|
Facility News
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Thursday, 10 April 2008 10:30 |
|
 With Yankee Stadium now in its final season, there has been talk of the final game ever being played within The House That Ruth Built being an outdoor NHL game.
But, the final year of Yankee Stadium will see something completely different when Pope Benedict XVI visits later this month.
While this author is not Catholic, the following news by way of press release is one of those, "You never thought of that" bit of news interesting enough to pass along.
When the faithful come forward for communion at the Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium on April 20th, they will be served by 500 Catholic priests and deacons.
How do you dress the 500 for such a visit? Each will wear a white stole designed and made in Pittsfield, Maine, by CM Almy, who they claim is "America's oldest church outfitter."
The Archdiocese of New York, which ordered the stoles from Almy, specified that each be embroidered "Benedict XVI, April 20, 2008" and plans to give them to participating clergy as keepsakes.
"Church vestment making is still centered in Europe. The Pope and much of his retinue are outfitted by European companies," said Almy President Stephen Fendler. "Yet we believe the Archdiocese trusts us to make vestments and appointments for its clergy, and for distinguished guests, that are equal to the world's finest. They also know that we can manage such a large project reliably. Over the years, it has been a privilege to be a part of many moments, big and small, in the life the Archdiocese."
No word on whether Majestic Athletic or New Era is looking to get into the "Church vestment" business. With the stories that Yankee Stadium could tell, and the idea of communion taking place in the same confines... well, what would Ruth, Mantle, and who knows how many others, say?
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
|
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Wednesday, 09 April 2008 03:42 |
|
 In the midst of the World Series champions Boston Red Sox’s season opener yesterday, and during the eighth-inning sing-along of "Sweet Caroline", the video board displayed Neil Diamond where it was announced he will be performing live in concert at the Fenway on Saturday, August 23rd, 2008 as part of his 2008 World Tour.
Since 1997, Diamond’s 1969 hit “Sweet Caroline” has been pumped from the speakers at Fenway Park during every Red Sox home game. Since 2002 it has become a tradition in the middle of the eighth inning and embraced by Red Sox fans. Ticket information for Neil Diamond’s August 23 show at Fenway Park will be announced on www.neildiamond.com. Source: AEG
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
|
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Tuesday, 08 April 2008 11:00 |
|
 Now that Nationals Park has officially opened, don't expect a naming rights deal by the end of the season. That according to Nationals principle owner Mark Lerner. As reported by the Sports Business Journal:
“I’m not anticipating anything this year,” principal owner Mark Lerner said. “It’ll happen in due course. These things are hard to put together. But, no, I’m not anticipating any renewed or increased push just because the stadium is now open.”
One of the reasons for the delay in inking a naming rights deal for the new $611 million ballpark is due to the bid price, which reportedly is starting at $8 million annunally. That would rank the Nationals deal as one of the highest per-year deals in American professional sports, and as reported, certainly outside of the New York market where Citi Field, new Yankee Stadium, and the new Meadowlands projects are underway. The effort to land a naming rights deal comes against the backdrop of a weakened economy, and shallow corporate base in the DC area.
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
|
|
Monday, 31 March 2008 12:23 |
|
 The Colorado Rockies and the #3 brewer in the United States have agreed to a deal that will keep the “Coors” in “Coors Field” for at least another 10 years.
The deal, which includes licensing, advertising and hospitality rights, extends an agreement first signed when Coors Field opened in 1995. It also gives Molson Coors exclusive naming rights for a seating section behind home plate.
The financial details have not yet been disclosed. The Rockies played their first two seasons, 1993 and 1994, in Mile High Stadium before moving to Coors Field in 1995. The park offers 63 luxury suites, 4,500 club seats and its total capacity is 50,445.
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
Dave Rouleau is a staff writer for the Business of Sports Network, where he covers baseball and hockey on The Biz of Baseball and The Biz of Hockey. He also can be found on Baseball Digest Daily. His contact info can be found on the Authors Profiles. |
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Friday, 28 March 2008 14:47 |
|
 It’s the food that’s as traditional as the game itself. The hot dog, in all its forms, is the perennial favorite at ballparks across the country.
