I'd like to preface this article by saying that I'm not a fan of scalpers, although I've used them on a handful of occasions (less than 10, more than five).This article came to me because a buddy of mine is going to the 'Bama- LSU game in Baton Rouge without a ticket to see her buddies and party for the game. I told her to keep $100 with her just in case the ticket comes up. Remember Cajuns, you can use $100 for something other than drive-through daiquiris—I'm serious!Anyway, so here's VFA's quick guide to getting hold of a ticket somewhere other than the ticket office... (For a mere $200 more, we can give you a seat in the nosebleeds!)
1) Avoid the guy with the tickets in his hand
On your way to a game/tailgate/car park/on the highway, you'll probably hear people yelling "need tickets." He's not asking for one—he wants to sell them. More often than not, the tickets you buy are copies of an original ticket—which means that as soon as you get into the stadium, you're screwed. I've heard the story a number of times. It's not fun.
If this happens, you can always do what a guy I know did at Penn State when he was given fake tickets. He found the guy and got his money back. It doesn't usually happen though. What are you going to do, ask for a receipt?
2) Don't avoid going into people's tailgates. Remember—they can't stop you! If you're in need of a ticket, then going to people's tailgates is a good place to start. Generally in the case of tailgates and tailgate parties, there's always someone who couldn't make it/was working/getting married/visiting their in-laws/needed to fulfill their marital duties.
As I've experienced, those are the sort of people that will give you the ticket for face value—and may even give you a drink while you're at it. Unless you bring four beers with you and offer them to the guy who gives you the tickets...
3) Know the teams Sounds stupid, but there are a lot of college football tourists who have no idea how a team's performing when they show up...or the standard of the opposition. They are the type of people that say paying $200 for Penn State vs. Temple was a good idea. I've seen it happen.
If the home team is sliding—like Tennessee—loads of tickets will be on sale for virtually nothing. It's the credit crunch, but it's actually good for the likes of us...the fans.
4) Know what you are prepared to pay It's like Vegas. Bring along $100 (or however much are prepared to spend) on the tickets and say that you'll spend no more—and stick to it. Even after 14 tequilas at 12 pm. Generally you'll get one for the price.
5) Get something if you don't get the ticket A friend of mine in 2005 was looking for PSU vs. Ohio State tickets and couldn't find one. He knew he would, so he went around people's tailgates with this line: "Have you got a ticket?" The answer was no. "Beer to ease the pain?" The answer was yes. By 8 pm that night he had one ticket and very blurred vision.
6) Remember to walk about with a finger in your hand Remember, you're looking for a ticket, not saying that your team's No. 1. A slightly begging look with it works too. Be prepared to walk around the stadium. A lot. You'll get to know the "B" entrance intimately. Can I recommend avoiding the Cotton Bowl for this? The fairground entrances aren't that big!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
New "resale" ticket plan shameful
The NHL and Ticketmaster sent out an e-mail release Friday, announcing a new agreement under which fans can buy and sell previously purchased NHL game tickets through three websites - NHL.com, Ticketmaster.com, and TicketsNow.com.
The release took great pains to link the new resale concept to such events as the upcoming Red Wings-Blackhawks Winter Classic and the Stanley Cup Finals.
I asked a Ticketmaster spokesman if tickets could be sold above face value. The answer: The tickets can be sold for any amount the buyer and seller agree on.
Great. The NHL not only is endorsing scalping for its marquee events, it's facilitating it. Oh, and at least coming off as if it is bragging about it, too.
Granted, "resale" isn't a new concept.
Of late, teams themselves have gotten into facilitating the process with such programs as the Avalanche Prime Seat Club TicketExchange, which is membership-based. It can be credibly argued that those programs take the storefront scalpers — oops, I mean "ticket brokers" — out of the loop, and they indeed serve constructive purposes. It beats what happens for the hottest music acts or shows, when shills are paid to stand in line or otherwise obtain tickets — which immediately are marked up by the brokers. (Of course, within 14 minutes of this story posting, I will hear from a broker who says he performs such a wonderful service, he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize more than did Al Gore and Martti Ahtisaari.)
The theory for the teams getting involved in such programs is that it's a win-win proposition, especially in markets where tickets aren't otherwise available. Season-ticket holders can unload tickets for games they won't attend — to fans who want them. I'm fine with that, whether it's at the team site or such enterprises as StubHub, even if there are "service" fees tacked on.
But the league's involvement with this new, more widespread enterprise is shameful. The wording of the announcement seemed to be blatant braggadocio that the league had found a way to not only encourage scalping — which we all know goes on — but be part of it! This isn't about a season-ticket holder recouping the cost of two tickets for the Florida Panthers' visit in November. Or passing along two great seats for the Boston Bruins' appearance to some fan who says chowdah for the soup with clams in it.
This is a blatant invitation to scalp tickets to the league's high-profile events. The NHL should be embarrassed to be associated with it — much less thump its chest about it.
The release took great pains to link the new resale concept to such events as the upcoming Red Wings-Blackhawks Winter Classic and the Stanley Cup Finals.
I asked a Ticketmaster spokesman if tickets could be sold above face value. The answer: The tickets can be sold for any amount the buyer and seller agree on.
Great. The NHL not only is endorsing scalping for its marquee events, it's facilitating it. Oh, and at least coming off as if it is bragging about it, too.
Granted, "resale" isn't a new concept.
Of late, teams themselves have gotten into facilitating the process with such programs as the Avalanche Prime Seat Club TicketExchange, which is membership-based. It can be credibly argued that those programs take the storefront scalpers — oops, I mean "ticket brokers" — out of the loop, and they indeed serve constructive purposes. It beats what happens for the hottest music acts or shows, when shills are paid to stand in line or otherwise obtain tickets — which immediately are marked up by the brokers. (Of course, within 14 minutes of this story posting, I will hear from a broker who says he performs such a wonderful service, he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize more than did Al Gore and Martti Ahtisaari.)
