Franchise Notes
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Writer Describes Celtics '07-08 Championship
Rings As "Quarter-Pound Hunk Of White Gold" |
In Boston, Barbara Matson writes the Celtics' NBA championship ring, which the team received before last night's season-opener against the Cavaliers at TD Banknorth Garden, is a "quarter-pound hunk of white gold, with three emeralds forming a shamrock embedded in a field of 92 diamonds. And there is a special touch: Each bears Red Auerbach's signature engraved on the inside. On one side of the ring are Banner No. 17, the Celtics logo, and the motto 'Ubuntu,' a South African term adopted by the team last year. ... On the other side is the player's name and the number 17" (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/29). Red Sox Owner John Henry and President & CEO Larry Lucchino last night were in attendance for the Celtics' ring ceremony (BOSTON HERALD, 10/29).
SALES WIZARD: Wizards VP/Corporate Marketing Mark Schiponi, in an e-mail Q&A with the WASHINGTON TIMES' Tim Lemke, said the team's renewal rate "was a little under 90[%] this year, so we got off to a good start. Advanced ticket sales and groups are tracking a little ahead of last year, so we have a good story to tell so far on the tickets side." Schiponi said this season the team is "offering $31-a-game season tickets in the lower level. The gate price on that seat is normally $88. Fans also still can purchase season tickets ... for $16 a game. The gate price on those seats is normally $48. There are also a limited number of seats that sell for $10 each game, but they go very quickly." Schiponi said, "Sponsorships are going to be affected by the tough economic conditions, no question about that. We had a 16[%] increase last year, but we'll probably end up flat this year." Schiponi said some of the team's new corporate parters include "Enterasys (Information Technology), ShoreTel (Phone Systems), Holy Cross Hospital, General Dynamics, The Manhattan Club" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 10/29).
FEELING BLUE: In Columbus, Tom Reed reports the Blue Jackets for Monday's night's game against the Ducks at Nationwide Arena "set a franchise record" for the smallest crowd with an announced attendance of 10,494, more than 1,300 less than the previous mark set last season. The team ranks 29th in home attendance, averaging 13,801, "just ahead" of the Islanders. Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said, "I'm of the view that we have to earn back the trust of our fans. Until then, we are going to continue to suffer through these times" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 10/29).
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