D-Backs VP/Sales & Marketing Scott Brubaker said the
expansion team's inaugural Opening Day will be the "grandest
sports event in Arizona history," according to Paul Giblin
of the MESA TRIBUNE. Ideas call for a month's worth of pre-
Opening Day events at Bank One Ballpark, a week-long MLB Fan
Fest, and a game-day street party (MESA TRIBUNE, 1/9).
CUBS: In Chicago, Mike Kiley reports that at MLB's
winter meetings, Cubs VP/Marketing & Broadcasting John
McDonough presented the idea of baseball declaring a
National Kids Day to be held during the '97 All-Star break.
Under "consideration" is an All-Star theme of "Cultivating
the fans of tomorrow" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 1/10).
WHITE SOX: Tailgating may be one promotional program
the White Sox implement to boost attendance. Team execs
"aren't committed to tailgating ... but are weighing cost
estimates" (Jim Kirk, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 1/10).
INDIANS: The Indians carnival, "Wahoo WinterFest," will
run February 1-2. It will feature autograph sessions with
players, clinics with coaches and seminars with players,
coaches and front office staff (Indians).
TIGERS: The Tigers annual Coca-Cola Winter Caravan is
set for January 27-29. Two team tours will travel
simultaneously to visit ten cities in MI and OH (Tigers).