The theory for the teams getting involved in such programs is that it's a win-win proposition, especially in markets where tickets aren't otherwise available. Season-ticket holders can unload tickets for games they won't attend — to fans who want them. I'm fine with that, whether it's at the team site or such enterprises as StubHub, even if there are "service" fees tacked on.
But the league's involvement with this new, more widespread enterprise is shameful. The wording of the announcement seemed to be blatant braggadocio that the league had found a way to not only encourage scalping — which we all know goes on — but be part of it! This isn't about a season-ticket holder recouping the cost of two tickets for the Florida Panthers' visit in November. Or passing along two great seats for the Boston Bruins' appearance to some fan who says chowdah for the soup with clams in it.
This is a blatant invitation to scalp tickets to the league's high-profile events. The NHL should be embarrassed to be associated with it — much less thump its chest about it.
High-Tech Ticket Scalping
Just clicking the wrong button can cost you hundreds of dollars for those "Phantom of the Opera" tickets at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. And one of the worst things is you can spend far less for much better seats if you buy from the center's site at www.tbpac.org.
The beloved musical is running in Tampa through Nov. 22. But along with the mask and the chandelier come high-tech ticket scalpers who exploit fans' passions for this and other shows, concerts and sports events into an expected $25 billion annually in scalped tickets by 2010, published sources show.
I'm sure these guys would prefer to be called "secondary ticketing companies," but let's call them what they are: scalpers. Just because they use computer programs instead of hiring line-standing surrogates and sell online instead of on street corners doesn't make them any less blight on the live entertainment industry.
While ticket scalping - the process of selling event tickets for multiples of the ticket's face value - is not new, the outrage over excesses during the Hannah Montana concert, last year's World Series' tickets and others may finally change things.
For example, Hannah Montana tickets that retailed for $26 were offered and sold for $254, $1,000 and much more. You can still buy "Phantom" tickets from the arts center in the orchestra for a maximum of $91 with fees. If you go to any of the online scalping sites - and I refuse to give them any publicity by naming them - you'll pay $336 and $386 for equivalent tickets. Why?
The scalpers claim they are providing a customer service, security and "price transparency," whatever that is. Even in the bad old days, it used to be that scalpers thrived in a naturally occurring marketplace in which consumer demand sometimes exceeded supply.
Now, through computer programs, high-tech attacks on venues' ticketing systems and other nefarious means, faceless scalpers try to artificially create a demand and then fill it with high-priced tickets that you can buy only from them.
During the Hannah Montana tour debacle, Missouri's attorney general called it "a blatant rip-off of consumers who attempt to purchase tickets in good faith through the proper means and are met with nothing but frustration."
Scalpers are even taking advantage of the inauguration.
The Washington Times reports that ticket brokers are selling tickets online to the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural parade, which are free and open to the public.
"People are too dumb to know that they're paying money for something they could get for free," Shawn Collins, a 35-year-old middle man from Summit, N.J., told the newspaper.
Several states have filed suit against scalping companies. And several states, including Missouri and Florida, are reconsidering ticketing laws.
In Florida a few years ago, a perfectly satisfactory anti-scalping law dating to 1945 - one that prevented the offer or the sale of an event ticket for more than $1 over the face value - was swept away by high-paid lobbyists and arguments of "a free marketplace."
Let's be clear. There's nothing free about scalping. Every ticket I've ever seen on a scalpers' site is more - sometimes outrageously, unconscionably more - than the venue price.
Venues such as the performing arts center want to provide the best seats at the best prices, even to the point of subsidizing some shows to reduce prices.
Here at the arts center, we do not knowingly sell to scalpers. Our policies include ticket maximums and the right to refund money and void tickets of those who violate those maximums.
And, as a publicly funded arts center, we have even more reason to try to stop anyone who makes it more expensive to attend events. We are a community resource, committed to growing future audiences for the arts.
Here's the reality: When you buy from a scalper, you will always pay more than if you buy from the source. That's how they make their money.
In our business, the relationship with customers is one of the most important goals.
But when you buy from a scalper, there is no relationship with the buyer. We cannot provide any customer service, including notices of time changes, cancellations and traffic advisories.
We can't replace your lost tickets. We can't compensate you for counterfeit or duplicate tickets.
It's heartbreaking to hear from patrons who have paid three or four times the face value for tickets, even when we have regularly priced, better seats available.
Here's what one anguished arts center patron wrote us:
"... Something has to be done about the resale policies. Normal people cannot afford to attend family events anymore.
"You should be concerned. My children will not get to see the Rockettes legend and eventually your status will fall and sales will fall and the cultural world will suffer and lose the impact on the new generation. ..."
We are concerned. We have contacted our legislators and urge you to do the same. In the meantime, do not buy from scalpers.
For the best seats at the best prices, buy directly from the venue.
Otherwise, you'll just get scalped.
The beloved musical is running in Tampa through Nov. 22. But along with the mask and the chandelier come high-tech ticket scalpers who exploit fans' passions for this and other shows, concerts and sports events into an expected $25 billion annually in scalped tickets by 2010, published sources show.
I'm sure these guys would prefer to be called "secondary ticketing companies," but let's call them what they are: scalpers. Just because they use computer programs instead of hiring line-standing surrogates and sell online instead of on street corners doesn't make them any less blight on the live entertainment industry.
While ticket scalping - the process of selling event tickets for multiples of the ticket's face value - is not new, the outrage over excesses during the Hannah Montana concert, last year's World Series' tickets and others may finally change things.
