Franchise Notes
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Magic Will Try To Sell Ads
On Players' Practice Jerseys |
Magic COO Alex Martins Wednesday said that the team "would begin as early as next week to try to sell ads on players' practice jerseys." In Orlando, Beth Kassab noted the news comes after NBA officials last week said that they "would begin to allow the ads this season, a welcome rule change for many teams struggling with attendance and revenue." Martins said that the Magic were "in the process of developing a price list for the ads." Martins, referring to naming rights, added, "The day we get to game jerseys, that's more valuable than the building." (ORLANDOSENTINEL.com, 8/5).
MOVING THE NEEDLE: In Seattle, Mark Rahner reports the "first 20,000 people inside Safeco Field" for Friday's Rays-Mariners game will "receive free Ken Griffey Jr. bobblehead dolls." Mariners Dir of Public Information Rebecca Hale said even though the bobbleheads have "been around baseball a long time, we find they still move the needle when it comes to ticket sales." Hale said that as of Thursday afternoon, ticket sales for Friday's game were "around 40,000, while the average is in the 20,000 range" (SEATTLE TIMES, 8/7). Meanwhile, also in Seattle, Steve Miletich reports the Mariners have "appealed a judge's ruling that cleared the way for a strip club to open near Safeco Field." The club is located "about 400 feet south of the main entrance to the baseball stadium" (SEATTLE TIMES, 8/7).
SUMMER CAMP: In Minneapolis, Zulgad & Scoggins note Vikings execs "have been pleased with fan turnout and merchandise sales" at the team's training camp at Minnesota State Univ.-Mankato. Vikings VP/Sales & Marketing Steve LaCroix Thursday said that attendance at the camp is up 60% over last year and that sales of Vikings-related items are up 50% (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 8/7).
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