In what will surely make the American Heart Association cringe, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates that 30 million hot dogs will be consumed at the 30 ballparks across the nation this year. To place that in perspective the NSDSC says that those 30 million hot dogs would be enough to round the bases 41,776 times. And which fans love hot dogs the most? Would it be Los Angeles with the classic Dodger Dog? Nope, it’s Mets fans at Shea Stadium. According to a survey conducted by the NSDSC, Mets fans will consume more than 2 million hot dogs this year. Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, is the runner up, with fans projected to consume more than 1.7 million hot dogs. Third place goes to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, with approximately 1.5 million hot dogs expected to be consumed. And, get this, a number of ballparks offer special events like "dollar dog nights," where as many as 70,000 hot dogs are sold in one evening. As for the types of hot dogs being sold across the country, the traditional “dog and bun” simply isn’t enough, Turner Field and the Braves dresses their “Georgia Dog” with coleslaw, chili and onion relish. The Metrodome and the Twins with their “Dome Dog” is a black angus dog served with toppings made fresh daily. At Fenway Park, the famous “Fenway Franks” are either boiled or grilled, and served on a New England bun with mustard and relish. At Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, the “Rockie Dog”, a footlong with grilled peppers, kraut and onions is served and at U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, the Comiskey hot dog is king. Other stadiums serve up locally-produced or preferred products – such as Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, home of the Texas Rangers, which offers crackblack pepper sausages and hotlinks, or Angel Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, which serves up Angelitos soft tacos and chili pepper burritos. At Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals, the team mascot "Slugger" shoots Schweigert hot dogs into the crowd during the seventh-inning stretch. The ever-popular Nathan's Hot Dogs are served up at Shea Stadium. No word on the number of heart attacks that claim the lives of baseball fans, however. When it comes to the hot dog, this author has never been to a game without having one. It’s part of the experience. This passage in Field of Dreams seems to sum it up best: Ray Kinsella: So what do you want? Terence Mann: I want them to stop looking to me for answers, begging me to speak again, write again, be a leader. I want them to start thinking for themselves. I want my privacy. Ray Kinsella: No, I mean, what do you want? [Gestures to the concession stand they're in front of] Terence Mann: Oh. Dog and a beer. Source: The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
|
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Thursday, 27 March 2008 14:38 |
|
 Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt announced today that they have completed all the arrangements for playing Spring Training in Glendale, AZ next year, thus completing the final aspect of moving the Dodgers from their longtime home of Dodgertown in Vero Beach, FL.
“This is the culmination of a long journey designed to give Dodgers fans a shorter journey," said McCourt. “Since the start of this process, we sought to bring the Dodgers closer to the people of Los Angeles. They have supported this team for 50 years on the West Coast, and while we loved our spring home on the East Coast, we know that over the next 50 years, far more fans of the Dodgers can enjoy Spring Training if the trip is five hours by car instead of five hours by plane." The new Spring Training complex in Glendale will be shared with the Chicago White Sox, and includes everything from retail development to an 18-hole golf course. Between the complex’s location and size, it reaches across both Glendale and Phoenix city borders. The Dodgers spent 60 years in Dodgertown, a now historic location for the Dodgers and baseball. “We have notified Indian River County and the City of Vero Beach that we will not exercise the option to remain in Vero Beach until 2021,” McCourt said. That option would have expired on March 31, 2008. “While we are confident at this point that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will be able to conduct spring training in Glendale in 2009, we have until July 15 to make that determination.” Earlier this month, the McCourt said that some aspects of Dodgertown would be coming to the new Glendale, AZ (read Dodgers Plan to Move Dodgertown to Arizona). “As is the case whenever a family moves out of the neighborhood, we are filled with mixed emotions," said Dodger President Jamie McCourt. "The Dodgers established some deep friendships in Florida, and they will endure. And just as a family experiences in such a move, there are new friends to be made in our new neighborhood. "The key to this move, however, is the obvious proximity to our fan base. Spring Training provides one of the best opportunities for an intimate look at baseball. You can walk up to players, see what they look like, and get an autograph to commemorate the meeting. When an eight-year-old has that experience, her or his eyes are as wide as the player is tall. It's a great way to help children fall in love with baseball, and through the years, they are forever grateful to the family members who made that life-changing moment possible. "As soon as the Dodgers landed in Phoenix, families wearing Dodger Blue were waiting. It was a daily unofficial welcoming committee. We can't wait till next spring, and in the meantime, we get to enjoy a full baseball season, wire to wire." Source: Press Release – Los Angeles Dodgers
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
|
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Thursday, 27 March 2008 13:07 |
 The Detroit Tigers announced today that have added 778 seats to Comerica Park, which will increase the ballpark's seating capacity to 41,782 on Opening Day.