For example, Hannah Montana tickets that retailed for $26 were offered and sold for $254, $1,000 and much more. You can still buy "Phantom" tickets from the arts center in the orchestra for a maximum of $91 with fees. If you go to any of the online scalping sites - and I refuse to give them any publicity by naming them - you'll pay $336 and $386 for equivalent tickets. Why?
The scalpers claim they are providing a customer service, security and "price transparency," whatever that is. Even in the bad old days, it used to be that scalpers thrived in a naturally occurring marketplace in which consumer demand sometimes exceeded supply.
Now, through computer programs, high-tech attacks on venues' ticketing systems and other nefarious means, faceless scalpers try to artificially create a demand and then fill it with high-priced tickets that you can buy only from them.
During the Hannah Montana tour debacle, Missouri's attorney general called it "a blatant rip-off of consumers who attempt to purchase tickets in good faith through the proper means and are met with nothing but frustration."
Scalpers are even taking advantage of the inauguration.
The Washington Times reports that ticket brokers are selling tickets online to the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural parade, which are free and open to the public.
"People are too dumb to know that they're paying money for something they could get for free," Shawn Collins, a 35-year-old middle man from Summit, N.J., told the newspaper.
Several states have filed suit against scalping companies. And several states, including Missouri and Florida, are reconsidering ticketing laws.
In Florida a few years ago, a perfectly satisfactory anti-scalping law dating to 1945 - one that prevented the offer or the sale of an event ticket for more than $1 over the face value - was swept away by high-paid lobbyists and arguments of "a free marketplace."
Let's be clear. There's nothing free about scalping. Every ticket I've ever seen on a scalpers' site is more - sometimes outrageously, unconscionably more - than the venue price.
Venues such as the performing arts center want to provide the best seats at the best prices, even to the point of subsidizing some shows to reduce prices.
Here at the arts center, we do not knowingly sell to scalpers. Our policies include ticket maximums and the right to refund money and void tickets of those who violate those maximums.
And, as a publicly funded arts center, we have even more reason to try to stop anyone who makes it more expensive to attend events. We are a community resource, committed to growing future audiences for the arts.
Here's the reality: When you buy from a scalper, you will always pay more than if you buy from the source. That's how they make their money.
In our business, the relationship with customers is one of the most important goals.
But when you buy from a scalper, there is no relationship with the buyer. We cannot provide any customer service, including notices of time changes, cancellations and traffic advisories.
We can't replace your lost tickets. We can't compensate you for counterfeit or duplicate tickets.
It's heartbreaking to hear from patrons who have paid three or four times the face value for tickets, even when we have regularly priced, better seats available.
Here's what one anguished arts center patron wrote us:
"... Something has to be done about the resale policies. Normal people cannot afford to attend family events anymore.
"You should be concerned. My children will not get to see the Rockettes legend and eventually your status will fall and sales will fall and the cultural world will suffer and lose the impact on the new generation. ..."
We are concerned. We have contacted our legislators and urge you to do the same. In the meantime, do not buy from scalpers.
For the best seats at the best prices, buy directly from the venue.
Otherwise, you'll just get scalped.
Craigslist scalper scams Madonna fans
Frank Luba, The ProvincePublished: Wednesday, November 05, 2008
A Port Coquitlam woman who paid a scalper $500 for a pair of tickets to last week's sold-out Madonna concert and got ripped off wants to warn other ticket-buyers.
Iris Piatka bought the tickets after she went with the seller to Ticketmaster to verify they were legitimate.
"I thought I had done my due diligence by going to Ticketmaster," Piatka, 44, said yesterday.
View Larger Image
Iris Piatka of Port Coquitlam says she's not sure who she can trust any more after she had tickets verified by Ticketmaster before she bought them.
Les Bazso, The Province
Piatka suspects that after she bought the tickets, the scalper must have called Ticketmaster and had them cancelled because, when she showed up on Thursday, she was told they were void.
The man that Piatka bought the tickets from, who gave his name as Kurt Holton, looks like he ran the scam more than once because on Monday an online group announced it is pursuing criminal and civil legal action against him.
There are 16 people in that group, which complained to Port Moody police.
There is only one K. Holton listed on Canada 411 but that Comox number isn't for Kurt. The woman who answered said she has been receiving calls from ripped-off concert-goers.
An individual named Kurt Holton went through a divorce in 1993 and has been in small claims court in Vancouver, Richmond, North Vancouver and Surrey between 1991 and 2003.
"I don't want to go around in life being paranoid and worried that someone's out to get me," said Piatka. "It almost feels now you have to be paranoid toward people, and think, 'OK, what do they really want?' I don't want to live my life like that.
"I was very upset when I found out. I felt like a complete fool."
Piatka had tried earlier to buy tickets through Ticketmaster but the B.C. Place concert sold out before she could get any as a birthday surprise for a friend.
She found plenty of tickets on the free Internet classified advertising site Craigslist in June and arranged to buy two from Holton.
She said another couple in line with her on Thursday were similarly scammed.
Piatka ended up shelling out another $225 for two "nose-bleed" tickets without much of a view of the Material Girl.
"I'm sure hundreds of people were ripped off on Thursday," said Piatka. "People are just too embarrassed to talk about it."
She wants to know how many other tickets were similarly void.
Ticketmaster spokesman Albert Lopez was surprised by the scam in which the ticket checks out as genuine, but is in fact void.
"This is the first time hearing of this," he said.
Lopez advised ticket buyers to go to Ticketmaster's own resale site, TicketsNow, or other legitimate ticket brokers, but not unauthorized sources.
"It's a classic example that the fans should beware and purchase through legitimate sources," he said.
Lopez would not do the research he said would be necessary to find out if other tickets were cancelled in the same scam that snared Piatka.
"Whoever perpetrated this needs to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," he said.
