In Charlotte, Jim Utter noted Sprint has decided to "cut back" on its nearly 15,000-square-foot Sprint Experience interactive display this summer at NASCAR races. The brand even pulled out of yesterday's Sprint Cup Camping World RV Sales 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with "less than two weeks notice." The tracks involved will still be "paid for the rental space, but pulling out a popular track display with no notice has left many fans displeased, at least this weekend" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 7/13).
JERSEY BOYS: The DALLAS MORNING NEWS cited NFL Players Inc. data that lists Cowboys TE Jason Witten as the pass-catcher who "generated the most memorabilia sales" in '13. Witten ranked No. 15 among all players in "jersey and memorabilia sales via online and traditional over-the-counter outlets." Seahawks QB Russell Wilson "was No.1," followed by Broncos QB Peyton Manning. Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch is the "highest ranked non-quarterback at No.7" and Texans DE J.J Watt is the "top defensive player at No.11" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 7/13).
GOLF OF PHILADELPHIA? In Philadelphia, Frank Fitzpatrick wrote under the header, "Philly Should Have A Major Golf Tournament." Given its "stature, its wealth, and its standing and influence in the golf world, it's astounding that there isn't a Comcast Open in Philadelphia -- or, for that matter, anywhere else." Fitzpatrick: "So why can't Comcast do it in Philadelphia?" Who, after all, "exerts more influence over golf than the owner of NBC and the Golf Channel?" The price tag "shouldn't be an issue either for a company whose free cash flow" in '13 was a reported $8.5B. Before Philadelphia could "gain a Tour stop, of course, some other city would have to lose one." But if Comcast "wants that to happen, it will" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 7/13).
WE'LL LEAVE THE LIGHT ON: The Pirates on Friday announced a partnership with Pennsylania-based nuclear power plants, products and services firm Westinghouse Electric Co. The partnership focuses on the "Error-free" promotion, in which Westinghouse will donate $1,000 to United Way for each game the Pirates play without committing an error (Pirates).