The seats have been added on risers along the main concourse behind existing seating sections and in newly created auxiliary sections on the Dew Deck/Pepsi Porch in right field. The seats in the new locations will cost between $12-$25 each and be available for all home games on the schedule, with the exception of Opening Day. Seats in these locations for the home opener against the Royals on March 31 have already been sold.
"With the unprecedented demand for Tigers tickets in 2008, we have been looking for opportunities to increase our seating capacity without impacting the aesthetics of Comerica Park," said Tigers President, CEO & General Manager David Dombrowski. "These additions will provide more fans an opportunity to enjoy Tigers baseball this season."
Select Read More to see new sections and ticket prices at Comerica Park. Please, add your comments |
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Monday, 24 March 2008 20:24 |
|
 With the current Yankee Stadium about to become history, those that want a piece of that stories history will surely come running. How much is a dugout seat worth? What about a box seat that you’ve sat in for years? Hey, even the urinals in Busch Stadium II were sold. Stadium memorabilia is hot item these days.
And while the public is dumping truckloads of cash into the new Yankee Stadium (see renderings of the new design), the Yankees have said that they will not be purchasing the current Yankee Stadium in order to gain the revenues from selling off the pieces. As reported by Ticker: “We have been in talks with city officials to determine the best way for the city to realize value in the assets of the current Yankee Stadium,” Yankees president Randy Levine said in a statement. “The goal is to find the best and most efficient way to make memorabilia items available to the public and our fans. “There is no agreement as of yet as to the best method of making these items available, but our discussions with the city are continuing. When there is an agreement we will let everyone know.”
One wonders how much pieces of King George’s owner’s suite will fetch.
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK |
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Monday, 24 March 2008 09:34 |
 The Seattle Mariners announced today that the Terrace Club, a premium seating and fan hospitality area of Safeco Field, has been re-branded the Wells Fargo Terrace Club. The Mariners have had a longstanding partnership with Wells Fargo. Financial terms of the agreement were not released. The now names, “Wells Fargo Terrace Club” is a premium seating section on the second level of Safeco Field. There are 4,677 seats along both the first and third base lines. Seats are padded and include in-seat wait staff service of food and beverages. Wells Fargo Terrace Club ticket holders have access to two exclusive, climate-controlled lounge areas located just behind the seating areas. Lounges include full service bars and upscale food choices, some available only on the Terrace Club level, “such as a wood fired pizza oven, pasta bar, and carving stations” according to the Mariners. Source: Seattle Mariners
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK |
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Sunday, 23 March 2008 13:19 |
|
 It has been well documented that when new Yankee Stadium is opened to the public, it will far surpass any stadium in terms of total, and hidden costs to the public.
But, when the doors swing open in 2009, there may never have been a stadium that has had more of a "wow factor", and chances are there may not be one in the near future. I was greatly impressed with the Mets paying homage to Ebbets Field with the exterior and main entrance touches. But, the collections of recently released renderings of new Yankee Stadium, arguably, bowl all of the recent stadium designs over, at least in terms of the interior touches. The image above is of the Grand Hall – the main entrance into the stadium, and speaks to the "grandness" of the design. A collection of 17 new images have been added to the ten images we collected in 2006, as part of our Ballpark Renderings section, including the one you see here. All the images, when selected, provide a high-resolution version, for greater detail. Source: New York Yankees and HOK Sport
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK |
|
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Sunday, 23 March 2008 10:13 |
|
 He's not in the Baseball Hall of Fame, yet, but he's about to become immortal.
The Chicago While Sox announced today that a life-sized sculpture of franchise legend and longtime fan favorite Harold Baines will be unveiled by the Chicago White Sox prior to their game vs. Kansas City on Sunday, July 20 at U.S. Cellular Field.
Baines becomes the seventh White Sox great immortalized in bronze at the ballpark. Sculptures of club founder Charles A. Comiskey and Cuban great Orestes “Minnie” Minoso were unveiled in 2004. Carlton Fisk’s sculpture was installed in 2005, while the famous double-play duo of Luis Aparicio and Nellie Fox was honored with sculptures in 2006. Last season, a sculpture of White Sox pitching star Bill Pierce was unveiled on the concourse near centerfield.
“Harold Baines was the automatic choice for this year’s honor,” said White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. “Harold has consistently personified class and professionalism in his approach to the game and his Hall of Fame-caliber skills were wrapped in a very humble, friendly personality. A favorite of White Sox fans when he played, Harold remains popular to this day.”