A Port Coquitlam woman who paid a scalper $500 for a pair of tickets to last week's sold-out Madonna concert and got ripped off wants to warn other ticket-buyers.
Iris Piatka bought the tickets after she went with the seller to Ticketmaster to verify they were legitimate.
"I thought I had done my due diligence by going to Ticketmaster," Piatka, 44, said yesterday.
View Larger Image
Iris Piatka of Port Coquitlam says she's not sure who she can trust any more after she had tickets verified by Ticketmaster before she bought them.
Les Bazso, The Province
Piatka suspects that after she bought the tickets, the scalper must have called Ticketmaster and had them cancelled because, when she showed up on Thursday, she was told they were void.
The man that Piatka bought the tickets from, who gave his name as Kurt Holton, looks like he ran the scam more than once because on Monday an online group announced it is pursuing criminal and civil legal action against him.
There are 16 people in that group, which complained to Port Moody police.
There is only one K. Holton listed on Canada 411 but that Comox number isn't for Kurt. The woman who answered said she has been receiving calls from ripped-off concert-goers.
An individual named Kurt Holton went through a divorce in 1993 and has been in small claims court in Vancouver, Richmond, North Vancouver and Surrey between 1991 and 2003.
"I don't want to go around in life being paranoid and worried that someone's out to get me," said Piatka. "It almost feels now you have to be paranoid toward people, and think, 'OK, what do they really want?' I don't want to live my life like that.
"I was very upset when I found out. I felt like a complete fool."
Piatka had tried earlier to buy tickets through Ticketmaster but the B.C. Place concert sold out before she could get any as a birthday surprise for a friend.
She found plenty of tickets on the free Internet classified advertising site Craigslist in June and arranged to buy two from Holton.
She said another couple in line with her on Thursday were similarly scammed.
Piatka ended up shelling out another $225 for two "nose-bleed" tickets without much of a view of the Material Girl.
"I'm sure hundreds of people were ripped off on Thursday," said Piatka. "People are just too embarrassed to talk about it."
She wants to know how many other tickets were similarly void.
Ticketmaster spokesman Albert Lopez was surprised by the scam in which the ticket checks out as genuine, but is in fact void.
"This is the first time hearing of this," he said.
Lopez advised ticket buyers to go to Ticketmaster's own resale site, TicketsNow, or other legitimate ticket brokers, but not unauthorized sources.
"It's a classic example that the fans should beware and purchase through legitimate sources," he said.
Lopez would not do the research he said would be necessary to find out if other tickets were cancelled in the same scam that snared Piatka.
"Whoever perpetrated this needs to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," he said.
Hot demand for (invisible) Obama inaugural tickets
Reporting from Chicago -- The hottest ticket of 2009 can't be reserved yet, hasn't been distributed and is supposed to be free.But on Monday, tickets for President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural events were selling for as much as $10,858 apiece.
Ticket brokers wouldn't say where the tickets were coming from, and the committee in charge of the main event emphasized that none has been sent out yet. All 240,000 tickets to the swearing-in are sitting in a locked room.In effect, the brokers are selling a promise of tickets, banking on their ability to acquire tickets at a lower price than they charge for them. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, said she was drafting a bill to ban sales of inauguration tickets, which would make scalping them a misdemeanor.
"These tickets are given for free to people," Feinstein said in an interview with the Associated Press. "This is a major civic event of the time, and no one pays for their tickets, and we believe no one should be required to pay for their tickets."She said her Senate office received 8,000 ticket requests the first day after the election.An inaugural committee spokeswoman, Carole Florman, said: "Any member of Congress is prohibited from profiting by their position. A letter is going out to them reminding them of that. Soon."The individual committees organizing events including parades and inaugural galas haven't even formed yet, Florman said.With so much up in the air about the Jan. 20 festivities, there seemed to be only two certainties Monday:Inaugurating the first African American U.S. president will be historic. And everyone wants a ticket.GreatSeats.com offered spots at the yet-to-be-planned inaugural parade for $495 to $1,815, with caveats that none are available now. StubHub offered parade tickets for $681 to $1,025, with a money-back guarantee. Spokeswoman Vanessa Daniele said the site has already sold several, plus a pair of tickets for the swearing-in ceremony that together cost $21,716."I think it's shocking," said Florman, who said the brokers were selling "a ticket to nothing" because they didn't have any tickets yet.Only members of Congress can dole them out, she said. They get them Jan. 19, a day before the event.
Ticket brokers wouldn't say where the tickets were coming from, and the committee in charge of the main event emphasized that none has been sent out yet. All 240,000 tickets to the swearing-in are sitting in a locked room.In effect, the brokers are selling a promise of tickets, banking on their ability to acquire tickets at a lower price than they charge for them. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, said she was drafting a bill to ban sales of inauguration tickets, which would make scalping them a misdemeanor.
"These tickets are given for free to people," Feinstein said in an interview with the Associated Press. "This is a major civic event of the time, and no one pays for their tickets, and we believe no one should be required to pay for their tickets."She said her Senate office received 8,000 ticket requests the first day after the election.An inaugural committee spokeswoman, Carole Florman, said: "Any member of Congress is prohibited from profiting by their position. A letter is going out to them reminding them of that. Soon."The individual committees organizing events including parades and inaugural galas haven't even formed yet, Florman said.With so much up in the air about the Jan. 20 festivities, there seemed to be only two certainties Monday:Inaugurating the first African American U.S. president will be historic. And everyone wants a ticket.GreatSeats.com offered spots at the yet-to-be-planned inaugural parade for $495 to $1,815, with caveats that none are available now. StubHub offered parade tickets for $681 to $1,025, with a money-back guarantee. Spokeswoman Vanessa Daniele said the site has already sold several, plus a pair of tickets for the swearing-in ceremony that together cost $21,716."I think it's shocking," said Florman, who said the brokers were selling "a ticket to nothing" because they didn't have any tickets yet.Only members of Congress can dole them out, she said. They get them Jan. 19, a day before the event.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
2010 Organizers on lookout for ticket scammers
By Clare Ogilvie
Organizers of the 2010 Olympics are considering legal action against some Internet ticket purchasers.
