Menu
Download the app

SBJ subscribers – Enhance your experience with the revamped iOS app

Morning Buzz

Morning Buzz

Twins Plan New Video Board As Part Of Target Field Upgrades
Orioles Expected To Name Delaware North New Concessionaire
Nationals To Unveil New Jerseys In Fashion Show At Ballpark
Goodell: NFLPA Made Counter Proposal To 18-Game Schedule

TWINS PLAN TARGET FIELD ENHANCEMENTS, INCLUDING NEW VIDEO BOARD

The Twins today will announce plans for enhancements to Target Field, including installation of a video scoreboard above the right-field grandstand. The display, which will sit atop a 100-foot tower, "won't be nearly as big as the one in left field." The team also is "considering new concession food offerings" as well as "ways to improve the ballpark's concessions process." In addition, the Twins "plan to resume their standing-room-only ticket policy" in '11 (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 11/10). 


ORIOLES EXPECTED TO ANNOUNCE DELAWARE NORTH AS NEW CONCESSIONAIRE

 

The Orioles as soon as today could announce a deal to bring in Delaware North Sportservice as Camden Yards concessionaire, replacing Aramark, after the Maryland Stadium Authority approved a preliminary agreement. The new concessionaire is expected to invest $11M "for new equipment and furnishings and introduce new dining concepts" (Baltimore SUN, 11/10). Delaware North's food and retail deal, its 10th at an MLB venue, is for 12 years (Don Muret, SportsBusiness Journal).


NATIONALS SET TO UNVEIL NEW JERSEYS, BEGIN SELLING THEM IMMEDIATELY

The Nationals tonight will unveil their new uniforms during a fashion show in the Stars and Stripes Club at Nationals Park. Caps and blank jerseys will be available after tonight's event, and jerseys will be sold at the ballpark team store starting tomorrow. That store will be the "only place to purchase new Nationals jerseys until Nov. 17." Customers will receive 15% off the price of a jersey "when they trade in any MLB jersey at the team store through Dec. 1" (MLB.com, 11/9).

Players will take part in an autograph session tomorrow at the team store (Nationals).


GOODELL SAYS NFLPA HAS SUBMITTED COUNTER PROPOSAL TO 18-GAME SCHEDULE

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell yesterday said that the NFLPA “has made its counter proposal to the owners’ plan for an 18-game regular season.” Goodell said the two sides “continue to have dialogue. I think that’s a positive thing.” The next meeting to discuss the CBA is slated for December in Dallas. Goodell: “Time is getting short. We need to have significant progress so that we reach that agreement that makes sense for the players and the clubs and the fans” (AP, 11/9).


ESPN HIRES FORMER TRAIL BLAZERS EXEC TOM PENN AS NBA STUDIO ANALYST

ESPN has hired former Trail Blazers VP/Basketball Operations Tom Penn as a studio analyst, with an official announcement expected later today. Penn will appear on the net's NBA studio shows, including the "Kia NBA Countdown" pregame show. Penn "worked for ESPN during its coverage of the NBA Draft in June and during this summer's free agency period" (OREGONLIVE.com, 11/9).


KURT WARNER ELIMINATED ON LAST NIGHT’S “DANCING WITH THE STARS”

Warner Becomes Last Sports Personality
Voted Off This Season's "DWTS"

Former NFLer Kurt Warner, the last remaining sports personality, was eliminated from ABC's "DWTS" last night. Just before his elimination, judge Bruno Tonioli said Warner had “proven to be a true sportsman. His attitude has been immaculate. Incredible manners and regardless of what happens, you have achieved a lot and you really are an American idol." After being eliminated, Warner said, "I thank everybody at 'Dancing With The Stars' because they gave me an opportunity to impact people and build relationships, and that's really what it's all about" ("DWTS," ABC, 11/9).

Warner and his dance partner, Anna Trebunskaya, last night also appeared on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” where Kimmel said, "This reminds me in a way of the Super Bowl, only instead of the Steelers you were stopped by Bristol Palin." Warner: "All comes back to losing something, doesn't it?" ("Jimmy Kimmel Live," ABC, 11/9).


POWERADE, VIRGIN ACTIVE LAUNCH TRAINING PROGRAMS AT U.K. HEALTH CLUBS

Virgin Active has partnered with Coca-Cola's Powerade Zero for a series of "fast classes" starting today at the health club chain's 71 U.K. locations. Free Powerade will be offered at all sessions. The "Heptathlon" class, designed by U.K. heptathlete Jessica Ennis, promises a "total body workout in under 20 minutes." Participants "will be offered the chance to take part in a training session with Ennis' coach, Toni Minichiello" (BRANDREPUBLIC.com, 11/10).


SPEED READS….