Baines was drafted by the White Sox in 1977 and made his major league debut in 1980. Over his next 22 seasons in major league baseball, Baines clubbed 384 home runs and drove in 1,628 runs – with 221 of the home runs and 981 of the RBI coming as a member of the White Sox. During that span, Baines was named to the American League All-Star Team six times and finished in the league’s Top 10 for batting average three times.
The White Sox retired uniform No. 3 in 1989, making Baines the only active White Sox player to receive the honor. After being traded to the Texas Rangers in 1989, Baines returned to the White Sox twice, first from 1996-97, then again from 2000-01. Still on the franchise leader board in a number of offensive categories, Baines ranks third in home runs, third in RBI, third in extra-base hits (585), fourth in doubles (320) and fifth in hits (1,773) in franchise history.
Now entering his fifth season on the White Sox coaching staff and third as first base coach, Baines recently became eligible for baseball’s Hall of Fame ballot in 2008. Source: The Chicago White Sox
OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK |
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Thursday, 13 March 2008 08:33 |
|
 The Seattle Mariners announced today that they have added Everett-based pizza chain Garlic Jim's Famous Gourmet Pizza as the latest addition to food offering at Safeco Field. Garlic Jim's has entered into a multi-year corporate partnership with the Seattle Mariners. Financial terms were not released.
Garlic Jim's, the "official pizza of the Seattle Mariners," will be available at concessions stands at Safeco Field for the 2008 season.The offerings will include 8-inch personal pizzas with a variety of toppings.
The sponsorship agreement also includes signage inside Safeco Field, an in-park "lucky row" pizza giveaway and a register-to-win contest.
The "lucky row" promotion will take place during selected Mariners home games.Entire rows will be chosen at random to win free pizzas.On occasion, the contest will include a "pass the pizza box" competition with prizes awarded to the fastest, most skillful rows of fans.
Prizes for the register-to-win contest will include four Commissioners Box seats, 10 front row View Reserved tickets, a private suite for 20, with catering by Garlic Jim's, Seattle Mariners Team Store gift cards and shopping sprees and the chance to watch Mariners batting practice from the field.Entries will be available over the course of the season at www.mariners.com and at participating Puget Sound Garlic Jim's locations.
Source: Seattle Mariners
|
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Thursday, 13 March 2008 08:01 |
|
 On Friday, April 11, the Chicago White Sox will unveil the “Champions Plaza” and “Championship Moments” monument, a diamond-shaped plaza featuring a prominent bronze and granite monument celebrating the 2005 World Series championship. The new brick plaza, located at U.S. Cellular Field’s main entrance at Gate 4, is comprised of “legacy bricks” inscribed with personal messages from fans and features an historic timeline highlighting franchise milestones.
Prior to the game that Friday vs. Detroit, the plaza and monument will be unveiled before fans, local dignitaries and former White Sox players representing the franchise’s division, league and World Series champion teams. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m.
“Champions Plaza and our Championship Moments monument are very special additions to U.S. Cellular Field and the fan experience at White Sox games,” said Scott Reifert, White Sox vice president of communications and president of Chicago White Sox Charities. “The baseball diamond-shaped brick plaza, with the monument standing at the center, symbolizes the relationship between the team and our fans – those legacy bricks serve as the foundation of the plaza, just like our fans do for the White Sox organization. We expect this monument and plaza to become one of the most popular meeting spots for fans at the ballpark.”
The large monument, completed during the past two years by sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany of The Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt-Amrany (Highwood, Ill.), is made of a combination of white bronze and black granite. The same studio also developed the popular sculptures of Charles A. Comiskey, Minnie Minoso, Carlton Fisk, Luis Aparicio, Nellie Fox and Bill Pierce, which are located on the center field concourse at U.S. Cellular Field.
Proceeds from the sale of legacy bricks for Champions Plaza went to Chicago White Sox Charities. After the unveiling on April 11, the White Sox will announce a timeline for a second opportunity for fans to purchase their own legacy bricks.
“We’ve been very pleased with the initial fan response to our legacy brick offer,” Reifert said. “And we expect that once fans see the plaza and monument, we quickly will sell out of remaining brick inventory. One of the best parts of the plaza is reading all of the inscriptions from our fans. The stories and memories are amazing and moving.”
Source: The Chicago White Sox |
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Monday, 10 March 2008 22:00 |
|
 If Sam Zell has his way, and the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority purchases Wrigley Field, it is conceivable that the Cubs could wind up sharing U.S. Cellular Field with the White Sox for at least part of a season while renovations to Wrigley were being made. That according to Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney.
