ARLINGTON, TEXAS
Rangers pursued shade option
The Texas Rangers considered building a massive shade structure at Globe Life Park before deciding to pursue a new retractable-roof ballpark, according to a Fort Worth Star-Telegram report. The metal canopy would have cost at least $80 million and shaded about 75 percent of spectators.
DETROIT
Red Wings score on survey
The Detroit Red Wings earned the top rating among all NHL teams in customer service satisfaction among season-ticket holders, according to an annual Turnkey Intelligence survey. In comparison to the league average of 8.7, the Red Wings earned the top rating of 9.4 in customer service satisfaction.
HOUSTON
Astros draw up outfield renovation
The Houston Astros confirmed conceptual plans for the proposed renovation of the center field area of Minute Maid Park after the 2016 season. The project will include improved seating options, new food and beverage options and the addition of escalators. The design of the new area was in partnership with MSA Sport and influenced by feedback from fans.
KANSAS CITY
Hosmer, Royals grill up contest
The Kansas City Steak Co., a Kansas City Royals sponsor the last three seasons, collaborated with first baseman Eric Hosmer on “Steaks with Hos,” a six-week sweepstakes campaign in which the winner and nine friends would enjoy a cookout with Hosmer. Whiskey Design got Hosmer’s permission to create a logo for the campaign in which his signature hair resembles flames. The campaign ultimately garnered 38,579 entry submissions nationwide.
LOS ANGELES
Dodgers have ticket to ride
The Los Angeles Dodgers will play host to Beatles Night this Friday. A ticket package includes a co-branded Beatles/Dodgers 50th anniversary beach towel. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ performance at Dodger Stadium in 1966. A pregame performance by Beatles tribute band The Fab Four — The Ultimate Tribute, will take place prior to the game against the Chicago Cubs.
Lakers study patch valuation
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Hookit to develop an empirical, data-based approach to creating a digital and social media sponsorship valuation to aid in determining the total value of a sponsor patch to appear on uniforms in 2017. The Lakers concluded that the Hookit Valuation Methodology uncovered significant, verified earned-media value for the team.
LOUISVILLE, KY.
Artist designs ‘Party’ poster
Churchill Downs Racetrack and The Forecastle Foundation unveiled a poster designed by artist Justin Helton to promote their new Party for a Purpose to raise money for The Forecastle Foundation. The party is a separate ticketed event that will take place during the Sept. 24 Downs After Dark racing event. Helton has designed materials for some of music’s biggest names and festivals, including My Morning Jacket, The Black Keys, Dead & Co., Phish and The Avett Brothers
MEMPHIS
Bowl signs booking partner
HotelPlanner.com was selected as the official hotel booking partner of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 college football seasons. HotelPlanner.com will work directly with the bowl’s official sponsor hotels to provide fans and groups with room reservations.
MIAMI
Parking perk for SunPass users
The Miami Dolphins partnered with the prepaid toll program SunPass in offering a payment option for guests attending Hard Rock Stadium events. SunPass will be the exclusive provider of electronic parking payment at the facility. SunPass Plus customers will pay less than the cash customer.
NASHVILLE
Metro Police on duty at Titans games
The Metro Nashville Police Department will take over all law enforcement duties at Tennessee Titans games and other events at Nissan Stadium this year, according to a (Nashville) Tennessean report. MNPD officials and the team said in a statement that using Metro police instead of a mix of private security and off-duty law enforcement was a better strategy to keep fans safe.
PHILADELPHIA
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Photo by: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
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Eagles create premium tunnel space
The Philadelphia Eagles teamed up with corporate sponsor Axalta Coating Systems to create the Axalta Tunnel Club. The 1,400-square-foot premium lounge space is located inside the Eagles tunnel at Lincoln Financial Field. The 58-seat club will be available to ticketed fans in the new field-level section in the south end zone. Axalta extended its partnership to run through the 2021 season.
Union picks fan council members
The Philadelphia Union selected 26 people to serve on the inaugural Union Fan Council. The council has held one meeting at Talen Energy Stadium, and is expected to meet regularly throughout the year. The members have all committed to a minimum 12-month term. They are required to attend six to eight meetings per year to remain with the council.
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Clockwise from the burger: Chef Howie’s Ultimate Bacon Cheese Burger; Stadium Signature Nacho; Ezell’s Chicken and Waffle; Uli’s Chorizo Torta.
Photo by: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
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SEATTLE
Stadium upgrades, expands menus
The Seattle Seahawks and First & Goal announced a broad list of enhancements to CenturyLink Field’s food and beverage offerings. A point of emphasis is the addition of more local options. Twelve new local food and beverage partners will join established vendors such as Beecher’s, Ivar’s, Rain Shadow Meats, and Uli’s. Beginning this season, fans also will enjoy featured items from two other Seattle favorites — Ezell’s Famous Chicken and Kraken Congee. Seattle chef John Howie will transform four concession stands on the club level into versions of his acclaimed restaurants.
COAST TO COAST — BEYOND THE COASTS
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY
Schalke look up to new display
Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04 put Europe’s largest four-sided video display into service with the team’s preseason friendly against Athletic Bilbao on Aug. 14, according to an SID report. The new center-hung display, with a surface area of 3,280 square feet, was produced by Chinese electronics maker Hisense and had a price tag of $1.1 million.
HAMBURG, GERMANY
St. Pauli dialed in with Alsterradio
Second Bundesliga club FC St. Pauli renewed its contract with media partner Alsterradio. The private radio station will continue its partnership with the club for two years until the end of the 2017-18 season. Alsterradio has been St. Pauli’s media partner since 2006.
LONDON
West Ham has eyes on Kissimmee
Premier League club West Ham United reached a new three-year partnership with American destination marketing firm Experience Kissimmee, according to a BDaily report. The deal sees the Florida-based firm become the Hammers’ official destination partner. Kissimmee, Fla., is near Orlando and many tourist attractions.
LYON, FRANCE
OL to sell stake to Chinese firm
Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais owner OL Groupe signed an agreement with Chinese investment firm IDG Capital Partners that will allow the firm to purchase a 20 percent stake in OL Groupe for $111 million, according to a Le Progrès report. OL Group and IDG will promote the fame of OL and enhance its brand in China.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND
Sponsor paying for visitors’ tickets
Fans traveling to watch their teams play against Premier League side Southampton FC this season will have their tickets subsidized by the club’s shirt sponsor, Virgin Media, according to a Financial Times report. Virgin’s agreement will cap ticket prices at $26 for away fans, with the media company picking up the tab for additional costs.
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