USA TODAY's Jeff Gluck writes NASCAR's Chase for the Sprint Cup has been a "disappointment compared to the first two editions, mainly because not much has really happened." The "traditionally exciting races" at Talladega and Martinsville "failed to deliver on their reputations, and there hasn’t been a great race among the other five so far, either." TV ratings have been "down double-digit percentages almost every week when compared to last year’s Chase races, continuing a slump in that area." There are a "variety of factors in that, but one certainly has to be the lack of compelling storylines" (USA TODAY, 11/1).
REACHING THE SUMMIT: In Las Vegas, Adam Hill notes fighter Carlos Condit on Friday and Saturday "joined a group of about 20 fighters for the UFC’s veteran summit at Red Rock Resort." UFC Dir of Athlete Development James Kimball said that the summit is "just another resource the organization is providing its fighters." After several years of hosting yearly summits for the entire roster to cover a wide variety of issues, the organization "decided it was more effective to convene smaller groups with a more narrow focus" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 11/1).
PUSHING THE PACE: In DC, Simon Evans noted MLS' playoff structure "involves a single-elimination game just a few days after the regular season wraps up," and the games "feel hurried and crushed into the schedule." Because they are held on weeknights, they "often draw lower attendance." The format "appears little more than a way to keep the playoff field at an inclusive 12 but quickly get it down to a more manageable number." The MLS playoffs also "don’t push the sport into the mainstream." An answer would be a "best-of-three series played throughout a classic two-conference, eight-team bracket" (WASHINGTON POST, 10/29).
PORT SIDE: In Sacramento, Kasler & Lillis reported a plan to dock cruise ships in the Port of West Sacramento to accommodate fans for an NBA All-Star Game is "full steam ahead." Yolo County Supervisor Oscar Villegas "sent a letter to the NBA earlier this month saying the inland port 'is more than capable of handling enough ships to accommodate visitors'" for an ASG. Sacramento CVB President & CEO Steve Hammond said the plan floated by the Kings is "much more plausible” than a proposal made last year to partner with hotels in Napa Valley (SACRAMENTO BEE, 10/29).