“We have seen a couple (of transactions) that were very suspicious,” said Dave Cobb, vice president of marketing for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Games.
“They are being bought by ticket scalpers and they are with our legal people to see what our rights are not to sell to them.”
What VANOC and the International Olympic Committee say they don’t want to see is 2010 tickets for sale on the Internet through unauthorized sources. Only Jet Set Sports and sister company CoSport are authorized to sell Olympic tickets.
It was a hot topic during the IOC’s recent coordination commission visit.
“…It is very much a co-coordinated effort to protect consumers not only in Canada but around the world to make sure they don’t get taken by ticket scalpers, especially following what happened in Beijing,” said Cobb.
Leading up to the Summer 2008 Games in China thousands of people around the world were duped into buying non-existent tickets for the Games. In one case a British based rogue broker Xclusive went bust after selling 18,000 tickets.
It has been estimated that the Beijing scams globally cost Olympic fans close to $10 million.
The IOC and the United States Olympic Committee launched a lawsuit last July to shut down www.beijingtickets.com.
“The IOC can’t stress enough the importance of purchasing tickets through official and authorized sources only,” said IOC spokeswoman Emmanuelle Moreau.
“Sadly, there are some fraudulent dealers who are out to cheat fans, something we deplore.
“The IOC works closely with Games organizers and National Olympic Committees to try, as much as possible, to stay ahead of fraud schemes and remind sports fans to be sure to buy from authorized outlets.”
The first phase of ticket sales for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and Whistler closed last Friday. Another round of tickets will be offered in the spring but many of the most in-demand tickets will be gone.
The danger on the Internet takes different forms. Some rogue brokers say they have tickets when they have none. Others have historically received tickets from sport organizations and Olympic sponsors that they don’t want. According to the BBC, the IOC reportedly investigated several national Olympic committees, including the U.S. and Switzerland, for re-selling some of their tickets to the Sydney 2000 Summer Games.
The Swiss Committee did not return an e-mail inquiry on the issue and the American Committee said a spokesperson could be available at a later date.
“(The tickets) mostly come from sport federations and sponsors and they are looking to sell them off,” said Anbritt Stengele, president and owner of Sports Traveler based in Illinois, USA.
The sale of tickets by the committees within a host country is a breach of IOC rules.
VANOC has vowed to stop this practice by tracing tickets that appear for sale on unauthorized sites back to their original purchaser. If an investigation finds the ticket sales violated a contract with VANOC, and therefore the IOC, the organization’s whole ticket allotment may be stripped from them.
Stengele is not offering 2010 tickets for sale, yet. She said the company is doing a brisk business with its accommodations and travel packages for now as it waits to see how VANOC’s position on third party ticket sales works out.
“I can see how they want to try and enforce that but it is going to be very difficult,” said Stengele.
“In terms of ticketing we haven’t really decided what we are going to be doing. If tickets become available through some of our sources then we may offer those to our clients but at this point I am not willing to say we are going to go in that direction.
“It is hard on the fans too. The fans want to go… I think we are going to have to wait and let it play out a little bit. We have had a tremendous interest for the accommodations and we have been selling those quite briskly so there is a demand for people to go.”
Gary Adler, general counsel for the Washington, D.C., based National Association of Ticket Brokers said buyers must beware.
“They should always pay with credit cards, they should do their homework and check everybody out, and if something is too good to be true it usually is, so beware,” he said.
The Association (www.natb.org) founded in 1994 to combat fraud in the industry is about to launch a new web portal — www.natb.com — on which all its members will be able to list available tickets.
VANOC has made its position on ticket re-selling clear to Olympic sponsors, sport federations and other members of the Olympic family said Cobb.
And anecdotally, he said, VANOC has seen a different pattern of ordering compared to previous Games.
“We believe that a significant number of the orders made by the Olympic family were modified after we communicated to them how we will be enforcing the contracts we have,” he said.
“Where we had information to keep our eyes open for certain organizations we did and we saw that orders compared to previous Games were significantly different.
“So we think we will have fewer of these organizations that will take the risk of losing all of their tickets for selling to scalpers so that will reduce the amount of inventory that gets into the hands of the tickets brokers.”
Cobb said VANOC is already looking at some ticket brokering sites to see if they are breaking any laws.
“There are a number of them that… in our opinion are breaking the law and our legal department is working with the IOC’s legal department right now on determining where and when we are going to take legal action,” he said.
“There continue to be numerous websites in the market place right now offering tickets for our Games for sale and I can just reiterate that none of them have tickets as nobody yet has a ticket. We haven’t even confirmed the orders of the Olympic family yet.”
Chris Rudge, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, said as far as he knows the organization has never re-sold tickets for profit.
“We have never sanctioned the re-selling of our allotment of tickets, nor those of the national sport federations for whom we have often purchased tickets for in the past, as their agent,” he said.
But he admitted that he had heard of the practice.
“I have no direct evidence that it has ever gone on but I am certainly not naïve enough to believe that it didn’t happen on occasion.
“…It is certainly frowned upon by the IOC, but the reality is Olympic tickets can be very difficult to get hold of and it doesn’t surprise me that there would be some people who would break the rules.”
Being scammed is devastating said straight-talking Texas class action lawyer Jim Moriarty.
“…What I am seeing now is a very heightened sense of alertness on behalf of VANOC and the (2012) London Games Committee,” he said.
“It is way past time for them to get out there and defend their trademarks and for them to sit and watch these operations purporting to sell tickets that they cannot possibly deliver is outrageous.”
