ATLANTA
Peach Bowl date moved
New Year's Eve revelers will have one fewer place to party this year, as the annual Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl game is being moved to Jan. 2. The SEC vs. ACC showdown will still air on ESPN, with game time set for 4:30 p.m. The Peach Bowl was moved to Jan. 2 in 1998, 1993, 1988, 1981 and, now, 2004. Other than those five dates, the game has been played on New Year's Eve since the inaugural Louisiana State-Florida State matchup in 1968.
Atlanta Motor Speedway sets giveaway
NASCAR fans are notorious for their product loyalty, and Atlanta Motor Speedway is now looking to give them more reasons to keep coming back — at least on the Internet, if not in person. The Hampton track's Web site, www.atlantamotorspeedway.com, has added a chance for fans to win prizes twice a month by providing their e-mail addresses under the new "AMS Insider" promotion. The first winner, to be picked Thursday, will win a year's supply of CAT footwear and autographed CAT racing merchandise. New prizes will be posted twice a month.
BUFFALO
Sabres sales brisk for Devils game
The Buffalo Sabres reported brisk ticket sales for the Nov. 12 game versus the Stanley Cup champion New Jersey Devils at Rochester's Blue Cross Arena, as nearly 2,400 "four-packs" were bought in the first five days after the game was announced. The package includes the Devils game, a preseason game in Rochester, and any two Sabres home games at HSBC Arena. The Sabres' first-ever regular-season game in the home of their top farm team, the AHL Americans, was the idea of owner Tom Golisano, who bought the Sabres earlier this year.
CHARLOTTE
Panthers sell single-game tickets
The Carolina Panthers began single-game ticket sales Saturday, two months later than the team's traditional on-sale date. Phil Youtsey, director of ticket sales, said the move was made to tie in with the start of training camp. The Panthers have about 10,000 single-game tickets per game for sale.
CINCINNATI
Bengals weigh training camp options
The Bengals will decide by the end of July whether to keep their summer training camp in Georgetown, Ky. In 1996, the Bengals and Georgetown College agreed on a seven-year contract that saw the college build a $15 million-plus training facility, including a 5,000-seat stadium, two practice fields, a convention and training center, dorms for the players and townhouses for management. That contract ends at the end of camp this year. Georgetown staffs dining, concessions, merchandise sales, security, the gate, the training and convention center and the grounds, stretching its summer staff and forcing the college to hire interns and an employment agency.
DALLAS-FORT WORTH
Golf Etc. plans more franchises
Golf Etc. of America Inc., which sells equipment at retail, will open 25 stores in 2003. The company, based in the Fort Worth suburb of Granbury, has 60 stores nationwide, including 58 franchises, according to The Dallas Morning News. The company last year opened a then-record 23 locations.
Weibring to consult on new course
PGA Tour player D.A. Weibring has signed a deal to be a "player consultant" for the Tournament Players Club at Craig Ranch, a new course under construction in the Dallas suburb of McKinney. Among other things, Weibring will promote the club in the area and among other players, and will be involved in helping set up any tour events played there. The course will open in July 2004.
DENVER
PacifiCare joins race sponsors
The Centrix Financial Grand Prix of Denver has another sponsor. The health plan PacifiCare Health Systems has signed on as the official health-care provider for the race, set for Aug. 29-31. PacifiCare has sponsored two other CART events — the Grand Prix of Milwaukee and the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Broncos change practice policy
The Denver Broncos, after shifting their team practices to their headquarters, have changed their policy toward spectators. Practices began Friday and last through Aug. 15. The team will distribute 500 free tickets to watch each practice, available on a first-come basis.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.
Widow sues supplement maker
The widow of late Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler, Kiley Bechler, filed a $600 million lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale against the manufacturers of Xenadrine RFA-1 — Cytodyne Technologies and Phoenix Laboratories — as well as Cytodyne Technologies President Robert Chinery, The Associated Press reported. Bechler had been taking the ephedra supplement when he died Feb. 16. The suit also seeks a ban on the sale of ephedra-based products.
HOUSTON
Yao cutout to sell luxury suites
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| Life-size cardboard cutouts of Yao Ming will be delivered in August to prospects for luxury suites at the new arena. |
The Houston Rockets are going to send Yao Ming door-to-door to try to sell luxury suites in the new arena. Well, not exactly Yao in the flesh, but a life-size cardboard cutout of the Rockets center. Nearly 800 CEOs and high-level executives will receive the 7-foot-5 Yao cutout — hand delivered — sometime in August. The campaign, led by Rockets Vice President of Marketing Tim McDougall, began a couple of weeks ago when the team sent caps bearing the new Rockets logo to a list of who's who. The sales guys are pushing the arena's 80 traditional suites and 14 courtside suites. Half of the traditional suites have been sold, said Jay Ory, a premium-sales executive with the Rockets. The suites range in price from the $100,000s to $200,000s and are just above the lower bowl of the arena. Only three of the 14 courtside suites are still up for grabs, Ory said. These larger rooms are in a secluded area near the player locker rooms and don't have a view of the court, but they come with courtside tickets. An exclusive, invitation-only reception is planned for Aug. 12 so executives can tour the arena.
