The Timbers will host their first-ever MLS home game tonight against the Fire before a sold-out crowd at Jeld-Wen Field and a national TV audience on ESPN2. Timbers MF Ryan Pore said, "It's going to be loud, fun and packed" (OREGONLIVE.com, 4/13). OREGONLIVE.com community blogger Kip Kesgard writes the new stadium is "uniquely Portland, and fans watching matches throughout the world will be able to identify Jeld-Wen Field easily." The venue has "enough quirks and touches that make it distinctive."

The MLB Giants and United Airlines today announced that they have signed a letter of agreement for United to operate the team's charter flights for all road games. United will also have a significant presence at AT&T Park, including branding on key signage throughout the ballpark. The Giants also will collaborate with the airline on customer/fan promotions, and will feature United on the schedule page of the team's website. The letter of intent provides the framework for a definitive agreement (Giants).

Mike Mayock reportedly will join the NFL Network broadcast booth as an analyst for the net's eight-game "Thursday Night Football" package. Mayock will replace Matt Millen and Joe Theismann in the booth. Bob Papa currently fills the net's play-by-play position, but sources indicated that NFL Network is "considering other broadcasters," including Gus Johnson of CBS and the Big Ten Network (SI.com, 4/14).

A source said that MLB is "leaning toward expanding replay for the 2012 season to include trapped balls and fair-or-foul rulings down the lines." The source said that MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and a group of umpires "discussed the extra video review at spring training and were in agreement." Out-or-safe calls on the bases would not be subject to review, "nor would ball-or-strike decisions" (AP, 4/14).

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will speak with Giants season-ticket holders in a conference call next Wednesday, one of "several conversations" he is holding "at the request of teams" as the lockout continues. Goodell spoke with Dolphins ticket holders last night and was scheduled to speak with Browns ticket holders today. NFL Senior VP/PR Greg Aiello said that Goodell will do the same with the Chargers later this week and with the Giants and 49ers next week, "with individual teams responsible for scheduling the sessions" (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 4/14).