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| The Anaheim Angels’ Rally Monkey has had a busy season already. |
ANAHEIM
Angels' monkey nights are sellouts
The Anaheim Angels' first two Rally Monkey promo games were sellouts. The first promotion, on April 19, featured the Troy Glaus Rally Monkey, and 43,536 attended. The second, on April 26, was for an Adam Kennedy Rally Monkey, and 43,514 attended. Three more promotions were scheduled: Mike Scioscia AL Manager of the Year Rally Monkey, which was to be last Saturday; Reversible Rally Monkey Floppy Hat, July 26, almost sold out; and Bobble Belly Rally Monkey, Aug. 17 (fewer than 10,000 tickets remaining).
ATLANTA
Russell to unveil Legends series
Atlanta-based Russell Athletic is set to 
unveil its Collegiate Legends series of college football jerseys. The series will include jerseys modeled on those worn by Barry Sanders (Oklahoma State), Troy Aikman (UCLA), Bo Jackson (Auburn), John Elway (Stanford), Jeff Blake (East Carolina) and Bob Griese (Purdue), among others. The new collection is scheduled to be available at retailers in October. Company officials say a second line, featuring college basketball stars, will be rolled out in the spring of 2004.
Tennis Classics, anyone?
Pro tennis will return this summer with the Atlanta Tennis Classics tournament. Tennis Classics, being presented by Your Serve Tennis, includes a tennis festival. The festival includes an open tennis clinic and a one-point shootout in which the winner gets to play a tie-breaker against Davis Cup coach Jim Courier. Ticket prices range from $30 to $180. The tournament is set for Aug. 2-3 at the Racquet Club of the South. This will be the first pro tennis tournament in metro Atlanta in two years.
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| More than 2,500 Bowie Baysox fans blew up their whoopee cushions and sat on them in an effort to break a Guinness world record July 3. |
BOWIE, MD.
Makin' whoopee: Baysox go for record
After the third inning of the second game of the July 3 Bowie Baysox doubleheader, 2,557 fans simultaneously sat on inflated whoopee cushions, creating some pre-Independence Day explosives and unofficially breaking a Guinness world record. A season-high crowd of 10,004 was on hand for the record attempt. B&M Baked Beans sponsored the whoopee cushion giveaway. The Baysox fans were trying to beat the record belonging to the ICC in Birmingham, England, which had 982 people sit on whoopee cushions at the same time on Jan. 15. Upon entering Prince George's Stadium July 3, the first 2,500 Baysox fans were given whoopee cushions and asked to register, as required by Guinness. Several fans also brought their own cushions. All fans also received an American flag, courtesy of Old Navy. The Class AA Baysox have sent the results and documentation to Guinness headquarters in England to find out if they have officially set the record.
BUFFALO
Junior Track & Field event set
The 2004 USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships have been scheduled for June 24-27 at the University at Buffalo. The USA Junior Championships, the premiere event of USA Track & Field's Verizon Youth Series, will feature nearly 1,000 of the country's top competitors ages 19 and under who will compete for the right to represent Team USA at the 2004 IAAF World Junior Championships July 13-18 in Grosseto, Italy.
CALGARY
Roughnecks sign 3-year lease
The Calgary Roughnecks of the National Lacrosse League have 
a new three-year lease agreement with the Pengrowth Saddledome. The lease begins with the 2003-04 season, scheduled to start in December. The Roughnecks had an average home attendance of 11,562 over eight home dates last season, an increase of more than 30 percent from their inaugural season average of 8,781.
CHARLOTTE
First season a loser for team, authority
The city's coliseum authority said it will lose as much as $1.2 million during the 2004-05 season, when the new NBA Bobcats play at Charlotte Coliseum. The sharing of revenue, and other lease terms, will cause both the authority and the team to lose money. The Bobcats will move to a $265 million arena in fall 2005. At that time, the NBA franchise will assume all risk and have control of all arena operations.
DALLAS-FORT WORTH
Coca-Cola sponsors Global Games
The recent Global Games had its first title sponsor, the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of North Texas. Called the Coca-Cola Global Games, the Dallas tournament for top amateur basketball players also had sponsorships from the New Balance athletic shoe company and Dallas video-production concern Easy Way Editorial. The fourth annual version of the tourney, created by Dallas Mavericks director of basketball operations Donnie Nelson, also received promotional help from the Minyard Food Stores grocery chain and radio stations run by Clear Channel Communications.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.
Dreams reports earnings down
Dreams Inc. in Plantation said that for the fiscal year ended March 31 net income was down to $408,000, versus $1.7 million last year. Revenue was $17.8 million, compared to $16.6 million for last year. The memorabilia retailer said some of its most notable new relationships entered into during the year included a three-year agreement with Golden Bear Golf and a NASCAR line of products featuring agreements with most of the top racing teams to produce autographed and non-autographed licensed collectibles.
