In Chicago, Chris Kuc notes although White Sox 2B Yoan Moncada went hitless in his debut with the team, the top prospect was a "big hit at the box office and with local TV ratings." The White Sox said that they sold "nearly 5,000 tickets from the time they announced Moncada was recalled" on Tuesday night "until game-time on Wednesday." Moncada "drew a standing ovation from the crowd of 24,907." CSN Chicago posted its "highest-rated Sox game of the season" with a 2.2 local rating, which is 144% higher than the current 0.9 season average (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/21).
SUPPLY & DEMAND: In Tampa, Greg Auman notes the best Buccaneers single-game tickets this season will "cost more for fans." As an added incentive to buy season tickets or five-game miniplans, the Bucs will have "higher individual ticket prices -- $70 for the least expensive upper-level seats instead of the $50 rate by season passes -- for their three most coveted home games this season, against the Patriots, Giants and Bears." The remaining games will be at a "higher cost -- $60 each as a starting point -- than what is available through season passes." The increase "suggest the Bucs are confident a winning product on the field will help maintain or increase attendance levels" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 7/21).
VIRGINIA SLIM? In DC, Thom Loverro writes under the header, "Why The Redskins Won't End Up In Virginia." For all the "bravado exhibited by Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe about luring the Redskins from Maryland to Virginia, he will be a spectator, out of office, by the time any such battle would take place for funding the proposed stadium." Loverro: "Good luck selling a new football stadium in northern Virginia to the politicians in and around Richmond. ... I've always believed the new stadium will wind up back in Maryland, near National Harbor" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 7/21).
