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MLS kicks off '21 season with fans in stands....Minnesota United, Sounders players take pre-game stand for social, racial justice....F1 officially coming to Miami's Hard Rock Stadium in '22

MLS, clubs celebrate widespread return of fans

MLS kicked off its '21 season this weekend, with fans present at stadiums across the country and the league's newest club making its long-awaited debut. Austin FC fell 2-0 to LAFC yesterday before a crowd of 4,900 at Banc of California Stadium. Today, the MLS Cup champion Crew take on the Philadelphia Union, the first time in league history the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup winners from the previous season will play each other on opening weekend (SBJ).

The Fire played at Soldier Field -- with fans in attendance -- for the first time in 15 years yesterday, greeting them with a “WELCOME HOME" message displayed "across the seats of the 400 level." The 8,102 fans on hand for Fire-Revolution gave the match a "special feel despite the 2-2 draw" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/18).

In Orlando, Exploria Stadium "was 50% full and every seat was sold with a crowd of 11,503 fans" for Orlando City-Atlanta United yesterday. Before the match, there was a "moment of silence for ... COVID-19 victims." Those in attendance showed they "were ready to get out of their houses and come out and play again" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 4/18).

The chart below lists attendance numbers for Friday and Saturday's MLS games that had fans (No fans attended CF Montreal-Toronto FC at DRV PNK Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale).

GAME DATE VENUE ATTENDANCE
Dynamo-Earthquakes 4/16 BBVA Stadium 6,376
Sounders-Minnesota United 4/16 Lumen Field 7,042
Orlando City-Atlanta United 4/17 Exploria Stadium 11,503
LAFC-Austin FC 4/17 Banc of California Stadium 4,900
DC United-NYCFC 4/17 Audi Field 4,500
FC Dallas-Rapids 4/17 Toyota Stadium 8,621
Red Bulls-Sporting KC 4/17 Red Bull Arena Not announced
Fire-Revolution 4/17 Soldier Field 8,102
Nashville SC-FC Cincinnati 4/17 Nissan Stadium Not announced
Download the
MLS opening weekend attendance chart

Minn. United, Sounders stand for social justice

Minnesota United and Sounders players on Friday night opened the MLS season by "uniting at midfield" to demonstrate for racial and social justice. They "leaned in a center circle, standing side by side and shoulder to shoulder, arms linked with one another and with some coaches." Players "wore black armbands and jersey shoulder patches that read 'Equality, Acceptance, Diversity' for racial and social justice as well as for victims of COVID-19." Some Minnesota United players "approached club management with the idea." The players then "invited the Sounders to join them, and they accepted" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/18).

F1's push into U.S. grows, adds Miami to slate in '22

By Adam Stern
GETTY IMAGES

Miami will join the Formula 1 schedule starting next year as part of a major new 10-year partnership that will become a key fulcrum of the series’ efforts to grow in America. The deal between F1 and the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium was announced ahead of today’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy, where Dolphins CEO and Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Managing Partner Tom Garfinkel was among those on hand to usher in the new partnership.

The race will be held around Hard Rock Stadium with a 3.36-mile, 19-corner circuit where top speeds will hit nearly 199 miles per hour. Miami will be the 11th location that F1 has raced at in the U.S. since 1950, joining Riverside, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix, Indianapolis and Circuit of the Americas in Austin. F1 is not releasing the date of the race today. However, new F1 President & CEO Stefano Domenicali in a press conference this morning said it would be in the second quarter of the year.

Today’s announcement is the culmination of years of trying to add a race in the Miami area by F1 and Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross. After the project went dormant last year, the sides suddenly found a break-through when Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris sponsored a community benefits package last week that the city council passed on a 5-2 vote. That package, which promises a $5 million investment over 10 years among other initiatives, ended up being the key hurdle to clear.

Domenicali in a prepared statement noted that the U.S. “is a key growth market for us, and we are greatly encouraged by our growing reach in the US which will be further supported by this exciting second race.”

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, who is American and has long supported the bid to add more races here, told SBJ of the announcement: “It’s huge news. Obviously there are a variety of very important strategic initiatives (to grow F1) if you’d like and right at the top of that list is further penetrating North America. Getting a race in Miami that can really bring a ton of more awareness to America, also while featuring DEI, sustainability and community involvement … I couldn’t be happier and it’s a big day for F1.”