INDIANAPOLIS
Simpson settles lawsuit with NASCAR
Racing safety pioneer Bill Simpson has settled his 29-month dispute with NASCAR. NASCAR linked the seat belts made by the company founded by Simpson in the death of Dale Earnhardt in the 2001 Daytona 500. Simpson, a resident of Avon, Ind., just west of Indianapolis, said the belt failed because Earnhardt had them installed improperly. A six-month investigation by NASCAR and independent investigators found that several factors contributed to Earnhardt's death. Simpson filed an $8.5 million defamation lawsuit, which was scheduled to go to federal trial in Indianapolis in September. Simpson said he received an undisclosed settlement but would not discuss specifics. Simpson has founded a new company, Impact Racing, in Brownsburg, Ind.
JACKSONVILLE
Crenshaw named player ambassador
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| Crenshaw |
Ben Crenshaw, a World Golf Hall of Fame member and noted golf historian, recently was appointed a player ambassador for the Hall of Fame, located in St. Augustine. He'll work with the Hall of Fame to further communicate its mission — honoring achievements of the game's greatest players and contributors. Crenshaw recently wrapped a series of five public service announcements as part of the "Hall of Fame Storyteller Series." The PSAs, developed by GSD&M, an Austin, Texas-based advertising agency, and PGA Tour Productions, will air in tournament broadcasts throughout the year, including PGA Tour, Champions Tour, LPGA and PGA of America events.
Jags introduce 'Pick-a-Pack' plan
The Jacksonville Jaguars introduced a new ticket product designed for fans unable to commit to a full-season ticket. The Pick-a-Pack program was structured to allow fans who want to attend a minimum of three games during the 2003 season an opportunity to buy their tickets before the general public single-game ticket sale began last Saturday. Pick-a-Pack differs from the Jaguars' multigame packages offered in the past in that fans can choose the games they'll attend. Former packages offered seats for preselected games.
Suns set attendance record
The Jacksonville Suns surpassed the all-time Jacksonville baseball attendance record during the team's recent home-stand that ended July 21. The team is in its first year playing at the new Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. The Suns' 2003 attendance figure surged to 273,525 through 50 openings for an average of 5,471 fans a game. The previous attendance record was 254,882, set in 1998, when the Suns advanced to the Southern League Finals and featured current major leaguers Gabe Kapler and Robert Fick.
MIAMI
Marlins attendance up by a third
The Florida Marlins' attendance is up 33 percent over last season. That is the second-largest percentage gain in Major League Baseball. Local TV ratings on Fox Sports Net Florida are up 15 percent, countering a trend of decreased numbers for sports on TV, The Miami Herald reported. Rookie pitcher Dontrelle Willis' success has been part of the picture, both in ratings and at the stadium. The team also has more than 70 corporate sponsors, up from 25 in 2002.
Willis makes deal with Tri-Star
Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis has signed an exclusive agreement with Houston-based Tri-Star Productions, which handles autographed memorabilia and signing appearances for athletes. It established www.dontrellewillis2003.com, the Sun-Sentinel said. Willis has trading card deals with Topps, Upper Deck, Donruss and Fleer. He also has deals to wear Nike shoes and Hot Buttered Sunglasses, and has had a glove deal with Rawlings since he was in the minors.
MILWAUKEE
'Mr. 3000' draws crowd to Miller Park
An estimated 25,000 people volunteered to be extras at Miller Park July 18 and July 19 during the filming of "Mr. 3000," a movie starring Bernie Mac. The Brewers were on the road in Pittsburgh, which left Miller Park available for filming crowd scenes. Mac, who plays a retired Brewer attempting a comeback, appeared at the filming and greeted the extras.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL
Lester on cover of Honey Nut Cheerios
Bill Lester, who drives the No. 8 Dodge Dealers Dodge Ram in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, will be featured on the cover of Honey Nut Cheerios. Lester is the only African-American driver in any of NASCAR's premier national touring series.
Superhero figurines for Twins
The Minnesota Twins, Cub Foods and Pepsi have teamed up to offer four Minnesota Twins superhero figurines. Two of the Pepsi Super Heroes (Cristian Guzman, Wednesday, and Corey Koskie, Aug. 22) will be presented to the first 5,000 fans in attendance. Torii Hunter and Brad Radke figurines will be available at Cub Foods stores starting in early August for $16.99.
