Editor’s note: This file is updated from the print edition.
ARLINGTON, VA.
MCM’s impact: $88 million
Last year’s Marine Corps Marathon resulted in $88 million in money spent throughout Arlington and Washington, D.C., according to an economic impact study conducted by Towson University’s Regional Economic Studies Institute. Of the $88 million spent for the Oct. 27 event, about $9 million was generated in state and local tax revenue.
CLEVELAND
Cavs, PwC pledge tree planting
The Cleveland Cavaliers and PwC US have launched a program called Trees for Threes. The program calls for the Cavs and PwC to plant one tree for every 3-pointer the Cavs make during regular-season home games.
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Hooks to have new video board
The Corpus Christi Hooks will return to Whataburger Field for the 2014 season with a new LED video display designed, manufactured and installed by Daktronics. The display will measure 20 feet high by 48 feet wide. The Texas League team is the Class AA affiliate of the Houston Astros.
DETROIT
Pistons open concierge lounge
The Detroit Pistons opened an exclusive concierge lounge on the club level of The Palace of Auburn Hills. It features a full-service business center and serves as a reception area. The space is one of the latest premium amenities offered to Pistons Black and Palace Royal members.
EL PASO, TEXAS
Chihuahuas on the big screen
TS Sports has partnered with the El Paso Chihuahuas to incorporate a digital video board at the team’s new downtown ballpark. TS Sports is installing a 29-by-59-foot primary video display and first- and third-base line LED ribbon displays. The Pacific Coast League team is the Class AAA affiliate of the San Diego Padres.
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With variable pricing, demand can vary based on opponent, day of the week, time of the game and placement of the game on the schedule.
Photo by: GETTY IMAGES
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FOXBORO, MASS.
Patriots begin variable pricing
The New England Patriots are introducing variable pricing for their season-ticket packages. While season tickets now will show three different prices for the 10 total home games, the overall price of the package will not change. Preseason games will be priced about 50 percent of “premier” games, while “marquee” games will be assigned a value approximately 25 percent higher than “premier” games.
KANSAS CITY
Royals campaign keeps it simple
The Kansas City Royals introduced a new
advertising campaign along with the tag line “Be Royal.” Kansas City-based ad agency Walz Tetrick, now in its second year with the club, helped develop the campaign. The effort will be seen throughout spring training and through the regular season in TV and radio ads, outdoor boards, newspaper ads, online banners, and social media.
LOS ANGELES
Dodgers launch ad campaign
The Los Angeles Dodgers launched their 2014 advertising, marketing and digital campaign, featuring the label “Live.
Breathe. Blue.” The campaign will include print, digital, television, radio and out-of-home components.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL
Wolves bump up most ticket prices
The Minnesota Timberwolves are increasing season-ticket prices for the 2014-15 season as the club continues to phase out some of the drastic price cuts that were put in place several years ago, when the team was among the NBA’s worst-performing clubs on the court. The average cost for a seat at Target Center will go up by $4 per game.
Kalil prepping for Pieology sites
Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil has become the local franchisee for a quick-service restaurant chain that aims to enter Minnesota this year. Kalil, 24, now owns the Pieology Pizzeria franchise rights for the state. Kalil’s father, Frank, who is assisting with the business launch, said plans call for having six locations up and running by the end of this year.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.
Pelicans appeal to Seahawks QB
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are asking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson to become a member of the team for one game in 2014. The Texas Rangers obtained the rights to Wilson, a former college and minor league player, in the Rule 5 draft in December. If Wilson were to join the Rangers’ Class A affiliate for a game in 2014, the Pelicans would donate $20,000 to the charity of Wilson’s choice.
ORLANDO
Magic extends role of SAS
The Orlando Magic selected SAS as its official analytics vendor. Already using SAS for data management, business intelligence and advanced analytics, the Magic will add SAS Visual Analytics for data visualization and mobile business intelligence.
RENO, NEV.
Wolf Pack extends radio deal
The University of Nevada athletics department and its multimedia rights holder, Wolf Pack Sports Properties, reached a two-year extension with Lotus Radio Corp. to carry Wolf Pack sports and related programming through the 2015-16 academic year.
SAN ANTONIO
Spurs launch mobile app
The San Antonio Spurs launched the team’s first mobile app designed to enhance the game-day experience and keep fans connected with access to team news, highlights, stats and videos. Additional features include social media integration, an interactive game schedule and a ticket-buying option.
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TULSA
Shock marks anniversary with logo
The Tulsa Shock is commemorating its fifth season in Tulsa this year with a logo that incorporates the branding of Osage Casino, the team’s marquee partner. Osage Casino has been a partner since the team’s debut season in 2010, which followed the franchise’s relocation from Detroit.
COAST TO COAST — BEYOND THE COASTS
FORTALEZA, BRAZIL
World Cup venue gets LEED status
Of the 12 venues that will host FIFA World Cup matches in Brazil this year, the Arena Castelão is the first to receive accreditation from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, according to an El Confidencial report. The stadium has a capacity of 63,903 and received a $145.3 million investment from the Brazilian government during construction.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND
Everton turns around the books
Everton FC turned a £6.4 million loss into a £700,000 profit for the financial year ending May 2013, according to a (London) Independent report. An improved, sixth-place Premier League finish generated a greater increase in broadcast revenue and gate receipts, which helped boost operating profit before player trading was taken into consideration.
LONDON
Arsenal wearing Jeanrichard
Swiss watchmaker Jeanrichard signed a long-term partnership agreement with Arsenal FC, gaining a presence within Emirates Stadium on match days and the right to create and distribute licensed products. Jeanrichard also will unveil a limited edition Arsenal-branded watch.
SOCHI, RUSSIA
British PM turns down Sochi invite
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CAMERON
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British Prime Minister David Cameron turned down an invitation to Sochi from Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a Sports Mole report. Cameron said his decision to avoid Sochi was not intended as a snub to Russia, contending instead that it is “not tradition” for a British ruler to attend the Winter Games.
TOKYO
Museum celebrating National Stadium
The Japan Soccer Museum is opening an exhibit this month celebrating Tokyo’s historic National Stadium, according to a Kyodo report. The stadium, which hosted the 1964 Summer Olympics, will be closed this year for reconstruction as the centerpiece of the 2020 Summer Olympics.
For more international news, visit www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/global.
