In Houston, John McClain reported the Texans for '14 "are not raising ticket prices" after finishing "with an NFL-worst 2-14 record" last season. The Texans "elected not to increase ticket prices for the first time" since '11. The team has "sold out every game at Reliant Stadium" since its inception in '02, and will have an "average ticket price of $86.39 for the second consecutive season." That average price "ranked 12th in the NFL" in '13 (CHRON.com, 1/21).
ISSUE RESOLVED? In Denver, Andy Vuong noted the Broncos and Level 3 Communications are "among 12 businesses accused of falsely claiming that they complied" with int'l consumer privacy guidelines. The businesses allegedly "misrepresented that they abide by an international privacy framework known as the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor, which allows U.S. companies to transfer consumer data from the European Union to the U.S." The FTC yesterday announced "proposed settlements with the 12 businesses," which also included the Titans and Falcons. A Broncos spokesperson said, "This issue was caused by a clerical error related to the renewal of our privacy certification. It has since been resolved, and our website is in full compliance with all privacy regulations" (DENVERPOST.com, 1/21).
OH, CANADA: In Canada, Carl Clutchey notes NHL Jets Chair Mark Chipman yesterday addressed the prospect of moving the team's AHL affiliate, the St. John's IceCaps, to Thunder Bay, Ontario. Chipman said St. John's is a "great hockey market.” However, he added that Thunder Bay "simply offers more advantages to the Jets." The Jets relocated their AHL franchise to St. John's from Manitoba for the '11-12 season. The "relative proximity between Thunder Bay and Winnipeg would make it easier to shuttle players between the Jets and its AHL affiliate, as well as Winnipeg-based coaches wanting to scout developing talent at a future new Thunder Bay hockey rink." While Chipman "sounded enthusiastic about the prospect, he cautioned, 'that this is all very preliminary'" (Thunder Bay CHRONICLE-JOURNAL, 1/22).
