Harris (l) and Blitzer are hoping to revitalize downtown Newark by creating an entertainment districtgetty images
76ers and Devils co-Managing Partners JOSH HARRIS and DAVID BLITZER are "betting big on Newark with the desire to turn it into a favorable option" to N.Y. Their visions "extend well past the ice and the hardwood." Rather, they "lie in the communities outside" of the Prudential Center. Investing in the community is "all part" of Harris and Blitzer's "vision to build up Newark into the next Hoboken or Jersey City." Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment is "working with developers and the city to revitalize the downtown area by creating an entertainment district that will not only draw more fans to Devils games, but turn the Prudential Center into a destination venue for concert goers and families looking for a night out" (NORTHJERSEY.com, 8/7).
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS: Patriots coach BILL BELICHICK is "still going strong at 66, and he seems to have found that perfect work/life balance." While the Patriots "may be in the middle of training camp," Belichick and Patriots Owner ROBERT KRAFT still made it to Canton on Saturday night for RANDY MOSS’ "induction to the Hall of Fame." On Sunday night, Belichick was "hanging out at Fenway Park, watching the series finale" of Yankees-Red Sox with Red Sox President of Baseball Operations DAVE DOMBROWSKI and VP & Special Advisor TONY LA RUSSA. In the spring, Belichick "went to the Preakness and Belmont to watch Justify win the Triple Crown" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/8).
NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE? An upcoming Oklahoma Republican Party fundraiser "will be at the Oklahoma City home" of Thunder F PAUL GEORGE, but "don't consider it a political statement." Oklahoma Republican Party Chair PAM POLLARD "stressed in an interview that George will not be there and is 'absolutely not, in any way whatsoever' making a political statement." Pollard: "From what I understand, he actually leases his house. This is his seasonal home. We are renting it from the person that he actually leases it from" (OKLAHOMAN, 8/8).
DROPPING DIMES: Rockets G CHRIS PAUL made a $2.5M donation to “support Wake Forest basketball.” Paul’s donation is the “largest ever by any Wake Forest alumnus under 35.” It will be used to “help redesign the men’s and women’s basketball clubhouses with expanded locker rooms, nutrition resources and treatment areas.” The new Chris Paul Locker Room for the men’s team “will be named in his honor” (CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.com, 8/7).
NAMES: Cleveland-based Great Lakes Brewing Co. is "paying tribute" to former Browns player JOE THOMAS with a “limited-edition kolsch-style ale” that will hit the local market next month. The collaboration came about after Thomas “bonded over a beer with his next-door neighbor,” Great Lakes CEO BILL BOOR (OHIO.com, 8/7)....Celtics F MARCUS MORRIS and Wizards F MARKIEFF MORRIS have signed with agent RICH PAUL and Klutch Sports Group as their “new representation” (NBCSPORTS.com, 8/6)....Country music artist DARIUS RUCKER and World Golf HOFer BETH DANIEL will “serve as co-chairs” of the ’19 U.S. Women’s Open to be played at the Country Club of Charleston (POSTANDCOURIER.com, 8/7)....Longtime former Golf Channel anchor KELLY TILGHMAN has been “selected for induction” into the South Carolina Golf HOF. She is being inducted alongside golfer and Clemson alum CHARLES WARREN on Jan. 12 (MYRTLEBEACHONLINE.com, 8/6)....The V Foundation for Cancer Research announced the V Foundation Wine Celebration, celebrating its 20th anniversary, raised more than $18M during this past weekend’s events (V Foundation)....The historic 20-story W.T. Waggoner Building in downtown Ft. Worth “has been bought” by Northland Properties, a company led by Stars Owner TOM GAGLARDI (STAR-TELEGRAM.com, 8/7).