The Miami race is expected to become the second annual race that F1 will host in the U.S., although it’s not yet clear if the other will remain at COTA or perhaps shift to another venue in 2022. Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Las Vegas are said to be bidding for a slot.

Ahead of the formal announcement this morning, F1 changed its social media avatars to a Miami Vice-inspired purple and blue logo.

Amazon airs first of 21 Yankees games this season

Today's Rays-Yankees is the "first of 21 Yankees games" Amazon Prime Video will carry this season. The "key is that the 21 games also will be on WPIX-TV and were not scheduled as part of the YES Network’s slate." That would have "represented a huge shift -- and presumably violated YES’ contracts with its distributors." Amazon "merely will offer an alternative way of watching games that already are on free television, at least for people who are within YES’ New York-area footprint." That Amazon is a part-owner of the YES Network is "not a coincidence in this arrangement." For now, the Yankees are "the only MLB team with which Amazon has this sort of arrangement." There is "no additional cost beyond the regular Prime membership fee of $119 per year" (NEWSDAY, 4/17).

Alabama football sets pandemic attendance record

The Univ. of Alabama held its spring football game yesterday "with 47,218 fans in attendance," marking the "most fans at a sporting event in the United States since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 4/17). Those who stayed at Bryant-Denny Stadium through the end of Alabama’s A-Day Game "got to celebrate the Crimson Tide’s 2020 national title." The school had a "short program after the spring game to commemorate the undefeated team" (AL.com, 4/17).

Michigan State yesterday announced that it "will cap attendance at 6,000 fans -- about 8% of the 75,005 capacity" -- for the Green and White scrimmage next Saturday at Spartan Stadium. The game "will be broadcast on Big Ten Network." Tickets "will be distributed digitally starting Tuesday for the top three levels of donors, who will be able to claim up to four tickets." On Wednesday, tickets "will be available to the general public on msuspartans.com, with a chance to secure up to four per person." All email addresses receiving digital tickets "will be sent a link 24 hours prior to the event to complete a mandatory health screening" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/18).

Univ. of Oregon athletics announced that "approximately 15% capacity of Autzen Stadium, which would equal roughly 8,100 fans" in the 54,000 seat stadium, "will be able to attend the spring game on May 1" (Portland OREGONIAN, 4/18).

Sources: EPL clubs in talks on Euro super league

Fifteen of Europe's biggest soccer clubs are "in talks to launch a European Super League," planned to start in time for the '23-24 season, with a $6B fund "backing the project," according to sources. If the initiative is successful, it "would threaten the existence of the Champions League -- football's biggest club competition -- with UEFA due to announce on Monday a new 36-team format for the tournament designed to stave off attempts by the game's top clubs to break away." Sources said that JP Morgan "will underwrite the project," with $6B "distributed as loans to the teams" (ESPN.com, 4/19).

Sources said that ManU, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham "have signed up to the breakaway plan," with Man City the "last of the Big Six yet to do so." The EPL today "held an emergency board meeting and wrote to all 20 clubs," with EPL CEO Richard Masters "calling for the rebels to 'walk away immediately before irreparable damage is done.'" Masters told the clubs that forming such a breakaway "would be a direct breach" of EPL rules. If the clubs "do not back down then the dispute is likely to end up in courts given that UEFA and FIFA have promised to ban any clubs and players who take part in breakaway competitions from their tournaments such as the Euros and the World Cup" (London TIMES, 4/18).

NHL jersey ads could arrive by '22-23 season

By Mark Burns

NHL jersey advertising could become a reality as early as the '22-23 season, according to sources who caution that nothing has been finalized or approved by the league’s Board of Governors.

In recent weeks, NHL clubs have been conducting valuation work -- some with third-party sports sponsorship and marketing agencies as well as valuation firms -- to determine what a jersey patch and helmet decal could both be worth before eventually providing that data to the league, sources said. In other words, what’s the business and revenue case for formally adopting the new sponsorship assets, some sources described.

The exact location of a jersey patch, chest or shoulder, is also still being discussed and evaluated, sources said. Jersey patch sizing is unknown at this time.

