The biggest ever change in the venue managing industry is about to be launched – and details will be announced at Wembley on February 22 – the next meeting of the UK Venue Managers Association.

Sandy Lopes has the facts about the new professional, medicine degree-level qualification covering all aspects of the profession – so book in for the meeting now atsandy@aladltd.co.uk. You do not have to be a member to attend this important meeting.

Association members and individual managers throughout the country have been calling for a dedicated qualification and academic modules to promote continuous professional development and raise the profile and status of the industry for young people. Now the UKVMA has linked with Bucks New University to create a solution.

“Venue management has always been a massive task involving much more than event management and administration: it is a combination of so many different disciplines, each vitally important,” says UKVMA Director Neil Levett.

“New Bucks University, in close co-operation with the UKVMA, is to offer modules of many different subjects, a Foundation Degree over a two-year period, and a full BSc (Hons) degree over three years. Students will be able to study separate modules or take the full courses. We are looking to help educate the future managers of Britain’s biggest and most prestigious venues, arenas and stadiums,” he added.

The new course will be explained in detail at the February 22 meeting of the UKVMA. Contact Sandy Lopes (sandy@aladltd.co.uk) or see the web site (www.ukvma.org).

ESPN have secured the broadcast rights in the US to air the 27th edition of the FISU Summer Universiade taking place in Kazan, treatment Russia between July 6-17, 2013.

For the first time, the Universiades will be telecast live in the US. ESPN will cover over 40 hours of Summer Universiade action on ESPNU and an additional 250 hours will be available live on ESPN3 from July 6 – 17, 2013. ESPN’s multiscreen sports network in the US is available to fans who receive their Internet or video subscription from an affiliated provider.  It is accessible to more than 85 million households online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app, through ESPN on Xbox LIVE to Gold members and on Apple TV. ESPN coverage will focus on Basketball, Water Polo, Swimming, Track & Field, Beach Volleyball and Volleyball.

The Universiades, (Winter & Summer) are held every two years, gathering student-athletes aged 17-28 and are second only to the Olympic Games in terms of number of participating athletes and countries represented. In Kazan, more than 10,000 student-athletes will compete in 27 sports.

“Our agreement to deliver FISU events is a testament to our commitment of serving sports fans with quality programming, both domestically and from around the world,” said Todd Myers, director of programming and acquisitions for ESPN.  “We look forward to carrying these events to a US audience.”

“I am extremely pleased that ESPN will bring the FISU flagship event to the homes of our American student-athletes, their family and friends and the sport-loving American audience,” said FISU President, Claude-Louis Gallien. “Like FISU, which strives for excellence on campus and on the sports field, ESPN brings excellence with its quality coverage and story-telling, by relating the sport stories that matter most to US audiences. I am confident that with the help of ESPN, the International University Sport Movement will continue to grow in popularity on the American continent.”

The A-league enjoyed record opening-round attendance to a season.

A total of 93,500 fans attended the five opening matches during the weekend, smashing last season’s record of 79,850.

The derby between Melbourne Heart and Melbourne victory attracted 42,032 fans.

Recent signings Alessandro Del Piero, Shinji Ono and Emile Heskey have helped to raise the profile of Australian soccer.{jcomments on}

 

ATP Executive Chairman and President Brad Drewett has announced several promotions at the ATP executive level.

The promotions are across a variety of departments and regions, abortion and see existing staff members Mark Young, Laurent Delanney and Andre Silva assume significant additional responsibilities within the company. Alison Lee also expands her role within the International Group region.

Mark Young (CEO ATP Americas and Chief Legal and Media Officer) continues as CEO ATP Americas and Chief Legal Officer, and also becomes the ATP’s Chief Media Officer, overseeing the ATP’s interests in the area of broadcast media rights, including television, live streaming, data, live scoring, and other associated rights. Young, who has been with the Tour since its formation in 1990, will work closely with relevant internal departments, as well as ATP Media CEO Steve Plasto, to oversee the ATP’s strategic direction in this area. 

