The U.S. Open begins play today in N.Y., marking the tournament's 50th anniversary under the Open format and 40th year in Flushing Meadows. The event will "celebrate the milestone with tributes, including a photo exhibit of its first Open champion, Arthur Ashe, on the grounds" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/26). This year's event is also noteworthy for the "serve clocks that will make their Grand Slam debut." Reviews of the 25-second clocks from players "so far have mostly been positive or indifferent" (AP, 8/27). The newly renovated Louis Armstrong Stadium "showcases a modern take on a classic, intimate tennis venue" originally built in '64. National Tennis Center COO Danny Zausner: “This is the last leg of this transformation, with the big goals being more open space, fan amenities, shade and an improved experience” (TENNIS.com, 8/24).

Thousands of fans "milled about the grounds" of Billie Jean King National Tennis Center yesterday for the tourney's final practice day, which "culminated a series of weeklong free events." Fans were "catching top players practicing under the hot sun and experiencing the U.S. Open atmosphere" (NEWSDAY, 8/27).

Rolex runs a full-age ad in the N.Y. Times depicting Arthur Ashe Stadium and previous U.S. Open winners Roger Federer, Sloane Stephens, Juan Martin del Potro and Angelique Kerber: "Rolex And The U.S. Open. Making History Together" (THE DAILY).

Following yesterday's mass shooting at a "Madden" esports tournament in Jacksonville, EA gaming officials have "not said if the competition will resume." EA publishes the "Madden NFL" series and sanctioned the tournament (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 8/27). EA in a statement said, "This is a horrible situation, and our deepest sympathies go out to all involved." The NFL also released a statement, saying, "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy today in Jacksonville. Our hearts go out to all those affected." This tournament was "scheduled to feature a number of past champions and notable competitors, many of whom have sizable followings" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 8/27).

Michelle Beadle’s impending departure from ESPN’s morning show “Get Up” was acknowledged at the top of today’s episode, with co-host Mike Greenberg saying, “It has come to my attention, we have news to share." Beadle pointed to her herself and said, “Three more years of NBA for this guy. Moving back to L.A. So, if you don’t like me, I’m sorry. It’s three more years.” Greenberg said, “It has been fun, and we will have some more fun for a few more days here before we make any kind of changes.” Beadle’s last day on the show will be Wednesday (“Get Up,” ESPN, 8/27).

NBC introduced the "Green Zone" during last night's Cardinals-Cowboys preseason game on "SNF," and NFL fans "proceeded to rip" this "new in-game feature." NBC Sports, attempting to "highlight the distance needed on third down to reach the first-down marker," made the surface a "darker shade of green as it led to the already-existing yellow line" (USATDOAY.com, 8/26). The innovation "did not go over well." The "issue here is that the green zone is pointless" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 8/26). 

NBC trying something new on tonight's broadcast. The "Green Zone." Shows you how much space is in front of the offense before they get a first down...which I thought the yellow line was for but what do I know! pic.twitter.com/4xNkCpuvKu

— Zach Bye (@byesline) August 27, 2018

ESPN will produce a MegaCast around Virginia Tech-Florida State next weekend, marking the second time it has done a MegaCast for a regular-season college football game. The game, scheduled for primetime on Monday night, will have seven feeds. ESPN will carry the traditional telecast, while ESPNews will carry the “Coaches Film Room” with Mack Brown, Gene Chizik, Hugh Freeze, Todd Graham and Jim Mora. ESPNU will have “Command Center,” which will carry multiple camera views simultaneously.

ESPN3 will have “DataCenter” (on-screen graphics and curated social media posts), “SkyCam” (a continuous feed from the SkyCam) and “All-22” (a vantage point where viewers can see all players on the field). New this year is “Blimpcast,” which will be on ESPN3 and will be shot from the Goodyear blimp over the field. Marty Smith and Ryan McGee will provide commentary in the blimp. Viewers will have three images on-screen: the traditional view of the game will be on the majority of the screen; a view from the blimp will be on a smaller part of the screen; and a camera fixed on Smith and McGee will be on screen, too.