On March 11, Commissioner Gary Bettman said it was “more likely than not” that helmet decal advertising and virtual slot signage, both implemented for the '20-21 season as make-good opportunities, would continue beyond the current year. Teams have either one or two helmet advertisers. According to Bettman, clubs retained more than $100M in revenue through new sponsorship inventory implemented for the current season.

Canucks resuming season after COVID-19 outbreak

The Canucks will resume their season today and "will play their remaining 19 games in 32 days." The amended schedule has the North Division finishing its season on May 19 -- the "last possible buffer day the NHL built into the schedule so it can hand out the Stanley Cup by mid-July." The Canucks had been "ravaged by a COVID-19 outbreak" and were "supposed to return to play on Friday" in a game against the Oilers. However, the league gave the team "two extra days to prepare" after C J.T. Miller "delivered passionate remarks saying his team was being rushed back, adding that it is 'dangerous to a lot of players.'" The new schedule has the Canucks playing today then Tuesday, with both games against the Maple Leafs. There are "still five sets of back-to-backs in the Canucks' remaining schedule" (ESPN.com, 4/16).

Meanwhile, the Avalanche are "shutting down operations through Tuesday after a third member of the franchise ... tested positive for COVID-19." This is the team's "second shutdown to COVID protocol" (DENVER POST, 4/17).

Twins' season on pause amid positive tests

Games scheduled for yesterday and today between the Twins and Angels "were postponed after multiple positive COVID-19 tests in the Twins organization." Makeup dates for the games have "yet to be determined." The postponement of yesterday's game was announced at 4:46pm PT, "right as the first early arriving fans began trickling into the stands." Today's game was "called a little more than an hour later" (L.A. TIMES, 4/18).

The Twins are "undergoing more testing this weekend in Anaheim," and are "uncertain when they'll be allowed to play again" (AP, 4/7). Twins manager Rocco Baldelli estimated that "about 80% of the Twins' traveling contingent has been vaccinated, most receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine April 8." The Angels have "already reached the 85% threshold that allows for loosened COVID-19 protocols" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/18).

Mariners hold vaccine info session for players

The Mariners yesterday held a meeting for players to "learn about the COVID-19 vaccines and the real information about them." The meeting featured Dr. Vin Gupta and Dr. Santiago Neme of the Univ. of Washington "presenting information and answering questions about the COVID-19 vaccines and their effects." During spring training a few players mentioned to Mariners Chair & Managing Partner John Stanton about "possibly getting some information about vaccines and talking with someone who could answer their questions." The Mariners already were partnering with UW to "help get COVID vaccines to underserved communities in the region." MLB has said that if a team has 85% of the people in its Tier 1 group fully vaccinated, then some of the stringent COVID-19 guidelines and protocols can be relaxed. Mariners manager Scott Servais said, “We’ve got some work to do to get to that 85%” (SEATTLE TIMES, 4/18).

Red Sox debut marathon-inspired uniforms

GETTY IMAGES

The Red Sox this weekend are "wearing their new blue-and-yellow uniforms," part of Nike’s new “City Connect” series. The uniforms "honor the Boston Marathon with the colors that stretch across the finish line of the famous race." The team is the "first of seven big league teams that will don a new City Series look this season" (AP, 4/18). Red Sox manager Alex Cora said, “You look around the other leagues and they are very open-minded about stuff like this. People like it. What I’m getting with the feedback and all that, people are very excited about it" (BOSTON HERALD, 4/18).

Rams host fans for SoFi Stadium preview event

An estimated 20,000 Rams season-ticket holders at SoFi Stadium have now "sat in their seats for the first time." Fans were "allowed into the stadium in six groups during the daylong preview event." Many of the fans who attended yesterday’s event were "just happy to see that what had once been only virtual sight lines were now reality." Rams COO Kevin Demoff "visited with fans and posed for pictures." He said, “This is a stadium built to create memories and (Saturday) is the first for them. It’s great to share in that moment” (L.A. TIMES, 4/18).

