The AP’s Michael Marot reported ticket sales for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Brickyard 400 are “lagging behind last year's pace, and race organizers worry it could produce a second straight record-low turnout for the July 31 race.” Indianapolis Motor Speedway President & CEO Jeff Belskus said, "We don't disclose numbers, but you saw a lot of empty seats here last year, and I think you're going to see more here this year." Belskus admitted that the “poor economy and high gas prices have made an impact on ticket sales, but he believes the tire fiasco of 2008 and too many stock car races in the Midwest have also played a part in the decline.” Marot noted ticket sales for Sprint Cup races "tend to pick up in the two months before the race, so things could change" (AP, 5/17).
POUR HOUSE: The Dynamo and Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) yesterday announced a long-term sponsorship deal that includes designation as the MLS team's exclusive soft drink provider. DPS also gains pouring rights and a founding partnership at the team's new stadium, set to open in '12. The company is the second to sign on as a founding partner in the upcoming venue. DPS will activate several elements of its deal throughout the current season, while working with the team on grassroots efforts (Dynamo).
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: In Philadelphia, Jonathan Tannenwald noted the MLS Philadelphia Union are “in negotiations to host Real Madrid this summer at Lincoln Financial Field” as part of the World Football Challenge. The deal is “not done yet, because there are a few major logistical hurdles that need to be cleared.” The projected date for the game is July 23, and if agreed to, the Union “would have to reschedule their game at Seattle that is currently set for” the same date (PHILLY.com, 5/17).
FAIR WARNING: In London, Paul Kelso reports the London Olympic board was “warned by its own advisers more than three years ago that” an EPL team “would be incompatible” with the Olympic stadium if a permanent track was retained. Reports from sports consultancy PMP Legacy advised that the Olympic board “reduce the stadium to a 25,000-seat” track & field-focused arena after the ’12 London Games. The report also revealed that the “flawed legacy plan was pursued despite potential tenants raising serious concerns over moving to a stadium with a permanent track, and PMP warning that it constituted a ‘high risk’” (London TELELGRAPH, 5/18).
ALL IN FAVOR: GOLF MAGAZINE’s Paul Mahoney wrote of France’s Le Golf National course winning the bid to host the ’18 Ryder Cup: “The players love it, and it will be a perfect risk-reward venue for Ryder Cup match-play drama.” Golfer Luke Donald said that France was “the logical choice.” Donald: “It will be a fantastic venue.” Martin Kaymer “was disappointed that Germany failed in its bid." But he praised the “fantastic golf course,” where he won the ’09 French Open. Kaymer: “It’s made for the Ryder Cup" (GOLF.com, 5/17).
