ANAHEIM
Ducks, Miller extend beverage contract
Miller Brewing Co. agreed on a multiyear contract extension with Honda Center and the Anaheim Ducks. The partnership establishes Miller Lite as the exclusive malt beverage sponsor of both the team and the venue, which includes hockey games, concerts and other special events.
Honda Center renews with official bank
Anaheim Arena Management and the Anaheim Ducks renewed their partnership with Citizens Business Bank, making it the official bank for Honda Center and the Anaheim Ducks. Fans attending hockey games and other events at Honda Center will see Citizens Business Bank advertising on signage around the arena and on the Katella Avenue marquee.
BALTIMORE
Running fest drew $18 million to region
More than 40,000 visitors traveled to Baltimore last month for the seventh annual Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival and pumped $18 million into hotels, restaurants, shops and transportation, according to an economic analysis of the event. The study was done by Towson University economic research firm RESI.
BOSTON
Celtics giftcard has good cause
Simon Property Group and the Boston Celtics teamed up to present the Simon Boston Celtics Giftcard. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation and the Simon Youth Foundation. Simon Malls and the Boston Celtics agreed on a three-year sponsorship that includes Simon signage and on-court promotions at TD Banknorth Garden.
BUFFALO
New Time Warner net has hoops, hockey
Time Warner Cable is introducing a local sports network to its lineup in the Buffalo market this week. Time Warner Sports Net is expected to focus on basketball and hockey games featuring the University at Buffalo, Canisius, St. Bonaventure and Niagara, plus area high school games. Added programming includes assorted Syracuse University basketball games and American Hockey League games.
CINCINNATI
Reds, WLW to reach 50 years together
The Cincinnati Reds signed a new five-year contract for WLW-AM to continue carrying the team’s games. But the Reds will sell nearly all advertising during the games and for pregame and postgame shows. WLW had previously paid about $3.8 million a year in rights fees. WLW has broadcast Reds games each year since 1969.
CLEVELAND
Some ticket prices rising at Jacobs Field
The Cleveland Indians are increasing prices of prime season tickets at Jacobs Field nearly 11 percent for the 2008 season, according to a report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The team notified by mail the season-ticket holders in the affected sections. The team has about 13,500 season-ticket holders, according to the report.
Arena establishes recycling effort
Quicken Loans Arena and Allied Waste Industries introduced a recycling program to fans attending events at the venue. An estimated 2 million people who attend events annually at Quicken Loans Arena, which includes Cavaliers and Lake Erie Monsters games, will be asked to recycle their plastic beverage bottles.
Hot wings eatery opens at The Q
Quaker Steak & Lube teamed up with Quicken Loans Arena to open a full-service restaurant and bar located on the arena’s main concourse. The Quicken Loans Arena Lube will occupy the space that was formerly Gordon’s Sports Bar. The Lube will feature the same food, beverages and motorsports-themed decor as other Lube locations.
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| The $90,000 2008 Mustang GT includes
a year of free parking at home games. |
DALLAS
Mavs selling sleek merch, experiences
The Dallas Mavericks released Above the Rim, an exclusive catalog filled with one-of-a-kind Mavs experiences and merchandise. All Mavs season-ticket holders will receive a free catalog and have the opportunity to purchase these limited items starting this month. Above the Rim features unique items such as a customized 2008 Mavericks Continental GT from Bentley Motors, a paradise giveaway with Devin Harris, and the opportunity to be owner for a day. The catalog also can be purchased for $5 at the American Airlines Center Fan Shops and the Ultimate Fan Shop in NorthPark Center.
DETROIT
Ameriprise names Palace club space
Palace Sports and Entertainment signed a 3 1/2-year naming-rights agreement with Ameriprise Financial for club space at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The 20,000-square-foot club located in the Comcast Pavilion at the north entrance will now be called the Ameriprise Financial Club. The deal includes signage at the club, directional signage within The Palace, and the staff will wear Ameriprise Financial-branded uniforms.
HOUSTON
China IT firm advertises with Rockets
The Houston Rockets signed China-based IT company Founder Group as a sponsor of the Toyota Center. Founder Group will receive courtside signage during Rockets games, and will explore future marketing deals with the team. The signs debuted at the Nov. 9 game against the Milwaukee Bucks, featuring Rockets center Yao Ming and Bucks forward Yi Jianlian.
KANSAS CITY
Toyota dealers partner with Sprint Center
The Kansas City Area Toyota Dealers signed a multiyear deal to become a founding partner of Sprint Center. Toyota will serve as the arena’s official automotive partner, and it also will have signage on the interior and exterior of the building.
NEW YORK
Stern weighs in on Harlem franchise
NBA Commissioner David Stern wants to put an NBA D-League team in Harlem, and the New York Knicks have expressed an interest in affiliation, according to a report in The New York Times. The report quoted Stern: [Harlem] “represents a caldron of basketball tradition that would give much-needed weight” to the D-League.
ORLANDO
Kodak snapping at fans at Magic games
The Orlando Magic formed a partnership alliance with Kodak for the 2007-08 season. This unique partnership will enhance Magic fans’ game-day experience by allowing them to purchase candid keepsake photos taken by professional Kodak photographers at all home games at Amway Arena.
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| The biodegradable paint was applied
witha customized paint trailer and jumbo tire. |
PHILADELPHIA
Goodyear marks marathon route
Goodyear, a first-time sponsor of this past weekend’s Philadelphia marathon, worked with marathon and transportation officials in applying a light-blue tire track the length of the 26.2-mile course, according to a report in the Philadelphia Daily News. The line mimicked the appearance of Goodyear’s Fortera TripleTred tire.
PRINCETON, N.J.
New book features ECHL history
The ECHL is taking orders for “20 Years of the ECHL,” a comprehensive book by minor league hockey historian and author Jim Mancuso. Mancuso takes readers on a tour that has seen the East Coast Hockey League transform from five teams in four states into the ECHL with 25 teams across North America. The book has more than 200 photographs and interviews. The league is headquartered in Princeton, N.J.
TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG
Rays aim for new 35,000-seat ballpark
The Tampa Bay Rays developed a plan to build a $450 million, 35,000-seat ballpark on the site of Al Lang Field in downtown St. Petersburg that could open by 2012 and would give fans waterfront views, according to a report in the St. Petersburg Times. The team currently uses Al Lang Field as its spring training home. The team is proposing 5,000 parking spots at Tropicana Field, with a shuttle bus taking fans to the new ballpark, according to the report.