Former IMG spokesperson Linda Dozoretz died yesterday in L.A. of cancer at the age of 62. Her longtime clients included Martina Navratilova (VARIETY.com, 11/9).

California Horse Racing Board Approves Plan
To Return Santa Anita Back To Dirt Surface

The California Horse Racing Board yesterday gave its unanimous approval to Santa Anita Park's plan to resurface its main track with dirt, replacing the ProRide synthetic surface. Track officials told the board that "renovations should be complete in the first week of December"
(PASADENA STAR-NEWS, 11/10).

SB Nation has purchased the streaming sports blog SportsRadioInterviews.com. SRI co-Founder Jimmy Shapiro will stay on as the Exec Editor of the site (SB Nation).

S.F. and an undisclosed Italian port are “the two remaining potential sites to host” the America’s Cup regatta in '13. Race organizers intend to announce their decision by year’s end
(S.F. CHRONICLE, 11/10).


QUICK HITS….

“Just my luck: (a) four-day weekend after the World Series is over” – MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann, returning to the network after being suspended two nights for donating money to several campaigns (“Countdown with Keith Olbermann,” MSNBC, 11/9).

“We have said that we are a soccer stadium first and have invested a lot of money in that pitch. But we are very confident that the events we plan to host won’t ever destroy the integrity of that” – MLS Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz, on PPL Park hosting the Collegiate Rugby Sevens Championship in June (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 11/10).

“When you work in the industry and you get a call from Sandy Alderson, it’s almost akin to getting a call to public service” – Mets VP/Player Development & Amateur Scouting Paul DePodesta, who begins his new job with the team today (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 11/10).

“He said he didn’t want to come out, answer 30 questions about the Cowboys and one question about the fight” – Top Rank Chair Bob Arum, on Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones opting not to attend public workouts of Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito ahead of this weekend’s bout at Cowboys Stadium (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 11/10).

“It’s still going to have the look and feel of an all-star weekend, skills competition and a game. We’re not trying to make it into anything else” – NHL VP/Hockey & Business Affairs Brendan Shanahan, on changes to the All-Star Game that will have two captains draft their teams
(NATIONAL POST, 11/9).


TWITTER ME THIS….

 

ESPN.com’s Tom Haberstroh: “Dwyane Wade and LeBron James sitting together now, answering questions from the media. That's not lost on anyone here.”

Syndicated radio host Jim Rome: “Kevin Durant legend grows. A meeting ran late and he couldn't call the show. He just called me personally to apologize. A Jungle first.”

AP’s Doug Ferguson: “Press room in Melbourne on Wednesday afternoon, listening to Lakers-Wolves game from Tuesday night. I won't tell you who won.”

Florida Times-Union’s Garry Smits: “Too much made about Lee Westwood and Rory McIlRoy not to accepting PGA Tour membership. Let's see ... combined three U.S. wins, no majors.”

If you see a tweet we won’t want to miss, send it to us at editorial@sportsbusinessdaily.com.


TODAY'S EVENTS….

UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue today will unveil the name and logo of the league's new Hampton Roads-based team, as well as introduce the inaugural head coach. "Virginia" will be the first part of the franchise name.

The UJA-Federation of New Sports for Youth will host a panel discussion on the business of soccer in N.Y. The panel will feature MLS President Mark Abbott, USA World Cup Bid Committee Exec Dir David Downs, ESPN Senior VP/Programming & Global X Scott Guglielmino and Fox Soccer Channel Exec VP & GM David Nathanson.


THE BACK PAGES….

The Morning Buzz offers today’s back page sports covers from some of the nation’s major metropolitan tabloids:

N.Y. Post
N.Y. Daily News
Newsday
Philadelphia Daily News
Boston Herald

FINAL JEOPARDY!

Last night's "Final Jeopardy!" category was "U.S. Presidents."

"During his tenure, he never threw out an Opening Day first pitch, but before he was president, he did it for the Braves."


LAUGH TRACK….

MLB Giants 2B Freddie Sanchez appeared on TBS' "Lopez Tonight" last night. Host George Lopez said of Sanchez being on the World Series-winning team, "Any Latino that can get a ring without having to take it from somebody, I'm a fan." Sanchez: "I live in Arizona now. Born and raised in Los Angeles. … We live in Arizona now. Less than a week and it's just waking up every moment just waiting to get my ring." Lopez: "Have you been pulled over in Arizona?" Sanchez: "Not yet. I haven't been out of the house much though, and I got my papers" ("Lopez Tonight," TBS, 11/10).