The ISFA already operates U.S. Cellular Field, so any conflicts with the White Sox might be mitigated. As reported by the Chicago Tribune, could see two options, one where the changes are made over the course of several seasons, and the Cubs stay in Wrigley, or another where major changes are made as quickly as possible: "Maybe we don't need to be out for a whole season," [Kenney] said. "Maybe construction would start [the] last day of the season, it would go through the off-season and maybe call it until June to get some major work done. Maybe you could phase it in over time." Kenney has not approached Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf about the possibility of playing at The Cell.
"To be honest, the architects really drive this, because they talk about lead time on ordering steel, etc., and how this would all work," Kenney said. "There's a school of thought that (sports architectural firm) HOK has that you could actually phase it in and not lose a season at Wrigley. But then the question is, do you want to live through three years of construction? Or do you want to take the pain and maybe lose one season or a major portion of one season and just get it done?"
As to the proposed naming rights deal for Wrigley, Kenney said there are three corporations showing interest. As we reported (The Curse of Ex-Wrigley Field), even if Zell’s lofty $400 million, 20 year naming rights deal were to transpire, the corporation purchasing the secondary naming rights would be over paying in excess of 275 percent. Wrigley Field, by any other name, will always be Wrigley Field. As to the idea of Cats and Dogs (Cubs and White Sox fans) living in harmony... READ MORE ON THE PROPOSED SALE OF THE CUBS: |
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Saturday, 08 March 2008 06:29 |
|
The transformation from Jacobs Field to Progressive Field continues in Cleveland as the new signage for the ballpark continues to be created and prepared to be hung. Late last week, the Indians provided the media with access to Cleveland-based Brilliant Electric Sign Company where the signage is being created. All of the new signage will be in place by Opening Day. The following images were provided by the Cleveland Indians, courtesy of Kalman and Pabst Photo Group. ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF KALMAN AND PABST PHOTO GROUP
|
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Friday, 07 March 2008 07:46 |
 It may not be Wrigley Field, or a major league ballpark, but a bit of history is coming to MLB when the lights go on, and day-only games are gone at McKechnie Field, the Pirates spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Located in Bradenton, Florida, the town has hosted spring training since 1923, but this Friday, the lights will come on, and an end of an era will close. As reported by The AP: This is all new. We don’t know what to do,” said former Pirates reliever Kent Tekulve, a spring training instructor and a frequent Bradenton visitor. “The people are going to go to dinner first, then go to the game, as opposed to the game first and then dinner. The early bird special is going to be all out of whack.” […] Because of the historic occasion, shortstop Jack Wilson—the team’s most tenured player with eight seasons in a Pirates uniform—plans to ask manager John Russell to let him play in the night game rather than the day game. “It’s definitely going to feel weird at first,” Wilson said. “But I think it’s nice. It’s great for the city… I want to play in it. I’d sleep in, have the day, then play.”
McKechnie Field has been the last holdout for lighted games. The last stadium before McKechnie was when Wrigley Field went to lights in 1988. |
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Wednesday, 05 March 2008 13:06 |
|
Yesterday, the Washington Nationals unveiled their new video display system and ceremoniously laid homplate into place in the new Nationals Ballpark, which will be opening this season. The following images show the High-Definition videoboard, measuring 4,532 square feet, 101 feet in width x 43 feet in length, along with John Royce, Nationals groundskeeper, Steve Kuhn, owner of JK Moving, Nationals mascot "Screech", Washington Nationals President Stan Kasten, District Officials, Matthew Cutts, Greg O’Dell and Vince Morris, as homeplate is installed. Select each image to see in a larger view ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS |
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Monday, 03 March 2008 20:07 |
|
 Yesterday, the Boston Red Sox announced that they had reached an extended sponsorship agreement with the Coca-Cola company to create a new section at Fenway Park called the “Coca-Cola Corner.”
The new extension with Coca-Cola runs five years and will run to the end of the 2017 season. Financial terms were not announced. The new section will add 412 new seats to Fenway, plus a new sign that will measure 42’8” in length and 12’3” in height, and will feature 1059 LED lights that will scroll through the iconic “Coca-Cola” logo.  The Coca-Cola Corner seating area will feature picnic tables, Coca-Cola and Red Sox-themed décor and a wide variety of food and beverage options, including select Coca-Cola products. The Boston Red Sox has provided the Business of Sports Network with images showing the current state of construction (upper left), as well as an artist rendering of what the finished section will look like (image to the right). Select the image to the right to see an artist rendering in high resolution. ALL IMAGES COURTESY BOSTON RED SOX |
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Monday, 03 March 2008 10:03 |
|
 The Boston Red Sox and Coca-Cola today unveiled “The Coca-Cola Corner”, a new family-friendly seating and hospitality area of Fenway Park for the 2008 season. The unique area will add more than 412 new seats to “ America ’s Most Beloved Ballpark”, and is part of the extension and expansion of the Red Sox partnership with Coca-Cola, the longest-standing team sponsor with a relationship dating back to 1912. Coca-Cola is “The Official Soft Drink of the Boston Red Sox”.