NEW ORLEANS
Regions Bank partner for Sun Belt
Regions Bank has joined the Sun Belt Conference as a corporate partner. The sponsorship will provide Regions with on-site marketing and exposure on the Sun Belt Conference-ESPN Regional television package. In addition, the sponsorship agreement grants Regions the promotional use of the Sun Belt marks, media, grassroots marketing initiatives, Internet opportunities and merchandising.
PALO ALTO, CALIF.
Stanford picks Anthony Travel
Anthony Travel Inc. has been named the official travel management provider for the Stanford University Athletic Department. On July 1, Anthony Travel began handling all travel arrangements for Cardinal varsity sports, including air, hotel, bus, car, charter and hospitality needs for teams, coaches, staff, recruits and booster groups.
PHILADELPHIA
Phillies announce new ticket prices
The Philadelphia Phillies announced ticket 
prices for their new ballpark, Citizens Bank Park, scheduled to open next season. Tickets in the new ballpark will range from $15 to $40, with more than 20,000 seats in the 43,500-seat facility going for $20 or less. At the team's current home, Veterans Stadium, tickets ranged in price from $10 to $28. Different configurations of the two facilities make direct comparisons impossible.
PHOENIX
Suns announce broadcast plans
The Phoenix Suns have announced next season's broadcast plan. On radio, the Suns return to flagship station NewsRadio 620 KTAR for the 34th season. Returning for a 16th season, UPN 45 will televise the Suns' road games. Fox Sports Net Arizona will televise Suns home games as the team's cable television partner for the first time this season. The Suns also said the team will produce separate radio and television broadcasts of road games, which have been simulcast for 34 years of the team's 35-year history.
PITTSBURGH
Officials oppose funds for arena
Two of Allegheny County's most-powerful politicians, County Executive Jim Roddey and County Controller Dan Onorato, said they're opposed to a government plan to help fund a new $270 million arena for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Both men said the plan is not fair to county taxpayers. The proposed plan put forth by the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh would consume as much as $5.7 million that is generated by 1 percentage point of the 7 percent sales tax in the county. The Penguins play in 42-year-old Mellon Arena, the oldest facility in the NHL. The Pens have said a new arena is necessary for them to remain financially viable.
SACRAMENTO
City lands 2 bowling tournaments
Sacramento has landed two statewide bowling tournaments that could collectively pump $20 million into the local economy in 2005 and 2006, helping to soften the blow of losing the annual Volleyball Festival. The capital will host both the 2005 California State Bowling Tournament, with 9,000 men and women bowlers competing over 15 consecutive weekends from May into August, and the 2006 California Women's Bowling Association Championship Tournament, with 5,600 women bowlers competing over 14 weekends from late April to July.
SAN FRANCISCO
It's official: Eddie DeBartolo Jr. is out
Denise DeBartolo York 
and John York have become full owners of the San Francisco 49ers after they bought out Eddie DeBartolo Jr.'s remaining stake in the team, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. A $70 million payment was the final portion of the original agreement between siblings Eddie and Denise as part of the split of family assets, the Chronicle reported. Eddie DeBartolo Jr. resigned as 49ers chairman and turned control of the team over to his sister in December 1997, after he learned he was the target of an investigation regarding a Louisiana casino license.
TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG
Lightning starts season sales
The Tampa Bay Lightning introduced 
its season-ticket packages for 2003-04 earlier than usual as it attempts to capitalize on its NHL Southeast Division championship as well as a favorable schedule. The Bolts will play 31 of their 41 home dates this season on Thursday, Friday or Saturday evenings, and will open the season with nine home games in their first month of play and five consecutive home dates to close out the season. Ticket packages, which include half-season and 12-game plans, will offer various discounts to single-game tickets, which will range from $8 to $79.50 this season.
TORONTO
Serena drops tourney for role
Serena Williams may still be in Toronto between Aug. 11 and Aug. 17, but it won't be to play tennis. Williams pulled out of the Rogers AT&T Cup, reportedly because it conflicted with an acting role that is shooting in Toronto at the same time as the tennis tournament. Larry Scott, chief executive officer of the WTA Tour, said he plans to look at changing tour rules in light of Williams' withdrawal. Scott said current rules do not allow any discipline to be imposed on Williams for pulling out of the tournament.
Golf trio to play in prime time
Plans are under way for Tiger Woods, Mike Weir and Annika Sorenstam to be featured in a made-for-television prime-time golf event Aug. 25 at Magna Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario. The high-profile trio would be joined by Canadian LPGA golfer Lorie Kane in a team-play event that potentially could draw hundreds of millions of television viewers for an under-the-lights finish. All four golfers are represented by IMG. IMG's Kevin Albrecht said negotiations have taken place with CBC to televise the event.
