February 13, 2024
Read in Browser
POWERED BY
Super Bowl LVIII on CBS was the most-watched telecast in U.S. history. … The effort to build a new arena for the Washington Wizards and Capitals hits a speed bump. … Why big changes might be coming to the PGA Tour's rowdiest tournament. … Inside the documentation of Super Bowl losses. … And going back more than a century to the birth of a major shift in professional baseball.
Never Bigger: Super Bowl LVIII Draws Record Audience of 123.4 Million
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
History has been made as Super Bowl LVIII now stands alone as the most-watched event in American television history.
The Chiefs' 25-22 overtime win over the 49ers on CBS drew an average audience in the U.S. of 123.4 million, beating last year's record Super Bowl draw of 115.1 million by 7%, according to Nielsen fast national figures released late Monday by the network.
The viewership average—spanning the main CBS broadcast network, Paramount+, Nickelodeon, Univision, and related digital properties—tops all other scheduled programming spanning more than seven decades of television audience measurement. There are various estimates that the 1969 landing on the moon by U.S. astronauts drew an American audience of 125 million to 150 million across multiple networks, and perhaps 500 million to 600 million worldwide. But those figures were not verified, leaving Sunday's game as the new industry standard bearer, certainly for any programmed event aired on a single network.
The Super Bowl LVIII viewership total is also the culmination of a banner season that included robust audience growth in the regular season and then the wild card, divisional, and conference championship playoff rounds.
CBS said 202.4 million people in the U.S. cumulatively watched all or part of the Super Bowl, representing the game's largest total audience ever, up 10% from the comparable figure from a year ago. The network itself by far led the way with the average viewership among the various Paramount-owned properties, generating a figure of 120 million.
For the game, though, there was a further confluence of powerful factors helping to drive viewership beyond the surging popularity of the NFL overall, including an attractive Chiefs-49ers matchup, the allure of the first title game in Las Vegas, just the second overtime game in Super Bowl history (which very nearly became the first to reach double overtime), and of course, the Taylor Swift effect. Specific demographic information on the game viewership hasn't yet been released, but it's expected there was some boost into the telecast from fans drawn in because of the pop star's romantic relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Full Nielsen figures from the game are expected to be released Tuesday.
Key Legislator: Leonsis Arena Project 'An Absolute No'
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Ted Leonsis is now facing his biggest setback to date in an already-challenged effort to build a $2 billion arena and mixed-use development in Alexandria, Va., for his Washington Wizards and Capitals.
As Leonsis is seeking roughly $1.5 billion in state-issued bonds from Virginia to help fund the project, a key legislator has declared legislation backing the Monumental Sports and Entertainment plan is "not ready for prime time." That opposition adds to growing residential resistance and marks the most serious broadside to date.
"The more we use the reputation of the commonwealth to finance billionaires' projects, the more we risk not being able to finance our own projects," said L. Louise Lucas, a prominent Virginia state senator and chair of that body's finance and appropriations committee. Lucas is refusing to stage a hearing on the arena project in her committee, though a separate effort regarding the development remains alive in the Virginia House of Delegates.
But when asked whether the initiative was dead, Lucas said, "As far as I'm concerned it is. … As long as the full faith and credit of this commonwealth is backing this project, my answer continues to be an absolute no."
Lucas then took direct aim at the integrity of Leonsis and MSE, tweeting, "As I said this morning in committee—if Monumental Sports will renege on its agreement with D.C., why would we ever believe they would not do the same to us?"
The arena project also serves as a microcosm of the deep political divides within Virginia. Both chambers of the state legislature are controlled by Democrats, but Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin is a rising figure in that party nationally and an ardent backer of the MSE development.
Even before these latest political battles, though, Leonsis was facing such opposition that he took the unusual step of publishing a nearly 2,600-word open letter about his reasoning behind leaving the 26-year-old Capital One Arena.
MSE said in a statement that it continues to have "healthy discussions" with Virginia legislators and pointed to projections from the development effort for "tens of thousands of new jobs, and billions in revenue and economic impact."
SPONSORED BY ORACLE
The Future of Fan Engagement Is Here
From stadiums and arenas to theme parks, concert venues and convention centers, Oracle's industry-leading digital transaction platform allows teams and operators to collect and activate brand-owned fan data to accelerate intelligence across the entire ecosystem: unleashing fan loyalty outside the venue and enabling smart transactions on game day.
Learn how Oracle is powering the next frontier of fan engagement by bridging in-venue and out-of-venue touch points to help teams and venue operators understand fan behavior and unlock incremental revenue.
Lost in the Super Bowl Shuffle: Chaos at PGA Tour's WM Phoenix Open
Joe Rondone-USA TODAY Sports
We won't blame you if your attention was entirely focused on football this past weekend and not pro golf. But if so, there's a lot to catch up on.
The PGA Tour made its annual stop at TPC Scottsdale for the WM Phoenix Open, and the tournament lived up to its calling card as the rowdiest in golf—in more ways than one. Despite chilly conditions in the desert that brought numerous out-of-the-ordinary frost delays, fans made plenty of headlines—some not so great—for their enthusiastic behavior:
- Some fans entered the tournament without tickets.
- Eventually, gates were temporarily closed to reduce crowds.
- Alcohol sales at some stations were stopped briefly to slow down the chaos.
- Sloppy conditions enticed fans into attempting mudslides.
- Zach Johnson lashed out at the crowd after some fans criticized his U.S. Ryder Cup captaincy.
On Monday tournament director Chance Cozby told Golf Channel that organizers didn't like what happened and that they would be looking to make major changes in 2025—although no specific details were provided. "Nothing is off the table," he said.
The Phoenix Open stopped releasing attendance figures in recent years, but it has been estimated to draw more than 200,000 fans on Saturday alone during the tournament. The event has never abided by a capacity limit, but perhaps that will change moving forward. This past weekend's events could also be a warning sign to any other golf events looking to mimic the energy found in Phoenix—particularly around the par-3 16th hole that features a 17,000-seat ministadium around it.
They Said What?
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
"You can see the raw emotion of what a loss looks like. … People are literally throwing up on the floor. You're hearing grown men crying."
—Justin Wilkes, executive producer of an upcoming Apple TV+ docuseries about the Patriots, on what goes on behind the scenes after a Super Bowl loss. To hear more about the series, check out the latest episode of Front Office Sports Today.
Feb. 13, 1920: A New Era
On this day 124 years ago, the first Negro National League is founded at a Kansas City YMCA by player-manager Rube Foster in an effort to give stability and organization to what were previously independent or barnstorming teams. (Slogan: "We are the ship, all else the sea.") Originally comprising eight clubs, the league pulls in over a dozen more throughout its 11-year existence, featuring players like star shortstop John Henry Lloyd, who is inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. Foster, who serves as league president, makes it into the HOF in '81. The league ceases operations in '31, but in '33 a second Negro National League is created by businessman Gus Greenlee.
SPONSORED BY CISCO
Bringing Tech to the Sports Spotlight
At first glance, the NFL and the tech industry may seem worlds apart. But behind the scenes there are a handful of surprising parallels, namely: the strategic depth and teamwork essential for success.
Few understand this overlap better than Cisco.
Before the 2023 NFL season, Cisco teamed up with the league to launch the NFL IT Apprenticeship Program, allowing one graduate from Cisco's esteemed Networking Academy to work alongside some of the world's best sports technologists.
This initiative marks a major step toward weaving Networking Academy's technical education into the fabric of the NFL ecosystem—and the first of many steps.
To explore how the NFL and Cisco are empowering both professional and former players with technical career opportunities, read the full article here.
That Tracks
The Hutchinson News
19
Minutes it took on Monday for Dunkin' Donuts to sell out its inventory of $60 DunKings track suits and bucket hats tied to a popular Super Bowl commercial starring Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Tom Brady.
Conversation Starters
- The Sphere in Las Vegas is in full gear. The new phenomenon took advantage of the city's first Super Bowl. See which brands put the new engagement tool to good use.
- There was a surprise marching band appearance during Usher's halftime show. Check out which nationally recognized musical franchise showed off its skills.
- Nickelodeon brought its Super Bowl coverage to the kids. Watch how the network showed the Chiefs' game-winning touchdown in overtime.
Editors' Picks
Tuned In: Instant Reactions From CBS's Coverage of Super Bowl LVIII
Facing the criticism, CBS's lead analyst Tony Romo delivers.
Does the Vegas Super Bowl Make Economic Sense? Depends Where You Get Your Figures
The game's impact on an already bustling town is a thorny subject.
Tom Brady's Post-Retirement Embrace of Las Vegas
by A.J. PerezWith business all over town, one partner says, 'He's going to be a great addition to the city.'
If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.
Update your preferences / Unsubscribe
Copyright © 2024 Front Office Sports. All rights reserved.
80 Pine Street Suite 3202 New York, NY 10005
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Re: Super Bowl: Most. Watched. Ever.
Tuesday, February 06, 2024
Fwd: AOAP/NDPA Conference - Attendees, Speakers and Exhibitors - What to know
From: AOAP Annual Conference and Exposition & NDPA Water <no-reply@pheedloop.com>
Date: Tue, Feb 6, 2024 at 2:33 PM
|
Fwd: My Roundtable Debate with RFK, Jr.
|
Friday, January 05, 2024
Fwd: Lifeguarding Update News
From: American Red Cross Training Services <info@outreach.redcross.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2024 at 12:01 PM
Subject: Lifeguarding Update News
To: <mark.rauterkus@gmail.com>
|
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Fwd: Seth's Blog : On choosing a college
On choosing a college
For some fortunate 17 year olds, the end of the year is the day for a momentous decision, one that's largely out of the comfort zone of a 17 year old.
A four-year college education in the US can cost nearly half a million dollars once we count the expenses and foregone opportunities that go with it. It can shift our persona, our learning and most of all, the systems we live in for the rest of our lives…
One way to make a complex decision of this magnitude is to relentlessly make it simpler. We can begin by vividly describing the flavors, factors and preferences that go into the choice (I have heard every single one of these from students I've coached or spent time with) and then pruning them away:
- I like the weather there
- They have recycling bins all over campus
- The tour guide who showed us around was cute/engaging/friendly
- I think I'd have fun at the football games
- My peers in high school will be impressed
- It is much cheaper than the alternatives
- It's expensive and so it must be better
- I might make the soccer team
- I grew up watching the school's teams on television
- I hear they have a really good math program
- It's close to my house and doing laundry will be easier
- It's far from my house and I won't have to deal with being at home a lot
- My parents went there
- My parents didn't go there
- It feels right
- I'm tired of this and need to get it over with already
- It was a stretch to get in and I feel accomplished
- It was a stretch to get in and I feel intimidated
- My guidance counselor said it was a 'good' school
- The people I know have heard of this school
- I know exactly what I want to do for a living and this it the best place to start on that journey
Many of these are matters of short-term taste, and are the sorts of things we bring up when everything else either feels the same or we're afraid to examine the real issues too closely. In my case, I picked the college I went to partly based on the radio station I heard (or didn't hear) when I visited the campus.
Here's a different way to look at it, one that we can broaden into an insight about adult decisions about where to work, where to live, who to hang out with. There are two parts:
- Are the people this place attracts the sort of people I want to spend time with and become more like?
- Is the system that is in place here one that pushes and cajoles and processes people to become more like the kind of person I'd like to be?
That's it.
It doesn't matter if the campus is pretty or if the football team is good. It doesn't matter if it was sunny on the day you visited. Unless… unless those factors are the factors that are attracting and keeping the folks you had in mind in #1.
A party school isn't a party school because there's a good liquor store on campus. It's a party school because the combination of #1 and #2 create a self-perpetuating system.
Once you answer these two questions, pick the least expensive option that helps you get to where you're going.
Perhaps this feels like a big decision because it's about you. But it's not actually about the you you are right now. It's about the you you hope to become.
…
You're getting this note because you subscribed to Seth Godin's blog. Don't want to get this email anymore? Click the link below to unsubscribe.
Email subscriptions powered by FeedBlitz® • 1800 Camden Road, Suite 107-258 • Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
Posts
