ATLANTA
Braves extend Blue Sky relationship
The Atlanta Braves are extending their relationship with Blue Sky Agency as its marketing and ad agency of record. The Braves have worked with Blue Sky since 2004.
BALTIMORE
Ravens foundation provides grants
The Baltimore Ravens All Community Team Foundation has awarded close to $100,000 in grants to 19 nonprofit organizations in the Baltimore metropolitan area. In its fifth year, the Ravens’ Plan in Motion project provides grants of up to $5,000 for initiating and/or growing programs that promote physical fitness and nutritional education among youth.
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| Plank |
Plank’s pay tops $1 million
Under Armour President, Chairman and CEO Kevin Plank received a pay increase after the Baltimore apparel maker topped $1 billion in revenue for the first time, according to a Baltimore Sun report. The bulk of Plank’s $1.3 million in total pay last year was $1.28 million in cash incentive tied to performance, up from $748,061 in total pay in 2009.
BOISE, IDAHO
D-League Stampede return to Jazz
The Idaho Stampede was named the NBA Development League affiliate of the Utah Jazz. The Stampede will keep its affiliations already held with the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers. The Stampede was previously an affiliate of the Jazz during the 2006-07 season.
BUFFALO
Sabres upgrades will cost $6 million
The Buffalo Sabres will invest $6 million for a new locker room and training facility at HSBC Arena, according to documents filed with city planners. The project was announced in May, but not the cost, and will be done ahead of training camp in early September.
CLEVELAND
Cavs extend deal for youth development
The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their partnership with Sports Learning Edge for the 2011-12 season. SLE developed Basketball PlayersEdge, an online sports skills learning module that helps kids improve their basketball technique. The program was implemented last season through team’s youth targeted website, kids.cavs.com.
COLUMBUS
Crew plans youth workshops
The Columbus Crew has partnered with Molina Healthcare to present Crew Soccer Workshops in Columbus and Cincinnati this summer. The events will teach children soccer skills, sportsmanship and training techniques. The workshops will take place at Rhodes Park in Columbus on Aug. 2 and at Otto Armleder Park in Cincinnati on Aug. 9.
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A Comerica Park crosswalk set the stage
for a clever poster promoting the concert. |
DETROIT
Tigers get into McCartney spirit
The Paul McCartney On the Run tour stop at Comerica Park on July 24 marks the first time McCartney is playing in Detroit since 1976. A poster advertisement features Detroit Tigers mascot PAWS in a re-creation of the 1993 “Paul is Live” album cover where McCartney is crossing Abbey Road with his dog, Martha. The concert is being promoted by Olympia Entertainment.
KANSAS CITY, KAN.
Speedway schedules major repaving
Immediately after the 2012 STP 400 at Kansas Speedway, the track will undergo a massive renovation project that includes repaving of the existing track surface, reconfiguration of the oval, and the addition of a new infield road course. ISCDesign and Development will oversee the projects.
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| Killebrew beverages are sold at Target Field and regional stores. Natural spring water and Minnesota honey are part of the recipes. |
LEXINGTON, KY.
Daktronics tabbed for UK football
Daktronics will install a new HD video and sound system at the University of Kentucky’s Commonwealth Stadium. The system is scheduled to debut in time for UK’s Sept. 10 football home opener against Central Michigan.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL
Killebrew Root Beer more popular
Talk and commemoration of legendary Minnesota Twins slugger Harmon Killebrew in the wake of his May 17 death has helped boost demand for Killebrew Root Beer and Killebrew Cream Soda by 400 percent in 2011 compared with last year, said Jim Lundeen, who owns Ramsey, Minn.-based RJM Distributing, which makes the products. Killebrew Root Beer was founded in 1996 by Killebrew’s son, Kenny.
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MILES KENNEDY
Wasabi 3D artist Chris Sullivan has some fun with the Phillie Phanatic at the ballpark. |
PHILADELPHIA
Phillies, tourism group promote art
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. has partnered with the Philadelphia Phillies to offers ticket holders and tour takers the chance to have their photo taken with a large-scale, 3-D work of art featuring Citizens Bank Park, the Phillie Phanatic, the Philadelphia skyline and a “With Love, Philadelphia XOXO” letter.
PHOENIX
Mobile food ordering debuts at park
The Arizona Diamondbacks, Levy Restaurants and MLB Advanced Media debuted the At Bat Express Lane at Chase Field last week in conjunction with hosting this year’s MLB All-Star Game events. The offering gives fans the option of ordering food directly from their iPhones using MLB.com At Bat and then picking up their orders at concession stands.
ROCHESTER, N.Y.
Sabres renew with longtime AHL team
The Buffalo Sabres and Rochester Americans renewed their affiliation. The two franchises will begin the 2011-12 hockey season as affiliates for a 30th year after a three-year separation.
SACRAMENTO
Arena committee recruiting members
Think Big Sacramento, a locally based arena committee, is seeking applications from people who would join the group to organize a community design competition for a section of the new arena. The volunteers also would share information about the arena effort and recruit supporters.
SPARTA, KY.
Track renews medical provider
UK HealthCare extended its partnership with Kentucky Speedway and will continue to be the track’s official medical provider through 2014. UK HealthCare physicians and nursing staff have partnered with the Kentucky Speedway Fire and Safety Team to provide all on-site medical care for fans since the facility opened in 2000.
ST. LOUIS
Hulsizer eyeing Blues purchase
Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer is taking what was called “a serious look” at buying the St. Louis Blues, according to a report in The (Toronto) Globe and Mail. Hulsizer, who last month withdrew his offer to buy the Phoenix Coyotes, recently toured Scottrade Center in St. Louis with Blues Chairman Dave Checketts, according to the report. Checketts, who was not immediately available for comment, has been reviewing investors for the franchise.
TRENTON, N.J.
ECHL team suspends play
The Trenton Devils of the ECHL are suspending play beginning with the 2011-12 season. The NHL New Jersey Devils, which purchased a majority interest in the minor league team in 2006, are restructuring the organization’s player development system. The team, which plays at Sun National Bank Center, has struggled at to attract ticket buyers in an area populated with Philadelphia Flyers fans.
WINGATE, N.C.
World’s Strongest event scheduled
The MET-Rx World’s Strongest Man competition will be hosted by Wingate University in Wingate, N.C., in September. The event will be televised domestically on ESPN and ESPN2 and internationally on five continents in more than 100 countries and territories. The series is owned and produced by IMG Media. Wingate is 30 miles southeast of Charlotte.
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