Laurent Delanney (CEO ATP Europe & ATP Commercial Director) assumes the role of ATP Commercial Director, in addition to his existing role as CEO ATP Europe. Delanney, who runs the ATP’s Monte-Carlo office, has played an integral role in the ATP’s commercial efforts over the last decade, and now will lead the ATP sales, sponsorship and licensing team in managing all of the ATP’s commercial activities. 

Andre Silva (Chief Player Officer & Tournament Director, Barclays ATP World Tour Finals) takes over from Drewett as Tournament Director of the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Silva, who has been with the Tour for more than 12 years, continues in his role as Chief Player Officer and will work closely with Chris Kermode, Managing Director of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, on all aspects of the tournament.

Alison Lee (Vice President, International Group) takes the interim position as head of the International Group region, which includes the Middle East, Asia and Pacific regions. Lee is based in the ATP’s Sydney office, and has worked across the region in the ATP’s tournament relations, communications and commercial divisions over the last decade.

Sports Management Worldwide is to host Sports Business Career Conference during the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, drugs Indiana on February 24th and 25th, viagra 2012.

Participants will gain insight into careers in sports through presentations by successful sports executives, allergist including GM’s, front office executives, Scouts, Sports Agents, player personnel, and well known media currently working in football. This event includes networking, information on breaking into the sports industry and advice on advancing your sports business career. College credit available for attending.

The conference, taking place Friday from 1pm. to 6 p.m, and Saturday from 9am-5pm at the Indianapolis Hyatt Regency, will offer panel discussions and question-answer sessions regarding career specifics, career planning strategies, challenges in the economy, new media communications, with the “who’s who of the NFL.”

Confirmed speakers include: 
Raymond Berry, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Baltimore Colts – 1955-67 with Johnny Unitas. Former Coach of the Cowboys, Patriots, Lions, Broncos 
Dawn Aponte – Miami Dolphins Sr. VP of Football Operations 
Adam Schefter – ESPN 
John Wooten – NFL Legend, now fondly called the “Godfather” of the NFL 
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, President and Founder, Sports Management Worldwide 
Russ Lande – NFL Draft Expert for GM Jr Scouting & The Sporting News  
Mike Stanfield, New Orleans Saints VP of Ticket & Suite Sales 
Mike Stoeber, Jacksonville Jaguars Video Assistant (XOS) 
Derron Harris, Philadelphia Eagles Manager of Football Administration 
George Karras, Oakland Raiders Scout, longtime friend and associate of Al Davis 
Dave Razzano, NFL scout for more than 22 yrs,49ers, Rams, Cardinals.  
Matt Littlefield former NFL pro & college scout; current scout for GM Jr Scouting Services 
Josh Liskiewitz, College Scout with GM Jr Scouting Contributor for RoarReport 
Kristen Kuliga, NFL Agent (female agent representing the most NFL players) 
Jack Mills, NFL Agent 
Jim Solano, NFL Agent 
Steve Nash, Integrity Sports Broadcasting Network 
Rick Horrow, Host of Sportfolio on Bloomberg 
and many more to be announced

The cost of the conference is $250 on or before February 10th, students $160. Capacity is limited and spots are selling quickly, immediate action is required to ensure a place in the conference. Registration can be completed at Sports Management Worldwide or by calling: 1-877-SMWW-NOW.

Sydney FC is enjoying the financial benefits of the signing of Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero.

The club has sold more memberships than ever before and has had a great deal of interest from sponsors.

“In terms of memberships we’ve beaten the record, which was 7500, and I’m confident we’ll go on to beat 8000,” CEO, Tony Pignata, said. “I’m happy with that in terms of the market in Sydney and there’s still 10 days until our first home game. If we get some good performances straight away we might see another surge hopefully.”

“We do have 10,000 junior members who are eligible to come, of course, but we don’t count those in the overall numbers. Our corporate hospitality has already reached its budget for the year and we haven’t played a game yet, and we sold out the business lunch.

“I’ve had sponsors calling me – there are a few properties left, like a community partner and a coaches sponsor.

“But we have a sponsor for the W-League, front and back of shirt, and at the youth league, and the signage is pretty much all gone.”