Patriots QB Tom Brady "abruptly ended his Monday morning interview" with Boston-based WEEI-AM's "Kirk & Callahan" show over "questions about his trainer and business partner Alex Guerrero." For Friday's preseason game against the Panthers, Guerrero reportedly "traveled with the Patriots to North Carolina via the team plane." A seat on the plane was one of "several privileges coach Bill Belichick revoked from Guerrero in December." When asked about the issue, Brady said, "I’m not getting into all that." When pressed, Brady responded, "Alright, guys, have a great day. I’ll talk to you later." The interview lasted "just over six minutes" (BOSTON.com, 8/27).

The Blues' annual IceBreaker fan event at Ballpark Village yesterday was "packed," and "if another person was squeezed into the place, the roof might have popped off." There were "maybe 1,000 or more -- crammed together." Fans saw the team's third jersey unveiled, which "looks very much like the team’s Winter Classic sweaters" from the '16-17 season. The evening was a "telling indication of the buzz and expectations surrounding this team this season" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 8/27).

Meanwhile, the Bruins Fan Fest Tour yesterday "made its annual stop at a packed Alex and Ani City Center" in Providence, R.I. Optimism "was the order of the day as fans by the hundreds bought team gear, got autographs and had pictures taken" with players and coaches alike (PROVIDENCE JOURNAL, 8/27).

Many of the NHL's "best American-born hockey players donated their time and money" for yesterday's Stars & Stripes Showdown charitable exhibition in the Detroit suburb of Plymouth, with appearances by Blackhawks RW Patrick Kane and Maple Leafs C Auston Matthews. The event honored late USA Hockey exec Jim Johannson, who died in January after leaving a "profound effect on the sport in the U.S., as witnessed by the turnout at USA Hockey Arena." The game benefited the Jim Johannson Legacy Fund of The USA Hockey Foundation, as well as the Ellie Johannson College Fund (MLIVE.com, 8/26). The event drew a "sold-out crowd." It was "spearheaded" by Red Wings C Dylan Larkin (DETROIT NEWS, 8/27).

Meanwhile, Kane headlined Saturday's second annual Chicago Hockey Charity Classic along with his former teammate, Coyotes C Vinnie Hinostroza. The game and silent auction "raised nearly $50,000 for Special Olympics Chicago" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 8/26).

Pizza Hut is returning for a fourth season sponsoring ESPN's "College GameDay" as the show's official pizza. Activation will include an onsite "House of Pi" lounge area and ESPN's Maria Taylor teaming up with the chain for custom content (Pizza Hut).

EPL club Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich is "rejecting an approach" from private equity firm Silver Lake Partners, which reportedly "wanted to buy a minority stake" in the club (SUNDAY TIMES, 8/26).

“I learned that Roger Goodell is very damaged, a deeply unpopular leader not only among players and fans but in the country at large. That is a big problem for the league, and every owner knows it" -- N.Y. Times political writer Mark Leibovich, on research for his upcoming book, "Big Game: The NFL In Dangerous Times" (NBCSPORTS.com, 8/27).

"Last year at this time was a very difficult time. Our city went through a lot, but people also gave us a lot of reasons for hope. It's been incredible to see the generosity. It's been really cool" -- Texans DE J.J. Watt, reflecting on his year-old online fundraising initiative that raised more than $37M to provide relief to victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/27). 

"Well, he's the president of the United States. You have to respect the office. No matter who is in the office, you may like, dislike personality or the politics, but we all must respect the office" -- Tiger Woods, on President Trump (ESPN.com, 8/27).

"Yeah, because we continue to put sand on the grass and the Argos plays (there), TFC 2 plays (there), everybody play on this field and then every game we lose a player (to injury), this is not possible" -- Toronto FC F Sebastian Giovinco, on the club's "nearly unprecedented run of injuries this year" sustained at BMO Field (TORONTO SUN, 8/27).

"You want to be a part of something that brings that everywhere you turn. It’s the ushers, it’s a multi-organizational thing. It’s everything. It’s the presentation of hope" -- Orioles manager Buck Showalter, on the team "publicly leaning into their status as a rebuilding club" since last month’s trade deadline (BALTIMORE SUN, 8/27).

