy-blue sport coats to its honorees during a halftime ceremony." Eighteen Wall of Famers "attended or were represented by their families." Deceased members "received framed jacket displays." Pro Football HOFers Jim Kelly and Marv Levy were both in attendance, but Bills Owner Ralph Wilson did not attend. In a statement, the 94-year-old Wilson explained “travel continues to be a challenge for me.” Wilson has "been to one Bills game" since the start of the '11 season (BUFFALO NEWS, 9/16).
RIDE THE LIGHTNING: Lightning Owner Jeff Vinik on Saturday said VP & GM Steve Yzerman is doing "a great job" and "has my support 100 percent." In Tampa, Damian Cristodero noted Vinik was "clear that he and Yzerman, in the fourth year of a five-year deal, believe in patience when building a franchise." Vinik: "I couldn't be more pleased with the job Steve is doing." Yzerman's contract runs through the '14-15 season and Vinik said that discussions about an extension "have not started but made it sound as if they would" (TAMPABAY.com, 9/14).
O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU? In Philadelphia, John George writes the 76ers "face a big challenge when it comes to selling tickets, especially in the era of places like StubHub where Sixers’ seats could be had for pocket change during last year’s disappointing season." However, the Sixers are "finding success with a new ticket option" that promotes the team's opponent. Sixers CEO Scott O’Neil said, "Fans understand there is a plan for the team, and recognize there is an opportunity to get seats that may be tougher to get in two years" (PHILADELPHIA BUSINESS JOURNAL, 9/13 issue).