Pignata said the next objective for the club is to improve on the poor attendances that it has experienced in recent seasons.

“The key thing is to drive our attendances now for our home games,” Pignata said. “So far, certainly in terms of that first home game against Newcastle on October 13, it’s looking very positive.

“We’ve pre-sold more than 8000, which is one of the highest figures for a game we’ve played outside the finals, and our target is to beat the record non-finals crowd of 33,000 against Melbourne Victory in 2008.”{jcomments on}

The Cleveland Cavaliers announced today that Brad Sims joins the organization as Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer.

Sims leaves his post at the NBA where he was Vice President, store Team Business Development, Team Marketing and Business Operations (TMBO).

Sims will oversee growth areas in the Cavaliers organization’s entire multi-property business platform.  In his new role, he will lead the Cavaliers’ Ticket Sales and Service area; Database Marketing and CRM Teams; Cavs and Quicken Loans Arena Suite Sales and Services; Corporate Partnerships; and Box Office and Ticket Operations. He’ll also work within those same areas for the AHL Lake Erie Monsters, NBA D-League Canton Charge and the AFL Cleveland Gladiators. He will also lead the Digital Sales and Marketing efforts organization-wide and will provide direction to casino sales efforts in concert with the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland team. 

“Brad is a highly respected and accomplished sports business executive with a very successful and diverse background that fits especially well with our organization,” said Len Komoroski, Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena president.  “We have worked closely with Brad on the league side over the past several years and we know he is a ‘difference maker.’”

“This was a unique situation to be part of a very dynamic organization with an operating culture that I have always felt was at the very top of our industry,” said Sims. “The opportunity to join Dan Gilbert’s organization and work side-by-side with a great leadership team while being part of this great renaissance and growth period in downtown Cleveland is especially exciting. I am proud to now call Cleveland my home.”

Joining NBA’s TMBO group in 2008 as Senior Director and promoted to VP in 2011, Sims provided strategic direction and shared league and industry best practices across all verticals of the business, including sponsorship, season ticket sales, premium/suite sales, group sales, marketing, digital/social networking, finance/expenses, food and beverage, retail and game presentation.  He was the account manager for five teams, working closely with the Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Hornets and the Cavaliers.

Prior to joining the NBA’s TMBO group, Sims spent over a decade in business operations leadership roles with several multi-property sports organizations including two divisions of Philadelphia-based Comcast-Spectacor LP (parent organization of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL Philadelphia Flyers), and Opening Day Partners, LLC one of the leading multi-team minor league professional baseball operators.