Moriarty, 62, was cheated out of $12,000 for Beijing tickets. He has launched a class action lawsuit against a Canadian company for allegedly failing to meet its obligations to provide tickets for the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. And he is preparing to sue the IOC and the USOC.
Many of his clients are family members of athletes who competed.
“It is devastating to these families when they can’t go in there and watch their kids compete,” he said.
Organizers of the 2010 Olympics are considering legal action against some Internet ticket purchasers.
“We have seen a couple (of transactions) that were very suspicious,” said Dave Cobb, vice president of marketing for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Games.
“They are being bought by ticket scalpers and they are with our legal people to see what our rights are not to sell to them.”
What VANOC and the International Olympic Committee say they don’t want to see is 2010 tickets for sale on the Internet through unauthorized sources. Only Jet Set Sports and sister company CoSport are authorized to sell Olympic tickets.
It was a hot topic during the IOC’s recent coordination commission visit.
“…It is very much a co-coordinated effort to protect consumers not only in Canada but around the world to make sure they don’t get taken by ticket scalpers, especially following what happened in Beijing,” said Cobb.
Leading up to the Summer 2008 Games in China thousands of people around the world were duped into buying non-existent tickets for the Games. In one case a British based rogue broker Xclusive went bust after selling 18,000 tickets.
It has been estimated that the Beijing scams globally cost Olympic fans close to $10 million.
The IOC and the United States Olympic Committee launched a lawsuit last July to shut down www.beijingtickets.com.
“The IOC can’t stress enough the importance of purchasing tickets through official and authorized sources only,” said IOC spokeswoman Emmanuelle Moreau.
“Sadly, there are some fraudulent dealers who are out to cheat fans, something we deplore.
“The IOC works closely with Games organizers and National Olympic Committees to try, as much as possible, to stay ahead of fraud schemes and remind sports fans to be sure to buy from authorized outlets.”
The first phase of ticket sales for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and Whistler closed last Friday. Another round of tickets will be offered in the spring but many of the most in-demand tickets will be gone.
The danger on the Internet takes different forms. Some rogue brokers say they have tickets when they have none. Others have historically received tickets from sport organizations and Olympic sponsors that they don’t want. According to the BBC, the IOC reportedly investigated several national Olympic committees, including the U.S. and Switzerland, for re-selling some of their tickets to the Sydney 2000 Summer Games.
The Swiss Committee did not return an e-mail inquiry on the issue and the American Committee said a spokesperson could be available at a later date.
“(The tickets) mostly come from sport federations and sponsors and they are looking to sell them off,” said Anbritt Stengele, president and owner of Sports Traveler based in Illinois, USA.
The sale of tickets by the committees within a host country is a breach of IOC rules.
VANOC has vowed to stop this practice by tracing tickets that appear for sale on unauthorized sites back to their original purchaser. If an investigation finds the ticket sales violated a contract with VANOC, and therefore the IOC, the organization’s whole ticket allotment may be stripped from them.
Stengele is not offering 2010 tickets for sale, yet. She said the company is doing a brisk business with its accommodations and travel packages for now as it waits to see how VANOC’s position on third party ticket sales works out.
“I can see how they want to try and enforce that but it is going to be very difficult,” said Stengele.
“In terms of ticketing we haven’t really decided what we are going to be doing. If tickets become available through some of our sources then we may offer those to our clients but at this point I am not willing to say we are going to go in that direction.
“It is hard on the fans too. The fans want to go… I think we are going to have to wait and let it play out a little bit. We have had a tremendous interest for the accommodations and we have been selling those quite briskly so there is a demand for people to go.”
Gary Adler, general counsel for the Washington, D.C., based National Association of Ticket Brokers said buyers must beware.
“They should always pay with credit cards, they should do their homework and check everybody out, and if something is too good to be true it usually is, so beware,” he said.
The Association (www.natb.org) founded in 1994 to combat fraud in the industry is about to launch a new web portal — www.natb.com — on which all its members will be able to list available tickets.
VANOC has made its position on ticket re-selling clear to Olympic sponsors, sport federations and other members of the Olympic family said Cobb.
And anecdotally, he said, VANOC has seen a different pattern of ordering compared to previous Games.
“We believe that a significant number of the orders made by the Olympic family were modified after we communicated to them how we will be enforcing the contracts we have,” he said.
“Where we had information to keep our eyes open for certain organizations we did and we saw that orders compared to previous Games were significantly different.
“So we think we will have fewer of these organizations that will take the risk of losing all of their tickets for selling to scalpers so that will reduce the amount of inventory that gets into the hands of the tickets brokers.”
Cobb said VANOC is already looking at some ticket brokering sites to see if they are breaking any laws.
“There are a number of them that… in our opinion are breaking the law and our legal department is working with the IOC’s legal department right now on determining where and when we are going to take legal action,” he said.
“There continue to be numerous websites in the market place right now offering tickets for our Games for sale and I can just reiterate that none of them have tickets as nobody yet has a ticket. We haven’t even confirmed the orders of the Olympic family yet.”
Chris Rudge, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, said as far as he knows the organization has never re-sold tickets for profit.
“We have never sanctioned the re-selling of our allotment of tickets, nor those of the national sport federations for whom we have often purchased tickets for in the past, as their agent,” he said.
But he admitted that he had heard of the practice.
“I have no direct evidence that it has ever gone on but I am certainly not naïve enough to believe that it didn’t happen on occasion.
“…It is certainly frowned upon by the IOC, but the reality is Olympic tickets can be very difficult to get hold of and it doesn’t surprise me that there would be some people who would break the rules.”
Being scammed is devastating said straight-talking Texas class action lawyer Jim Moriarty.