Writer Kashana Cauley pens a special to the N.Y. TIMES under the header, "Football Players Are Protesting Police Violence, Not The Anthem." There are "consequences to mischaracterizing the reason players aren’t standing," and President Trump "keeps coming back to this issue over and over." Now more than ever, "it’s important that people who comment on or cover the NFL protests tell their audiences the truth of what the protests are really about."

Also:

• How the late John McCain, Muhammad Ali "found common ground despite differences."
• The "four best things" about Amazon's "All Or Nothing" installment on Manchester City.

Thanks to friends who have reached out. My son and I were on our way to GLHF Game Bar here in Jacksonville when we were rerouted by police. Deeply saddened, hoping for the safety of those still in the area.

— David Higdon (@davidhigdon) August 26, 2018

Following the tragic news from Jacksonville and my heart goes out to my former colleagues that were on site, the competitive players that I got to know, and all of their families. It’s a video game for God’s sake...@EAMaddenNFL

— Peter Moore (@PeterMooreLFC) August 26, 2018

What an incredible moment for golf in canada. The extra pressure that comes with playing at home can be difficult to handle but you crushed it! One of us had to win on home soil first! Congrats @BrookeHenderson!!

— adam hadwin (@ahadwingolf) August 26, 2018

Amazing job by @karlravechespn and his team @LittleLeague #LLWS To capture the essence of not only the teams and personalities but the shared experiences of kids from around the world. Such a great lesson for us as adults.

— Seth Greenberg (@SethOnHoops) August 26, 2018

It’s funny when A-Rod laughs at his own bad jokes.

— bob raissman (@nydnraiss) August 27, 2018

If you see a tweet we will not want to miss, send it to us at editorial@sportsbusinessdaily.com.

.@Nike hooked the Ovechkins up with some gear for Baby Sergei and can we taLK ABOUT THOSE TINY KICKS 😍👶

[📹 IG: nastyashubskaya] pic.twitter.com/r7Nmfrp80g

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) August 24, 2018

A brief hit on the stories you need to know ... Subscribe on iTunes ... Check out our podcast home.

Some of the top news items from yesterday's edition of Weekend Rap:

• Comcast, Fox settle "high-profile carriage dispute over the Big Ten Network."
• Knicks Gaming defeats Heat Check Gaming to win NBA 2K League Finals. 
• NWSL Washington Spirit draw largest "home crowd in its history" at Audi Field.
• Red Wings unveil "revamped center-ice presentation" at Little Caesars Arena.

This week's In Depth looks at the sport of tennis' history and future, with a focus on the U.S. Open.

• Merch sales for young stars help NASCAR weather marquee departures.
• Sports execs weigh in on what stories they are following closely.
• Collegiate concussion cases could have implications across the industry.

Get a jump on the big stories in this week's SBJ in the First Look podcast.

Friday night’s “Final Jeopardy!” category was “Classic Literary Characters.”

“He declares that one of the people he is trying to emulate is a medieval knight known as Amadis of Gaul.”

Friday night’s edition of “Jeopardy!” featured the category “Elite Athletes.”
$200: “In 2017 she won the Australian Open singles title while sort of playing doubles – she was pregnant at the time.” 
$400: “Running the 200 meters in 19.93 seconds at age 17, this Jamaican became the first teen to ever break 20 seconds.” 
$600: “’Gronk’ is all fans need to identify this man who set the Patriots’ career touchdown record at age 27.”
$800: “An eventful 2017 for Justin Verlander – traded to the Astros, he helped win a World Series, then he wed this model.”
$1000: “7’3’’ with a 7’6’’ wingspan, Kristaps Porzingis stands tall and wide in the world’s most famous arena for this team.”

“Who is Don Quixote?” 

Correct responses to the “Elite Athletes” category:
$200: “Who is Serena Williams?”
$400: “Who is Usain Bolt?”
$600: “Who is Rob Gronkowski?”
$800: “Who is Kate Upton?”
$1000: “Who are the Knicks?”