The new Coca-Cola Corner will be located on the State Street Pavilion level, and will be crowned with a new illuminated sign featuring the beverage company’s signature red and white logo. The sign design harkens back to an historic Coca-Cola sign that stood on Storrow Drive for more than four decades, and will provide the company with a new and even more meaningful historic Fenway presence.
“Working with a creative and valued partner like Coca-Cola is always exciting and we were thrilled when discussions began to create a unique area that could greatly enhance our ability to provide fans with the best ballpark experience possible,” said Sam Kennedy, Executive Vice President, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Boston Red Sox. “The Coca-Cola Corner is the next chapter in a sponsor relationship that will now extend well beyond Fenway Park ’s 100th anniversary in 2012.”
The sign will measure 42’8” in length and 12’3” in height, and will feature 1059 LED lights that will scroll through the iconic “Coca-Cola” logo. The 25 second scroll, which will illuminate lights in a pattern that replicates writing, will be done in 254 steps. The Red Sox choice to use LED in the new sign is in keeping with the organization’s commitment to adopting environmentally-sustainable business practices with the bulbs using 80% less power and lasting years longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. The sign was designed by Ashton Design and constructed by Triangle Signs. It will be installed before Opening Day 2008.
The Coca-Cola Corner seating area will feature picnic tables, Coca-Cola and Red Sox-themed décor and a wide variety of food and beverage options, including select Coca-Cola products.
“We are very proud of our association with the World Champion Boston Red Sox and are thrilled to have our brand featured in such a high-visibility position at America ’s Most Beloved Ballpark,” said Joe Papapietro, Vice President of Sales Operations, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New England . “The Coca-Cola Corner is another way for us to bring Red Sox fans the enjoyment of refreshing Coca-Cola beverages, and expand our commitment to helping preserve and protect Fenway Park .”
The Coca-Cola Corner is an expansion of the beverage company’s presence at the ballpark. In early February three Coke bottles were removed from the left field light tower as the last piece in the efforts to restore the light towers to their original historic appearance. The 25’ fiberglass bottles, which made their debut at the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta, were installed in 1997.
The Coca-Cola Corner is a one of the key elements of the Red Sox’ Year VII Fenway Park Improvements. The Year VII improvements continue the club’s efforts to make Fenway Park more comparable to other MLB parks in terms of number of seats and fan amenities, while still preserving the scale and character that had made Fenway Park ‘America's Most Beloved Ballpark’. Changes are being made in accordance with the standards set by the National Park Service and are reviewed in advance by the Massachusetts Historic Commission, the Boston City Landmarks Commission, and Boston Redevelopment Authority. The club has made annual improvements since Principal Owner John Henry, Chairman Tom Werner, and President/CEO Larry Lucchino and their partners purchased the club before the start of the 2002 season.
Source: Boston Red Sox |
|
Written by Maury Brown
|
|
Monday, 25 February 2008 06:07 |
|
 The New York Mets plan to unveil the logo for Citi Field today, according to Eric Fisher of the Sports Business Journal:
The Citi Field logo, designed in-house with the aid of brand consultant Lippincott, combines the existing Citigroup logo with the Mets’ blue and orange colors. Like many baseball-themed marks, it also employs a diamond shape. […] The logo will be officially unveiled at two events today: one in midtown Manhattan and another at the Mets’ spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
(See renderings of the new Mets ballpark being constructed)
The naming rights deal reached by Citigroup and the Mets in ’06 is the largest US naming rights deal in history, at 20-years, $400 million. Rumors have recently floated around that due to Citigroup’s recent fourth quarter net loss of $9.83 billion that the naming rights deal might be in jeopardy. The unveiling today seems to put that to rest, although one speculates whether a restructuring of $20 million annually might occur in favor of backloading. To date, no confirmation on such a restructure has been made. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page 8 of 17 |
|
|
|
Ballpark Facility News
Feed Entries 
