A Churchill Downs spokesperson said that there have been "first-year issues" with the new manufacturer of 12-ounce collectible Kentucky Derby glasses that "have led to a lower quality batch." Louisville-based Antiques at Douglas Loop Owner Andy Albatys said that collectors visiting his shop "have taken notice." He said that the glasses, introduced in '39, now come with a sticker that reads "'hand wash only,' and even the weight of the glasses feels different." Churchill Downs VP/Communications John Asher said that the issues "were the result of a new contract with vendor PB Licensing USA," which partnered with Turkey-based glass company Pasabahce to "produce nearly 700,000 Derby and Kentucky Oaks glasses" (Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL, 5/5).
SUPPLY & DEMAND: Golf Channel's Matt Adams said of adidas' decision to sell off its TaylorMade brand, "They got themselves into a trend where they were forcing new products into the marketplace as quickly as they could so they could get the immediacy of sales to help their quarterly reports. Well, what happened with that is they started to jam up the retail marketplace with products. ... That was kind of a lethal trend ... It is very, very good product, but they got themselves a little caught up in terms of their retail cycle" ("Golf Central," Golf Channel, 5/4).
GAME WITHIN THE GAME: The Braves have partnered with Atlanta-based FanBeat to launch a real-time predictive gaming and trivia experience for this season. The game will be presented by Georgia Lottery. Fans at Turner Field can use the app to predict the next play, answer trivia questions and submit answers between batters and innings. With every correct answer, points are earned for prizes that can be redeemed at the ballpark. Fans accrue points for a season-long competition each time they come to a game and use the app (Braves).