1	Ayre Claims Warrior Deal Will Secure Liverpool FFP Obligations	Friday, 20 January 2012
2	Eurosport Renews Sponsorship Of Sport Industry Group Awards	Friday, 20 January 2012
3	Kia Motors Extends NBA Partnerships	Friday, 20 January 2012
4	USPGA Champion Keegan Bradley Inks Deal with Clothing Giant Tommy Hilfiger	Friday, 20 January 2012
5	US Women Soccer Stars Alex Morgan & Heather Mitts Become Ambassadors for GNC	Friday, 20 January 2012
6	Miller Lite Sponsors ProElite MMA Hawaii Event	Friday, 20 January 2012
7	Parkgate Shopping Continue Shirt Sponsorship of Rotherham United FC	Friday, 20 January 2012
8	Toyota Expand NHRA Deal with Title Sponsorship of a Event	Friday, 20 January 2012
9	T-Mobile to Sponsor New Jersey Devils Prudential Center	Thursday, 19 January 2012
10	Warrior Sports Becomes Official Kit Supplier of Liverpool	Thursday, 19 January 2012
11	Cricketer AB de Villiers to Continue Deal with Puma Through 2015	Thursday, 19 January 2012
12	Del Monte Becomes Official Fresh Fruit of Miami Heat	Thursday, 19 January 2012
13	Chase Become Official Card of Madison Square Garden Company	Thursday, 19 January 2012
14	Hurst Boiler Renew Sponsorship of NHRA’s Adam Flamholc Racing	Thursday, 19 January 2012
15	PGA Tour Golfer Matt Kuchar Signs Deal with Leading Vodka Brand	Wednesday, 18 January 2012
16	Quaker Oats Become New Shirt Sponsors of MLS’s Chicago Fire	Wednesday, 18 January 2012
17	British Sprinter James Ellington Leaves eBay Behind by Signing with New Sponsor	Wednesday, 18 January 2012
18	PGA Tour Announces Marketing Partnership with USA Today Sports	Wednesday, 18 January 2012
19	USA Cycling Begin Partnership with SPY	Wednesday, 18 January 2012
20	US Athlete Janet Evans Signs Deal with Arena	Wednesday, 18 January 2012
21	Red Bull Racing Gains New Official Supplier Sonax	Tuesday, 17 January 2012
22	Lucozade Maker Signs Four-Year Deal with RFU	Tuesday, 17 January 2012
23	Mantis Signs Greg Rusedski as Brand Ambassador	Tuesday, 17 January 2012
24	Danish Soccer Teams F.C. Kobenhavn & FC Midtjylland Sign Deal with Unibet	Tuesday, 17 January 2012
25	Adidas Becomes Official Sportswear Partner of Professional Squash Federation	Tuesday, 17 January 2012
26	Liberty Syndicates to Sponsor 2014 World Cup	Tuesday, 17 January 2012
27	William Hill Become Official Sports Betting & Gaming Provider of Premier League Darts	Tuesday, 17 January 2012
28	PGA Adds to Portfolio in Deal with Leading Golf Equipment Brand Tacit	Tuesday, 17 January 2012
29	Leading American Tennis Player John Isner Inks Deal with Lacoste	Tuesday, 17 January 2012
30	True Car to Title Sponsor IndyCar Racer Katherine Legge’s Car	Tuesday, 17 January 2012
31	British Speedway Team Redcar Bears Secure Local Sponsors	Tuesday, 17 January 2012
32	Mage Solar Become New Sponsor of Belgian Club Anderlecht	Monday, 16 January 2012
33	Buxton Remain Official Water Supplier of English Cricket	Monday, 16 January 2012
34	PGA Tour Secure Official Medicine & Rental Car Sponsors	Monday, 16 January 2012
35	Fila Renew Sponsorship Deals with Kim Cljisters & Svetlana Kuznetsova	Monday, 16 January 2012
36	UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar Gets New Sports Nutrition Sponsor	Monday, 16 January 2012
37	Triple Flip Becomes the Official Teamwear Supplier of Skate Canada	Monday, 16 January 2012
38	NHRA’s Jim Dunn Racing Partners with Tap It Brewing Company	Monday, 16 January 2012
39	World Snooker Secures BGC Partners Deal On Brink Of Masters	Friday, 13 January 2012
40	McDonald’s Complete Olympic Sponsorship Renewal	Friday, 13 January 2012

ESPN has announced that it will expand its relationship with the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) under a new five-year deal.

As part of the deal thenetwork’s previous coverage of the PBA Tour and the PBA League grow from 25.2 hours per year to 36.

The deal becomes effective with the 2013 World Series of Bowling, which will debut on ESPN on Sunday, December 1, 2013.  The new deal follows a successful inaugural season of the PBA League, which features eight team owners, including stars Chris Paul, Kevin Hart, Terrell Owens and Billie Jean King.   The second season of The PBA League will debut on ESPN on Sunday January 5, 2014.

The deal ensures that the PBA will remain on ESPN and marks the continuation of a partnership that dates back to 1979.

“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with the PBA, which dates back to 1979, ESPN’s inaugural year. Bowling makes for compelling television, and with last year’s addition of the PBA League, it has the potential for appealing to a broader audience,” said Jason Bernstein, ESPN Senior Director, Programming.

Chris Paul, one of the league’s founding owners, said, “I’m excited to be part of the PBA League’s second season and back on ESPN. When the League starts in January, I’m confident my guys will come out strong this year.” 

ESPN’s renewed and expanded commitment will help us grow our sport and build on the successful launch of the PBA League.  I’m thrilled that our fans will continue to see the world’s greatest bowlers on ESPN for many years,” said PBA CEO Geoff Reiss.