“…What I am seeing now is a very heightened sense of alertness on behalf of VANOC and the (2012) London Games Committee,” he said.
“It is way past time for them to get out there and defend their trademarks and for them to sit and watch these operations purporting to sell tickets that they cannot possibly deliver is outrageous.”
Moriarty, 62, was cheated out of $12,000 for Beijing tickets. He has launched a class action lawsuit against a Canadian company for allegedly failing to meet its obligations to provide tickets for the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. And he is preparing to sue the IOC and the USOC.
Many of his clients are family members of athletes who competed.
“It is devastating to these families when they can’t go in there and watch their kids compete,” he said.
Lawyer: Jackson Too Sick To Testify In Person
Michael Jackson might be too sick to travel to London to testify in a suit claiming he owes an Arab sheikh $7 million, the pop star's attorney said today (Nov. 18).Jackson is seeking to give his testimony by video link from the United States. "It would be unwise for him to travel, given what's he's got now," lawyer Robert Englehart said, declining to elaborate "for the obvious reasons."Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa's lawyer, Bankim Thanki, said the medical evidence presented by Jackson's legal team was "very unsatisfactory" and Jackson's illness could be treated with a bandage "if the diagnosis is positive.""It's not the first time a sick note has been presented by Mr. Jackson," Thanki said, also without elaborating.Jackson has often been seen wearing a surgical mask in public. In one infamous 2002 court appearance in California, he appeared to have a bandage hanging from his hollowed-out nose.
The judge in the current case, Nigel Sweeney, said he would decide the question of Jackson's travel on Thursday to allow time for medical experts on both legal teams to talk.Khalifa, the second son of the king of Bahrain, claims that Jackson reneged on a contract for an album, a candid autobiography and a stage play, after accepting millions from the sheikh. Al Khalifa was in court today for the second day of arguments and testimony.The case is being tried in London by mutual agreement, Al Khalifa's representatives have said. It is due to wrap up by the end of the month.Al Khalifa felt betrayed when the pop star pulled out of the deal, Thanki said. After Jackson left Bahrain, never to return, his publicist later called Al Khalifa to say Jackson no longer wanted any part of the contract. Thanki said."It's fair to say my client felt a considerable sense of betrayal by someone he thought was a close friend," Thanki said, adding that the sheikh, an amateur songwriter, also felt "a sense of professional failure."Thanki said Al Khalifa and Jackson were planning to establish a joint venture to put out a new Michael Jackson album, an autobiography, and a stage play.They hoped to make millions from the project -- Jackson's autobiography, intended to be "a frank and personal account" of the singer's life, was alone expected to rack up $24 million, Thanki said. In the meanwhile, Al Khalifa gave Jackson millions of dollars to help shore up his finances and subsidize Jackson's lifestyle in the small Gulf state.Thanki said Al Khalifa considered the money an advance on the profits Jackson would reap from their pop music project, but Englehart said the money was a gift. "Sheikh Abdulla, fortunately for himself, had the resources to be so generous," Englehart said.Englehart argued that Jackson wasn't bound by the deal he struck because the contract was technically signed on behalf of 2 Seas Records, a venture which never got off the ground. "This (contract) was one brick in the building that was never built," Englehart said.
The judge in the current case, Nigel Sweeney, said he would decide the question of Jackson's travel on Thursday to allow time for medical experts on both legal teams to talk.Khalifa, the second son of the king of Bahrain, claims that Jackson reneged on a contract for an album, a candid autobiography and a stage play, after accepting millions from the sheikh. Al Khalifa was in court today for the second day of arguments and testimony.The case is being tried in London by mutual agreement, Al Khalifa's representatives have said. It is due to wrap up by the end of the month.Al Khalifa felt betrayed when the pop star pulled out of the deal, Thanki said. After Jackson left Bahrain, never to return, his publicist later called Al Khalifa to say Jackson no longer wanted any part of the contract. Thanki said."It's fair to say my client felt a considerable sense of betrayal by someone he thought was a close friend," Thanki said, adding that the sheikh, an amateur songwriter, also felt "a sense of professional failure."Thanki said Al Khalifa and Jackson were planning to establish a joint venture to put out a new Michael Jackson album, an autobiography, and a stage play.They hoped to make millions from the project -- Jackson's autobiography, intended to be "a frank and personal account" of the singer's life, was alone expected to rack up $24 million, Thanki said. In the meanwhile, Al Khalifa gave Jackson millions of dollars to help shore up his finances and subsidize Jackson's lifestyle in the small Gulf state.Thanki said Al Khalifa considered the money an advance on the profits Jackson would reap from their pop music project, but Englehart said the money was a gift. "Sheikh Abdulla, fortunately for himself, had the resources to be so generous," Englehart said.Englehart argued that Jackson wasn't bound by the deal he struck because the contract was technically signed on behalf of 2 Seas Records, a venture which never got off the ground. "This (contract) was one brick in the building that was never built," Englehart said.
Prince Sued Over Perfume Deal
A perfume company that went into business with Prince to make a "3121" fragrance -- named after his 2006 album -- sued him yesterday (Nov. 17) for $100,000 for failing to help promote the perfume.According to the lawsuit, filed in New York State Supreme Court, Prince and his music publisher Universal Music Publishing Group reached a licensing agreement with perfume company Revelations in December 2006 to use Prince's name and likeness and the name "3121" to market two fragrances.The first fragrance was released in 2007 and a second is due out in 2009, the lawsuit said.According to the agreement, Universal would earn 50 percent of the net profits from the sale of the fragrances. In exchange the label would arrange the cooperation of Prince for marketing opportunities, the lawsuit said."Since July 2007, despite repeated attempts by Revelations there have been virtually no communications from anyone who could commit to or coordinate any promotional efforts by Prince," the breach of contract lawsuit said.
