Author: Don Muret

Loons Lean on Local Brands at Allianz Field

Loons Lean on Local Brands at Allianz Field

Posted by | Apr 9, 2019 | , ,

The fare at Hungry Loon stands at Allianz Field includes barbecue sandwiches from Handsome Hog. (Courtesy Minnesota United FC) Minnesota United FC, Sportservice spotlight Twin Cities faves Allianz Field concessions will showcase several local brands, building on what has become a tradition in the Twin Cities and something fans strongly identify with at sports venues in the marketplace. The $250 million MLS stadium opens Saturday, and Minnesota United FC officials gave VenuesNow a sneak peek at the local restaurants and vendors participating in their food program. Delaware North Sportservice, the team’s food provider, will feature Kramarczuk’s sausages, The Buttered Tin, Handsome Hog, Afro Deli & Grill, Curds & Cakes, Hot Indian, Brasa and Cecil’s Deli on the menu, among others. The Buttered Tin, a St. Paul bakery, will serve its handmade Twinkies at the Café Beignet stand. Brasa, a premium rotisserie in town, will produce burritos, designed to be served… Continue Reading Loons Lean on Local Brands at Allianz Field

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How a ‘No’ in NOLA Became a Big ‘Yes’

How a ‘No’ in NOLA Became a Big ‘Yes’

Posted by | Apr 3, 2019 |

Roman Reigns, ready for action, at WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans. (Courtesy WWE) The story behind WrestleMania coming to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome starts at “no,” which is what the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation said after WWE contacted the group about bidding for the 2014 edition. The foundation felt the wrestle-fest didn’t fit its mission statement for bringing sports events to town, said Alan Freeman, SMG’s general manager for the Superdome and Smoothie King Center, the NBA arena across the street. The foundation did, however, put WWE in contact with Freeman, who put a host committee together and spearheaded the bid. It was successful in landing the event, WrestleMania 30, which grossed $11 million in ticket sales with attendance of more than 75,000 at the Superdome. “Our sports foundation didn’t really understand and know much about it at the time,” said Doug Thornton, SMG executive vice president. “We had to… Continue Reading How a ‘No’ in NOLA Became a Big ‘Yes’

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WrestleMania: Big Time

WrestleMania: Big Time

Posted by | Apr 3, 2019 | ,

WrestleMania 34 drew 78,133 fans to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome last year. (Courtesy SMG) At 35, the annual extravaganza is a stadium-worthy spectacle and more, WWE’s version of the Super Bowl On March 31, 1985, Madison Square Garden played host to the first WrestleMania, drawing a sellout crowd of 19,121. More than a million viewers watched it on closed circuit at arenas and theaters, producing what at the time was one of the industry’s highest-grossing pay-per-view events.   Muhammad Ali served as guest referee for the headline match, a tag-team bout pitting Hulk Hogan and Mr. T against Paul Orndorff and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. (Hogan/Mr. T won with an assist from Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka). Pop singer Cyndi Lauper, immersed in the wrestling culture through her music videos with grizzled grappler Captain Lou Albano, was among the ring competitors. Liberace added sparkle in his appearance with Radio City’s Rockettes. It was just… Continue Reading WrestleMania: Big Time

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‘In a Whole Other World’

‘In a Whole Other World’

Posted by | Apr 3, 2019 | ,

Allianz Field’s roof canopy filled with LED lights is the stadium’s signature feature. (Courtesy Minnesota United FC) Minnesota United FC’s Allianz Field has a signature roof canopy and more Allianz Field officially opens in mid-April, but the newest Major League Soccer stadium made its presence felt in December when the LED roofline turned red and green to celebrate the winter holidays. The festive beacon caught the attention of thousands of motorists on Minnesota’s busiest highway and gained the venue exposure across social media. The roof canopy’s ability to change colors for events is the signature feature at the $250 million facility, which sits off Interstate 94 in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood, the halfway point between the downtowns of St. Paul and Minneapolis. On April 13, when Minnesota United FC plays its first home match in MLS, the roofline will turn a cool blue.  Populous designed the stadium, but Dr. Bill… Continue Reading ‘In a Whole Other World’

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Opening Number: WrestleMania

Posted by | Apr 3, 2019 | ,

WrestleMania this month celebrates 35 years as an event at MetLife Stadium. World Wrestling Entertainment’s extravaganza has posted some impressive numbers over the years in evolving from arenas to a stadium event; here are some tied to attendance, ticket prices and gross ticket sales.  19,121 Sellout crowd at Madison Square Garden for the first WrestleMania in 1985. 2005 Staples Center becomes the final NBA/NHL arena to host WrestleMania, drawing a crowd of 20,192. 2006 Allstate Arena is the last arena to host WrestleMania, attracting 17,159 in attendance. 101,763 Record attendance for WrestleMania 32 at AT&T Stadium and the fifth-highest crowd for an event at the Dallas Cowboys’ facility.  $17.3 million Gross ticket revenue for WrestleMania 32, highest in event history. $6,507 Ticketmaster primary site listing for a platinum ringside seat to attend WrestleMania 35 at MetLife Stadium. $7,475.05 Total cost for that dynamically priced seat in the third row, which… Continue Reading Opening Number: WrestleMania

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This Month’s VenuesNow