IN ARIZONA: The D'Backs and AZ-based Essential Data
Control Systems (EDCS) have outfitted Bank One Ballpark with
20 interactive kiosks where fans can obtain personalized
coupons and receive rewards for being a "frequent fan"
(Diamondbacks). The D'backs averaged 44,448 in their first
season, but Greg Hansen notes that 36,105 attended Randy
Johnson's home debut -- an 8-1 loss to the Dodgers -- last
night at Bank One Ballpark. Hansen wonders, "Is the party
already over?" (ARIZONA DAILY STAR, 4/16).
MORE NOTES: In Boston, Bob Ryan writes on angry Celtics
fans at the FleetCenter: "What we have now at the Fleet is a
fandom that pines for the old days [and] that loathes the
truly insulting and irrelevant 'game presentation' that
assumes you really haven't come for the game" (BOSTON GLOBE,
4/16)....The IHL K.C. Blades will hold "Toothless Night" at
their final home game of the season, during which all fans
missing a tooth will receive free admission. Those with a
chipped tooth will receive a half-priced ticket (Blades).
...MLS Galaxy President Tim Leiweke, "denying" reports that
the team is moving from the Rose Bowl to the L.A. Coliseum:
"If we move, we're building our own stadium. We're in a
unique situation. We happen to have the resources and the
expertise to build our own facility. For us to spend $30 or
$40 million is nothing" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/16).