Tennis Classic moves later in year
The International Tennis Classic, which has played to declining audiences during its four-year run at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, has been moved. Beginning next year, the struggling event will be changed from early March to the week after the U.S. Open, which is set for Sept. 8-14, the Sun-Sentinel said.
HOUSTON
Final Four coming back to town
The NCAA men's Final Four will return to Houston in 2011, marking the basketball tournament's first appearance in the Bayou City since 1971 when it was held in the Astrodome. Officials announced July 1 that Reliant Stadium will host March Madness April 2-4, 2011. Event officials estimate the Final Four will have a $100 million economic impact on Houston.
INDIANAPOLIS
Pacers raise ticket prices
The Indiana Pacers will increase some prices for single-game tickets for the 2003-04 season while prices for season tickets and other multigame packages remain unchanged. Most tickets that previously cost $18 to $96 will rise by $2 each next season. Tickets previously priced at $100 will be raised to $105, while $21 tickets will be lowered to $20.
JACKSONVILLE
Jaguars use direct-mail CD-ROMs
The Jacksonville Jaguars introduced a new CD-ROM direct mail targeted to businesses in the greater Jacksonville area. The technology allows fans and potential ticket buyers to view elements, including virtual tours of the new Terrace Suite, Bud Zone Sports Bar, South End Zone Terrace and the Pepsi Entertainment Zone, planned for opening in 2004. An interactive seating diagram features video game footage from 20 sections throughout Alltel Stadium, along with pricing charts. Marketers are sending the CDs to about 15,000 companies and individuals throughout the greater Jacksonville area.
Suns host league's all-star festivities
The Jacksonville Suns recently hosted the 
2003 Southern League All-Star Game at the newly built Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, as well as a Sunset Cruise aboard the Annabelle Lee and an All-Star Luncheon at the Adam's Mark Hotel. Guest speakers at the luncheon included Tommy Lasorda, longtime manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his one-time teammate and roommate Bobby Bragan, former Brooklyn Dodgers catcher and manager of the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves. The Class AA Suns also held an All-Star Fan Fest, at which fans watched batting practice, got autographs and competed in interactive games, and a Post-Game Party at Benny's Steak and Seafood at the Jacksonville Landing.
LOWELL, MASS.
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| Staten Island Yankee Jeff Karstens (left) is out-milked by Lowell Spinner Jonathan Papelbon in a pregame contest. The Spinners went on to win the game. |
Teams milk promotion for all it's worth
When Jonathan Papelbon of the Lowell Spinners defeated Staten Island Yankee Jeffrey Karstens in a pregame cow-milking competition June 26, it was a sign of good things to come for the Spinners. A standing-room-only crowd of 5,003 watched as the two players competed to fill their milk bottles in two minutes. Afterward in the New York-Penn League game, the Class A Spinners beat the Yankees 7-2 at LeLacheur Park.
MIAMI
Heat denies it approached Jordan
The Miami Heat denied a Washington Post report stating that the team approached Michael Jordan about a possible ownership stake. Heat execs said no part of the franchise is for sale. Also, Jordan wants a situation where he'd have final say in personnel matters, and in Miami, that's Pat Riley's role now.
Soccer player attends Dolphins camp
Soccer goalkeeper David James accepted an invitation from the Miami Dolphins and attended training camp June 24. The training camp was an opportunity for James, a top athlete in Britain, to learn about the physiological and mental techniques employed by NFL athletes to achieve optimum performance. As part of the process, the team said James' overall fitness was assessed, and he undertook a crash course with Dolphins players in three of the positions he seemed to be most suited to — quarterback, wide receiver and kicker.
MILWAUKEE
Karl's hoop group bounced
A youth athletic and educational facility for Friends of Hoop, founded by Milwaukee Bucks coach George Karl, won't be part of the redevelopment of the former Pabst Brewing Co. site in downtown Milwaukee, and developers are seeking a new location. In February, developers announced plans for the PabstCity project that included a facility for Friends of Hoop. Jerry Franke, president of Wispark LLC, said developers have determined that the original plan to build the Friends of Hoop facility atop a parking garage was not feasible and doesn't provide good access to the facility. Friends of Hoop plans a 50,000- to 70,000-square-foot building that would cost between $6 million and $7 million. The facility would have four full-size basketball courts, music and art studios, performing space, classrooms and a computer lab.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL
Williams Arena gets women's rounds
Williams Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota has been selected as one of 16 locations that will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA women's basketball tournament in 2004. Minnesota has advanced to the NCAA tournament the past two seasons and was 25-6 in 2002.
