CARLSBAD, CALIF.
LPGA event returning
The LPGA Kia Classic will return to the La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., next year, according to a North County Times report. This year’s event was played at Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms in City of Industry, Calif., because La Costa was undergoing a $50 million renovation project.
CHARLOTTE
ACC football finale passes ticket goal
Ticket sales for the ACC football championship game being held Dec. 3 at Bank of America Stadium passed the 33,000 mark last week, according to a Charlotte Observer report. The goal that had been set by organizing group Charlotte Collegiate Football was 30,000 before the participating teams are determined.
CHICAGO
Bears, AthletiCo expand partnership
The Chicago Bears named AthletiCo Physical and Occupational Therapy the official physical therapy provider of the team. Working with the Bears since 2002, AthletiCo’s expanded relationship includes providing trainers to work with the team’s training staff. In addition, on game days at Soldier Field, AthletiCo will have an increased in-stadium presence, including sponsorship of the digital scoreboard and end zone LED displays.
COLUMBUS
Jackets extend deal with tire maker
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Kenda Tires agreed to a multiyear extension of their deal. Kenda has been an official team partner since 2005. The primary elements of the agreement include Kenda being featured on ice-level signage along with its sponsorship of the interactive Tire Toss game.
DENVER
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Fans cheer as cyclists complete the final stage from Golden, Colo., to Denver Aug. 28.
Photo by: GETTY IMAGES
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Cycling event tally: $83.5 million
The inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge, which ran across Colorado Aug. 22-28, brought an $83.5 million economic impact to Colorado, including $67.4 million in direct spending on lodging, food, transportation and entertainment. More than 1 million visitors watched the bicycle race, according to a new study from global sports research firm IFM.
Rockies increase ticket prices
The Colorado Rockies are increasing season-ticket prices for the first time in four years. Four sections of outfield seats won’t see any increase, but sitting in other sections of Coors Field will cost between 3 percent and 8 percent more next year than in 2011. The Rockies went 73-89 this season, including 38-43 at home.
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO.
New Rockies affiliate has home field
The Colorado Rockies will use Suplizio Field in Grand Junction as the home of the minor league Grand Junction Rockies, paying $25,000 rent annually. The Grand Junction Rockies formerly were the Casper (Wyo.) Ghosts. The Pioneer League team has a 15-year lease with the city of Grand Junction to use the field and an option of three five-year extensions.
JAMESTOWN, N.Y.
Seminar looks at Sabres’ ‘Anatomy’
The Buffalo Sabres will be the focus of a legal education seminar Tuesday at the Robert Jackson Center in Jamestown, N.Y. Sabres President Ted Black will be the principal speaker at the event, titled “The Anatomy of the Buffalo Sabres.” The seminar is approved for New York state continuing legal-education credit for practicing lawyers. Jamestown is 60 miles south of Buffalo.
LOS ANGELES
D-Fenders add Lakers perks
The Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA D-League are marketing themselves in part by aligning with the Los Angeles Lakers, their NBA affiliate, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. An $1,800 season ticket to all 24 D-Fenders home games will come with Lakers incentives, including the chance for the buyer to purchase two tickets to a Lakers game every month as well as having first crack at Lakers individual playoff tickets before they go on sale to the general public.
Dodgers lowering most ticket prices
The Los Angeles Dodgers are lowering ticket prices and adding new benefits for many season-ticket holders for next season. Lower pricing and benefits will be available for 96 percent of the seats in Dodger Stadium. More than 35,000 seats will be available for $20 or less per game on a season-ticket basis.
PHILADELPHIA
‘Mighty Macs’ premieres
Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center hosted the premiere of the movie “The Mighty Macs,” which tells the story of the 1971-72 Immaculata University women’s basketball team that won the first women’s national basketball championship. The movie was filmed in 2007, but it took four years to get a distribution deal for the film.
Union signs first radio partner
The Philadelphia Union signed a deal with CBS Radio’s SportsRadio 610 WIP, giving the Union its first radio partner. Beginning in 2012, WIP will broadcast live 17 of the Union’s matches and will partner with the team to produce a weekly one-hour soccer show.
PULLMAN, WASH.
WSU regents review stadium plan
Washington State University regents met last week to review plans for $80 million in improvements to Martin Stadium, according to an Associated Press report. The regents at a planned Nov. 18 meeting will be asked to approve the privately funded upgrades, which include a larger press box structure filled with luxury seating, according to the report.
TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG
Lightning renew insurance sponsor
The Tampa Bay Lightning renewed its sponsorship with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida as the team’s exclusive health insurance provider. The team also signed a new agreement with CDW, with the company providing more than 300 flat-screen LG TVs as part of the St. Pete Times Forum’s $40 million renovation. CDW will receive various marketing elements.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
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The Caps captain was a good sport when confronted with his wax twin last week.
Photo by: GETTY IMAGES
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Ovechkin joins Madame’s lineup
Alex Ovechkin was immortalized in wax and added to Madame Tussauds’ lineup of historic figures at the attraction’s Washington, D.C., location. The museum unveiled the life-size Washington Capitals center last week.
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