Lakers won't visit President when in DC

The Lakers "will not visit" President Biden at the White House to celebrate their '20 NBA championship when the team travels to DC for a game against the Wizards. Scheduling challenges and continued COVID-19 protocols "will prevent a visit in the April 27-28 window." A future meet-and-greet with Biden has "not been ruled out" (ESPN.com, 4/17).

Joe Buck to be "Jeopardy!" guest host

Joe Buck will be a “Jeopardy!” guest host, putting him in "contention for the coveted permanent job." Sources said that Buck’s episodes are "expected to air at some point in the mid-summer." Guest hosts so far have been on air for "two-week stints," but there is "no word yet on how long Buck will be on." The tryout will "not impact Buck’s schedule as the voice of MLB and the NFL on Fox" (N.Y. POST, 4/18).

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers on the final show of his guest hosting stint said, “I want to thank all of you for watching and to everyone here at 'Jeopardy!,' the crew, the producers, the writers and researchers, really the entire staff, thank you. You have made me feel so welcome. This has been a surreal experience and so very special to me. So have a great weekend and, in the words of the great Alex Trebek, so long.” Rodgers on Friday night shared a video on Twitter with "more thank yous and encouraged people to continue to watch 'the best show on TV.'" CNN's Anderson Cooper is up next in the hosting rotation, beginning Monday (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 4/17).

Speed Reads....

For the "first time in its history, the NTT IndyCar Series will be opening its season on a road course" at the Honda Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park, which will air on NBC at 3:00pm ET (NBCSPORTS.com, 4/18).

The Yankees, with the worst record in the American League, on Friday night "managed to piss off their fan base so deeply" that fans at Yankee Stadium "started throwing balls onto the field." An announcement played asking fans to "refrain from throwing loose balls” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 4/17).

Quick Hits....

"I didn't make a fool out of myself, so I'm happy about that" -- Jimmie Johnson, on his first day as part of the NTT IndyCar series (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 4/18).

"MLS is not only the fastest-growing sports league in North America, but one of the highest-scoring soccer leagues in the world. Our competitive balance remains unmatched, with the last 15 MLS Cups won by 10 different clubs" -- MLS Commissioner Don Garber, in a letter to fans (MLS).

"I’m certainly not blaming them for anything that they’ve done, but it’s a fact that business has taken precedent this year. (That’s) just the way it is for now and hopefully, we can get it back to a better balance somewhere in the near future, but this is the world that we’re in right now" -- Raptors G Fred VanVleet, on his belief the NBA is emphasizing business over player health this season (THEATHLETIC.com, 4/17).

"I started building a relationship with Adam Silver when I first got into the league and he was working at NBA TV at the time and was overseeing all of that. But Adam was so smart. He was one of those people that just wants to bounce stuff off other people, and I wanted to get to know him. And over the years, I had no idea that Adam was going to become the commissioner. But because you foster relationships, you’re able to call people and people you know ascend to different positions, and you never know" -- Pelicans VP/Basketball Operations Swin Cash, on encouraging women without her playing resume who want a career in sports (SI, 4/17).

“His sheer presence has been a massive game changer. He shakes every hand in the building, watches the USL training, says hello to the guy that works on reception desk, the lady that works in the kitchen, the chef, to every single player" -- Inter Miami coach Phil Neville, on co-Owner David Beckham's increased presence at the club (MIAMI HERALD, 4/16).

Weekend Hot Reads: Women blazing new paths

SI goes with the header, "'Authentic, Confident, Unapologetic': Swin Cash Is Opening the Door for Women Behind Her." Cash, who is the Pelicans VP/Basketball Operations, took the position almost two years ago and "decided to do it for the women behind her -- who all dream of working in front offices for major professional sports teams that are typically dominated by men." She said, “I was going to take a position to make sure that the door stayed open. That was important to me. This should be a revolving door. Too many times, people think about women, we get a position, and there can only be one.” Meanwhile, the WASHINGTON POST writes, "Hires Such As United’s Lucy Rushton Are Called Progressive. Soon They Will Be Recognized As Smart."

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Today's Back Pages....

The Weekend Rap offers today's back page sports covers from some of North America's major metropolitan tabloids:

N.Y. Post N.Y. Daily News Newsday Boston Herald Chicago Sun-Times

Sunday Comic....

A sneak preview of Sports Business Journal's weekly editorial cartoon: