Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Re: Super Bowl: Most. Watched. Ever.



On Tue, Feb 13, 2024 at 4:04 AM Front Office Sports <info@frntofficesport.com> wrote:
Also: Proposed Virginia arena is "an absolute no," "not ready for prime time." ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

February 13, 2024

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Front Office Sports

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.

David Rumsey

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

WM Phoenix

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.

FRONT OFFICE SPORTS TODAY

They Said What?

Patriots

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.

🎧 Listen and subscribe on Apple, Google, and Spotify.

TIME CAPSULE

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.

ONE BIG FIG

That Tracks

Dunkin Doughnuts

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

With business all over town, one partner says, 'He's going to be a great addition to the city.'

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Tuesday, February 06, 2024

Fwd: AOAP/NDPA Conference - Attendees, Speakers and Exhibitors - What to know



---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: AOAP Annual Conference and Exposition & NDPA Water <no-reply@pheedloop.com>
Date: Tue, Feb 6, 2024 at 2:33 PM



 
AOAP Annual Conference and Exposition & NDPA Water Safety Conference 2024


Mark Rauterkus,

You are receiving this email as you are registered as an attendee, exhibitor or speaker for the AOAP or NDPA Conference.

We wanted to provide you with some important information for the week.

1. If you are flying into the Reno/Tahoe airport there is a free shuttle between the airport and the Grand Sierra.  Or, it is only a short Uber ride as well.

2. The AOAP Registration desk will be open for a short time on Sunday, February 11th from 3 - 5 pm and then starting Monday, February 12th at 7:30 am.  Please bring some sort of ID when picking up your name badge and conference packet as we will be requiring them.  Your name badge will include any tickets that you ordered for the event. Your tickets that you ordered and that you will have in your name badge holder are shown below: (M = Monday night, TD = Tuesday Exhibit Hall Grand Opening/Food, WL = Wednesday exhibit hall lunch, WD = Wednesday dinner/social - Please note we are not able to add any additional tickets at this time).

AOAP, M, SPEAKER, TD

3. All events that are ticketed events will require a ticket.  Please keep them in a safe spot as they cannot be replaced if they are lost or you forget them.  They will be required to enter.

4. Monday night networking event (ticketed event) - Wear your favorite sports shirt/jersey and join us in the bowling alley (food or bowling is on your own) for some fun, games and prizes.  

5. Tuesday night exhibit hall grand opening w/food (ticketed event) and Wednesday exhibit hall lunch (ticketed event) - Summit Pavilion

6. Wednesday night dinner/social (ticketed event) - Dress in 70's attire and dance the night away with the Grove Doctors and a great buffet dinner. Lex Nightclub on site.

NOTE:  Everything during the week is taking place at the Grand Sierra Resort.  There are also lots of food options on-site and activities on the lower level such as:  Escape Rooms, Axe Throwing, A Sensory room, Game Room, etc.

Make sure to bring some extra money along for the 50/50 raffle, cork pull and silent auction. (Venmo and Stripe payment available also for the cork pull and silent auction)

We are looking forward to seeing you all next week!  Make sure to download the Mobile application as it will assist you with scheduling your week.

From your AOAP and NDPA staff and volunteers

Logo

Fwd: My Roundtable Debate with RFK, Jr.

---- Forwarded message ---------
From: Michael Rectenwald

On February 24th at the Libertarian Party of California convention, I will take the stage with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ 

Friday, January 05, 2024

Fwd: Lifeguarding Update News

----- Forwarded message ---------
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>


Get ready to update in February 2024
 
 
View Web Version
 
American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Banner
Issue 1 - Science
r.24 Lifeguarding Program Highlights

The new r.24 American Red Cross Lifeguarding Program is set to make a splash in February 2024. To help you prepare, we are kicking off a communication series of the latest science, education and training resources included in the release.

This first issue focuses on our core foundation - the unrivaled science and industry best practices that providers like you have trusted and relied on for decades.

As a leader in aquatics training and education, our programs are backed by the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, a 60+ team of renowned experts. The 2024 Lifeguarding program provides new and various science-based enhancements and clarifications. This release includes: 
  • Improved surveillance, scanning and recognition training
  • Enhanced video activities
  • New Skill Sheets and assessment for conductive surveillance/scanning
  • Details about human information processing, signal detection theory and inattentional blindness
  • Tactics to overcome scanning, visibility, attentional, vigilance and recognition challenges
  • Focus on zone verifications
  • Impacts of height, size and shape of lifeguard stations on surveillance
  • New walking patrol station
  • Expanded benchmarks for lifeguards and facility operations
New Aquatic Guidelines and Best Practices
We are also excited to introduce a comprehensive online resource of scientific reviews, aquatic statements and evidence evaluations impacting Lifeguarding students, instructors, instructor-trainers and training providers.

Stay tuned for future issues that will share relevant information on what to expect from the Lifeguarding update, including new tools and resource highlights, innovations and what you need to Prepare to Update.