Canterbury honors beer vendor
Shakopee-based Canterbury Park Holdings Corp. was to honor popular Twin Cities beer vendor Wally The Beerman with a bobblehead promotion on Sunday. Wally owns two horses at Canterbury, including one named Mrs. Beer Man.
MS&E to buy Houston Aeros
Minnesota Sports & Entertainment has agreed to acquire a controlling interest in the AHL's Houston Aeros, the primary development affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild. The sale was approved at the AHL's Board of Governors meeting July 7.
ORLANDO
'Got Milk?' soccer shootout scheduled
Beginning next January, Host Communications Inc. will bring the "Got Milk?" Soccer Shootout National Finals to Disney's Wide World of Sports, the fifth year Disney Sports Attractions will host the event. This year's tour incorporated events in 65 cities and 35 states. The 2002 event brought more than 15,000 players and spectators to the Orlando area.
PHILADELPHIA
Eagles plan 2 open houses
The Philadelphia Eagles announced plans for two free  |
| The Philadelphia Eagles plan two open houses to let fans see new Lincoln Financial Field. |
open houses to give fans a look inside their new $395 million football stadium, Lincoln Financial Field. Eagles season-ticket holders will get a chance to tour the facility from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 26. The following day, the stadium will be open to the general public during the same hours. Several concession and novelty stands will be open during the open houses.
Thunder welcomes 4 millionth fan
The Trenton (N.J.) Thunder, the Class AA affiliate of the New York Yankees, recently welcomed the 4 millionth fan in the team's history to Waterfront Park. The Thunder became the fastest team in the history of Class AA baseball to reach the milestone. Kevin Burch of Flemington, N.J., was anointed as the 4 millionth fan. He was honored on the field and presented a prize package that includes season tickets, Yankees tickets, lunch with Thunder manager Stump Merrill, a 2003 Thunder autographed team baseball and a collection of Thunder merchandise.
PHOENIX
Looney Tunes characters head to track
For the first time at Phoenix International Raceway, top Chevrolet NASCAR drivers will team up with Looney Tunes characters in preparation for the release of Warner Bros.' movie "The Looney Tunes: Back in Action." The film stars Brendan Fraser, Jenna Elfman, Heather Locklear and Steve Martin and is slated to hit theaters Nov. 14. The entire NASCAR Winston Cup Series weekend Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at Phoenix International Raceway will be themed "Looney Tunes: Back in Action" Weekend and will feature the cars of Jeff Gordon, Joe Nemechek, Steve Park and Kerry Earnhardt emblazoned with special paint schemes. The truck of Kevin Harvick also will carry a Looney Tunes character.
SACRAMENTO
Tournament moves to Lincoln Hills
The Longs Drugs Challenge LPGA tournament, set for Oct. 2-5, will move to the Lincoln Hills Club in the Placer County community of Lincoln after seven years at Twelve Bridges Golf Club, also in Lincoln. Raycom Sports, the owner and operator of the event, signed a one-year contract with Lincoln Hills Club.
SAN JOSE
U.S. women's soccer team to play
The Earthquakes are bringing the U.S. Women's National Team to Spartan Stadium on Sept. 7 as part of a soccer doubleheader. The U.S. National Team will play Mexico's National Team in its final pre-World Cup match, while the Earthquakes will be playing the New England Revolution in a regular-season Major League Soccer match.
ST. LOUIS
City gets Women's Final Four in 2009
St. Louis will host the 2009 NCAA Division I Women's Final Four. The city last hosted the women's Final Four in 2001, which provided an estimated economic impact of $20 million. In addition, St. Louis will host the men's first- and second-round or regional session in 2007 or 2008. St. Louis is already scheduled to host the men's Final Four in 2005.
TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG
City gets Women's Final Four in 2008
Tampa was selected to host the NCAA Division I Women's Final Four in 2008. The Division I title games will be played at the St. Pete Times Forum, with the nearby Tampa Convention Center hosting both the Women's Basketball Coaches Association convention and the NCAA Hoop City fan festival. The University of South Florida will be the host institution.
TORONTO
City out of Olympics running for now
Local officials say Toronto is realistically out of the running to land the Summer Olympics until at least 2016 or 2020. Deputy Mayor Case Ootes confirmed the city would not be making a bid proposal for 2012 after Vancouver was awarded the 2010 Winter Games. Officials believe the cost of staging a bid — roughly $20 million (about $14.6 million U.S.) for the city's failed 2008 campaign — isn't worth it given the International Olympic Committee's reluctance to award back-to-back Olympics to the same country.
'Running Guy' promotes Nike race
Nike has flooded the city with an ad campaign featuring "Running Guy" to promote a 10-kilometer road race sponsored by the company. Nike has set up a Web site at runto.com and plastered subways and billboards with posters of a middle-aged, middle-weight man in jogging apparel — "Running Guy" training in the city. The race takes place July 27 on Centre Island.
