COLUMBUS
Jackets renew partnerships
The Columbus Blue Jackets renewed corporate partnerships with Medical Mutual of Ohio, Crowne Plaza Columbus Downtown, Kenda Tires and Diageo. Diageo has been with the team since 2011, Medical Mutual since 2009, Kenda since 2005 and Crowne Plaza since the team’s debut in 2000.
DAYTONA BEACH, FLA.
Speedway works on safety fencing
A project to reinforce the crossover gates in Daytona International Speedway’s safety fencing started late last month, according to a Daytona Beach News-Journal report. The work will be completed prior to this weekend’s NASCAR races at the facility, according to Andrew Booth, the track senior manager of media relations. The safety fencing failed to stop crash debris from injuring fans in a February race.
EAST LANSING, MICH.
Trustees OK stadium addition
The Michigan State University Board of Trustees approved a $24.5 million two-story addition to the north end of Spartan Stadium, according to a Detroit Free Press report. The 50,000-square-foot structure will include locker rooms for teams and coaches, a locker room for officials, renovated gates that comply with Homeland Security recommendations, and media rooms.
MIAMI
Ross forming Florida PAC
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is forming a Florida-based political action committee that will support Gov. Rick Scott’s re-election effort and make what sources are calling a nonpartisan effort in certain state races, according to a Politico report. Ross calls the PAC Florida Jobs First.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL
Wolves owner buys out partners
Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor has purchased the holdings of six minority investors in the club, according to a Minneapolis Star Tribune report. Taylor made the move after being unsuccessful in his earlier expressed effort to find a buyer for the club who would originally own a portion of the team but eventually would take over majority ownership.
Ripken group working on parks
The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation is developing two multipurpose Youth Development Parks in partnership with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board at North Commons and Farview parks. Construction began in mid-June and is expected to take four to six months to complete both facilities.
NEW YORK
Rare pieces at All-Star auction
 |
|
 |
Warren Spahn was Cy Young Award runner-up three times and won in 1957. The Babe Ruth “Play Ball” movie poster is one of only two known to exist.
Photos: HUNT AUCTIONS
|
Hunt Auctions will hold a live two-day auction at the Jacob Javits Convention Center July 15-16 as part of MLB All-Star Week. More than 800 items will be available. The personal collection of Warren Spahn, including his 1957 Cy Young Award (estimated value $75,000-$125,000), will be offered. Other unique items include a rare 1932 Babe Ruth movie poster ($100,000-$200,000), Hank Aaron and Stan Musial game-used bats, and a 1946 Ted Williams game-worn jersey.
PEORIA, ILL.
Par-A-Dice renews with Bradley
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino renewed its silver-level corporate sponsorship with Bradley University athletics and will present an in-game, timeout element during four men’s basketball games next season. During the Bradley Brain Teaser timeout, one fan at Carver Arena will compete in a contest. If the fan wins, that fan’s entire seating row will win a prize from Par-A-Dice. If the fan doesn’t win, all fans in the row behind where that person sits will win the prize.
PHILADELPHIA
Citizens Bank Park No. 1 for PETA
Citizens Bank Park was once again ranked as the most vegetarian-friendly ballpark by the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The Philadelphia Phillies’ ballpark has finished first in the organization’s rankings six out of the last seven years. Citizens Bank Park’s vegetarian offerings include a faux-chicken patty, faux chicken-steak and faux “pit beef” smothered in barbecue sauce.
Eagles issue public practice tickets
The Philadelphia Eagles distributed nearly 130,000 free tickets for their planned five public training camp sessions at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles are moving their camp activities to Philadelphia after spending the past 16 summers training at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. Most practice sessions (not open to the public) will be held at the team’s NovaCare Complex.
SACRAMENTO
Kings report swift ticket renewals
Sacramento Kings public relations director Chris Clark said that more than 90 percent of last year’s season-ticket holders have renewed, and several thousand new buyers were expected to select seats early last week, according to a Sacramento Bee report. The Kings last week opened the doors of Sleep Train Arena for season-ticket holders to pick out their seats for next season.
SAN JOSE
Quakes use mobile sales trailer
The San Jose Earthquakes debuted a mobile sales trailer equipped with 3-D technology to help fans visualize the team’s under-construction stadium. Earthquakes President Dave Kaval said that the team has sold hundreds of season tickets in the first few weeks of the new sales approach, and is taking requests from companies or fans who want to see the Quakes at their office.
UTICA, N.Y.
AHL Comets to begin play
The American Hockey League is returning to Utica as the Vancouver Canucks will relocate their top affiliate from Peoria, Ill. The Utica Comets will begin play in the 2013-14 season, with their home games at the Utica Memorial Auditorium and under the management of Mohawk Valley Garden. The Utica Devils, then the AHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils, played at the arena from 1987-93.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Rockets sold, but still sell at FedEx
Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder’s private equity firm sold Johnny Rockets last month, but the chain will continue to be represented inside FedEx Field, according to a Washington Post report. Johnny Rockets President and CEO John Fuller said the chain continues to have a contract with Centerplate, which handles FedEx Field concessions.
COAST TO COAST — BEYOND THE COASTS
LONDON
Prince opens Wimbledon store
Prince Global Sports opened its first branded store for Wimbledon near the All England Lawn Tennis Club. During the two weeks of this year’s tournament, Prince will be visible throughout the entire Wimbledon Village as the official sponsor of all retail store windows and is also the official license partner of Wimbledon for rackets, accessories and bags.
 |
Wimbledon’s iPad app
|
Wimbledon has iPad app
Wimbledon has launched an iPad application in hopes of appealing to a younger audience, according to a Reuters report. The app allows users to navigate around the tournament grounds via a photographic map, zooming in on specific courts to get updates on the state of play.
Chelsea, Adidas add 10 years
Chelsea and Adidas agreed to a 10-year contract extension of their jersey deal worth $450 million, according to multiple reports. Chelsea announced the deal after CEO Ron Gourlay negotiated the agreement directly with Adidas Chairman and CEO Herbert Hainer.
MANCHESTER
Builders cannot wear jerseys
Manchester City and Manchester United replica shirts have been banned from being worn by workers on the Etihad Campus, Man City’s new $154 million training complex, according to multiple media reports. Construction company BAM stated that shirts of any teams, not just the Manchester rivals, are not allowed due to the partisan nature of football.
PARIS
 |
Photo by: BUSINESS WIRE
|
Belkin sponsors Blanco cycling
Technology company Belkin signed an agreement to become the title sponsor of the Blanco Pro Cycling Team, which will be renamed the Belkin Pro Cycling Team. The team will begin competing under its new name and logo at this year’s Tour de France. The team was formerly sponsored by Rabobank.
For more international news, visit www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/global.