THE MONOLOGUES:

CBS' David Letterman: "According to a new poll, New York City gets low ratings for friendliness. Yeah? Well, bite me. … The terrorist – the same guy who had the underpants bomb – do you remember that one? It was Christmas day. It's not funny but the guy had a bomb in his pants. I've had that: 'Dave, is that a bomb in your pants or are you just happy to see me?' … President Barack Obama is traveling. He went to India, then I believe South Korea, then Japan. He's going to keep traveling until he finds his birth certificate: 'I will not stop until I find it!' George W. Bush's memoir is out today and the guy is apparently quite candid, quite honest in the memoir. It's a big, big book. The problem is because of his economic policies nobody can afford to buy the book. But the guy, the President, he is still quick, still very athletic. You know, he's a former cheerleader. I believe he's our only President who was a cheerleader. He proved today at a book signing that he can still duck a shoe. In the book, Bush says that he lost respect for John McCain when he selected Sarah Palin as his running mate. This is the guy whose running mate shot a buddy in the face" ("Late Show," CBS, 11/9).

NBC's Jay Leno: "A mysterious missile was launched off the coast of California last night. Nobody knows anything about it. This is real. NASA says it wasn't theirs and the Pentagon says they can't explain it. One theory: Charlie Sheen may have overdosed on Viagra. … President Obama was in India yesterday visiting our jobs. Tomorrow he goes to China to visit our money. … Did you know this is Fraud Awareness Week? Fraud Awareness Week comes the week after the election when people realize the person they elected is a huge fraud. … Former President George Bush has a new book out called 'Decision Points.' He's quite candid in this book. He talked about how he and Dick Cheney often clashed because of their different styles. For example, Bush liked to shoot from the hip, whereas Cheney liked to shoot people in the face. … A lot of Oscar buzz over this movie '127 Hours.' It's the movie about the trapped hiker, had to cut off his own arm. A lot of people feeling nauseous, a lot of people leaving the theater. It's a great movie, but they're leaving because they're nauseous. Imagine that? You pay money and you have to leave because what you see makes you nauseous. It's like being a Dallas Cowboy fan" ("The Tonight Show," NBC, 11/9).

LATE NIGHT LAUGHS:

Last night's Top Ten List was "Top Ten Dumb Guy Explanations For The Mystery Missile." Letterman: "Are you aware of the mystery missile? The Pentagon and the Navy admit to having no idea who launched a mysterious projectile off the coast of California on Monday night. You know what this is, ladies and gentlemen? It's a mystery missile. … Then they said today, as much as we want it to be a mystery missile, it's not really a mystery missile. It's apparently just some sort of an airplane with a thing on it. I wish it was a mystery missile" ("Late Show," CBS, 11/9).

10) "The crazy balloon dad is back?"
9) "Someone's birthday?"
8) "Whatever it is, Spider-Man will protect us."
7) "Is it a promotion for Applebee's new Mystery Missile Value Menu?"
6) "Don Rickles dropped his pants and fired a rocket."
5) "Birds."
4) "Don't ask me, ask the geniuses at Nassau."
3) "Has anyone seen the aerosol cheese?"
2) "Duh, how should I know? It's a mystery!"
1) "Oprah's sending everyone to Mars!"

FINAL JEOPARDY….

"Who is Jimmy Carter?"


If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let us know at:
pbounds@sportsbusinessdaily.com.

The Morning Buzz provides an early update of the news and headlines each Monday through Friday at approximately 9:00am ET. If you would like to sign up for an e-mail alert to the Morning Buzz, go to My Account and personalize your e-mail alert options.

SBJ Morning Buzzcast: March 25, 2024

NFL meeting preview; MLB's opening week ad effort and remembering Peter Angelos.

Big Get Jay Wright, March Madness is upon us and ESPN locks up CFP

On this week’s pod, our Big Get is CBS Sports college basketball analyst Jay Wright. The NCAA Championship-winning coach shares his insight with SBJ’s Austin Karp on key hoops issues and why being well dressed is an important part of his success. Also on the show, Poynter Institute senior writer Tom Jones shares who he has up and who is down in sports media. Later, SBJ’s Ben Portnoy talks the latest on ESPN’s CFP extension and who CBS, TNT Sports and ESPN need to make deep runs in the men’s and women's NCAA basketball tournaments.

SBJ I Factor: Nana-Yaw Asamoah

SBJ I Factor features an interview with AMB Sports and Entertainment Chief Commercial Office Nana-Yaw Asamoah. Asamoah, who moved over to AMBSE last year after 14 years at the NFL, talks with SBJ’s Ben Fischer about how his role model parents and older sisters pushed him to shrive, how the power of lifelong learning fuels successful people, and why AMBSE was an opportunity he could not pass up. Asamoah is 2021 SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards.

Shareable URL copied to clipboard!

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Morning-Buzz/2010/11/10/Morning-Buzz.aspx

Sorry, something went wrong with the copy but here is the link for you.

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Morning-Buzz/2010/11/10/Morning-Buzz.aspx

CLOSE