Ever wonder how executives in sports business spend their weekends? THE DAILY this week continues "What's Up For The Weekend," providing readers with an inside look at people in our industry. This week we catch up with Madison Avenue Sports & Entertainment CEO JOE TACOPINA, who chatted with Staff Writer Theresa Manahan.
Q: What are your plans for this weekend?
Tacopina: On Saturday, I am visiting my three youngest kids at summer camp. On Sunday morning, I am bringing my oldest daughter, MORGAN, to the University of Massachusetts-Amherst for orientation, which I am very excited about. On Sunday evening, I am actually headed to one of my favorite places -- Rome. Not a pleasure trip, however, business related with my MadAve partner, ED HORNE.
Q: What do you like to watch and read on the weekend?
Tacopina: I am an avid History Channel watcher and a big Yankees fan. I am reading "Blink" by MALCOLM GLADWELL. It is about the power of thinking without thinking, and I find that it complements what I do everyday -- making spontaneous decisions. I have always found my first thoughts are usually the best ones.
Q: What workout routines or activities do you like to do on the weekend?
Tacopina: I like to ride my Pinarello Italian road bike. But chasing five kids around is really my main workout.
Q: What is the one thing our readers would be most surprised you do on the weekend?
Tacopina: Without question, sleep. Because I certainly don't do it during the week.
Q: Best weekend ever?
Tacopina: Watching my son's race in the Giant Slalom National Championships in Colorado a few years ago. For three kids from Connecticut they did pretty well.
Q: Favorite weekend getaway?
Tacopina: Being out on the water. My blood pressure drops to my ankles. It's my zen state and allows me to recharge.
Q: Favorite local restaurant?
Tacopina: Bobby Q's Bodacious BBQ & Grill. It is a BBQ restaurant in Westport, Conn. I love the atmosphere and smoked turkey.
Q: Do you have any routine weekend chores?
Tacopina: Yes, car service driver. With five kids I probably log more miles on the weekend then I do during the week.
Q: What is your favorite local nightlife activity?
Tacopina: Stay at home. I like to watch movies and catch up on reading -- things I can never do during the week.
Q: Must see weekend game?
Tacopina: This weekend I am looking forward to watching [DEREK] JETER get his 3,000th hit. Second to the Yankees, if I can catch a Mariners game I will. I have been a fan since I was a kid. I actually went to Seattle last weekend with one of my sons to see them play. Seeing ICHIRO [SUZUKI] live is something every sports fan should do at least once in their life.
