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Published June 9, 2003

Monday, June 9, 2003

The Newark STAR-LEDGER’s Matthew Futterman writes, “It seemed like a coup three years ago: a clean solution to a messy controversy over dueling arena proposals and one more piece in a puzzle that would create the model sports company of the 21^st century. Now, even with the Devils on the verge of winning their third Stanley Cup in the past eight years, the 2000 purchase of the team by a group led by YankeeNets investors Raymond Chambers and Lewis Katz for $175[M] plus $20[M] in debt looks like one of the worst deals in recent U.S. sports history” (Newark STAR-LEDGER).

The WASHINGTON POST’s Lee Hockstader wrote, “These days the Astrodome’s silence is broken only sporadically, and the events there are a poor match for the arena once proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World. The other day, a local law firm held its annual softball game there. Not long ago, a baseball-themed bar mitzvah took place on the infield” (WASHINGTON POST).

The CHICAGO TRIBUNE’s Ed Sherman writes, “People may be watching golf, but they aren’t playing. At least not enough to satisfy an anxious golf industry. According to the National Golf Foundation, an independent group that does research for the industry, play was down 3 [%] last year. Industry insiders estimate business is down by as much as [10-15%] since 2000. … The Woods effect initially resulted in a 7 [%] spike in participation in 1998. But the increase couldn’t be sustained” (CHICAGO TRIBUNE).

Plus:

• The ACC-Big East Battle: While one looks to enlarge, the other looks to survive.
• Belmont Park – N.Y. Racing Assoc. still offers a bargain in the sports marketplace.
• With Stanley Cup to be awarded tonight, suggestions for improving the NHL.
• Minneapolis STAR-TRIBUNE editorial calls for teams to drop Indian nicknames.
• A look at variable ticket pricing around MLB and future possibilities for the practice.
• Profile of athletics apparel and shoe manufacturer AND1.
• Profile of Pride Golf Tee Co. and its oversized golf tee.
• Cobra Golf makes a comeback with creativity and a back-to-the-basics image.
• Profile of “Spawn” creator & sports memorabilia collector Todd McFarlane.
• ManU MF David Beckham takes a holiday and visits the U.S.
• Robo-vision founder, Jim Warden, a pioneer in the use of robotic cameras.
• Profile of Dr. Pepper /Seven Up Park – home of the Double-A Texas League Frisco Rough Riders.