The March of Dimes Sports Luncheon, for decades one of the most important and valued sports industry gatherings, tips off today for the 37th time in Manhattan, at a site around half the size of its usual location. Consequently, ticket demand is at an all-time high, and some longtime committee members are peeved about being shut out of what is perhaps the industry’s top see-and-be-seen event.
Normally held at the N.Y. Hilton, today's event will be at Cipriani 42nd Street, meaning the usual attendance of 700-800 will be reduced by 40-50% to around 400. MOD Exec Dir Shelly Siegel rejected an interview request, but a source close to senior leadership said that fundraising will not be reduced by nearly as much as the crowd size. Normally, the event raises around $800,000-1M for the MOD’s fight against birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The source said this year’s event would raise 80-90% of a normal year.
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"I was told this (is) the best available option,’’ said former CBS Sports President Neil Pilson, the original architect of the event. “Unfortunately, there are a lot of disappointed people, but it shows how this has become the sports industry’s best social function. It’s important to be there.” Some longtime MOD luncheon committee members complained that they hadn’t been consulted on any changes, questioned the use of Cipriani, said some sponsors were unable to get seats and added that there may have been other venues available.
"Going to a place like Cipriani, which holds fewer people and costs a lot more, doesn’t make sense," said one. Said another committee veteran: “They’ve alienated some of the people who helped build and maintain this over the years." CBS Sports Chair Sean McManus has chaired the event for around 20 years. A CBS spokesperson did not return emails seeking comment from him.
This year’s luncheon will honor former NHLer Henrik Lundqvist and Gold Medal-winning sprinter Allyson Felix as the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year; Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren will receive the Sports Leadership Award. WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon will get the Corporate Leadership award.
Sports Business Journal is an official sponsor of the luncheon and has been for more than 15 years.