Representatives for Prince were not immediately available for comment."Although we have not seen the complaint, we are familiar with the claims being asserted by Revelations, and they are completely without merit," Universal Music Publishing Group, which was also named in the lawsuit, said in a statement.
Representatives for Prince were not immediately available for comment."Although we have not seen the complaint, we are familiar with the claims being asserted by Revelations, and they are completely without merit," Universal Music Publishing Group, which was also named in the lawsuit, said in a statement.
Foos, Mayer Set For Grammy Nominations Show
Foo Fighters, John Mayer and B.B. King will perform at the first Grammy Nominations Concert, to be held Dec. 3 at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live and broadcast on CBS.In addition to the performances, the event will reveal the nominees in several as-yet-unspecified Grammy categories. Mariah Carey, LL Cool J and Taylor Swift will serve as co-hosts.The show coincides with the grand opening of the Grammy Museum in the L.A. Live complex. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the museum.The 2009 Grammys will be held Feb. 8.
Nadal's absence takes shine off Davis final
By Brian Homewood
BUENOS AIRES, Nov 18 (Reuters) - The absence of world number one Rafael Nadal has taken the shine off the Davis Cup final and left Argentina as firm favourites to beat Spain and win the trophy for the first time.
Unbeaten at home for 10 years, Argentina now have higher-ranked players in their favour as well as the playing surface and a partisan crowd.
Nadal pulled out last week after failing to recover from tendonitis in his right knee and blamed his injury on an overloaded tennis calendar.
His withdrawal produced mixed feelings in the home camp.
"I regret that he's not coming, because all the Argentines wanted to see him, but it's also right to say that all Argentines want us to be Davis Cup champions," said Argentina captain Alberto Mancini.
"In that sense, it's good news because our chances have got better."
Argentina, taking part in their third final and at home for the first time, have chosen to stage the game on an indoor surface at the Islas Malvinas arena in the resort of Mar del Plata.
Their usual venue is the larger Parque Roca in Buenos Aires but the clay surface is also preferred by the Spaniards.
The choice of venue turned into a political battle with several other cities hoping to stage the prestigious event and politicians jumping on the bandwagon.
Despite Nadal's absence, it has been almost impossible for the general public to buy tickets at the 11,000 capacity arena with only 300 sold at the venue and another 1,500 over the Internet.
The rest have gone to members of the Argentina Tennis Association (AAT) and sponsors.
Although Mar del Plata is a major resort, hotels have doubled their prices and many said they were sold out two months ago.
David Nalbandian, Argentina's most experienced player, publicly criticised the decision to prefer Mar del Plata over his native Cordoba.
Argentina's challenge will be led by Juan Martin del Potro who has enjoyed a meteoric rise this year, winning four ATP titles in a row on his way into the top ten.
Ranked ninth, he also won the fifth and decisive rubber in the semi-final against Russia, destroying Igor Andreev in straight sets.
Nalbandian is two places below in the rankings.
David Ferrer, ranked 12, will lead the Spanish challenge as they attempt to add to their wins in 2000 and 2004.
"It's disappointing Nadal cannot be with us but we shouldn't talk about him any more from now on," said Spain captain Emilio Sanchez Vicario.
Marcel Granollers, ranked 56th in the world, has taken Nadal's place.
(Editing by Alan Baldwin)
BUENOS AIRES, Nov 18 (Reuters) - The absence of world number one Rafael Nadal has taken the shine off the Davis Cup final and left Argentina as firm favourites to beat Spain and win the trophy for the first time.
Unbeaten at home for 10 years, Argentina now have higher-ranked players in their favour as well as the playing surface and a partisan crowd.
Nadal pulled out last week after failing to recover from tendonitis in his right knee and blamed his injury on an overloaded tennis calendar.
His withdrawal produced mixed feelings in the home camp.
"I regret that he's not coming, because all the Argentines wanted to see him, but it's also right to say that all Argentines want us to be Davis Cup champions," said Argentina captain Alberto Mancini.
"In that sense, it's good news because our chances have got better."
Argentina, taking part in their third final and at home for the first time, have chosen to stage the game on an indoor surface at the Islas Malvinas arena in the resort of Mar del Plata.
Their usual venue is the larger Parque Roca in Buenos Aires but the clay surface is also preferred by the Spaniards.
The choice of venue turned into a political battle with several other cities hoping to stage the prestigious event and politicians jumping on the bandwagon.
Despite Nadal's absence, it has been almost impossible for the general public to buy tickets at the 11,000 capacity arena with only 300 sold at the venue and another 1,500 over the Internet.
The rest have gone to members of the Argentina Tennis Association (AAT) and sponsors.
Although Mar del Plata is a major resort, hotels have doubled their prices and many said they were sold out two months ago.
David Nalbandian, Argentina's most experienced player, publicly criticised the decision to prefer Mar del Plata over his native Cordoba.
Argentina's challenge will be led by Juan Martin del Potro who has enjoyed a meteoric rise this year, winning four ATP titles in a row on his way into the top ten.
Ranked ninth, he also won the fifth and decisive rubber in the semi-final against Russia, destroying Igor Andreev in straight sets.
Nalbandian is two places below in the rankings.
David Ferrer, ranked 12, will lead the Spanish challenge as they attempt to add to their wins in 2000 and 2004.
"It's disappointing Nadal cannot be with us but we shouldn't talk about him any more from now on," said Spain captain Emilio Sanchez Vicario.
Marcel Granollers, ranked 56th in the world, has taken Nadal's place.
(Editing by Alan Baldwin)
RONALDO STILL KEEN ON CITY
Brazilian star Ronaldo has again claimed Manchester City are monitoring his rehabilitation from a knee injury, as they ponder a bid for his services in January.
The former Real Madrid and Barcelona striker has long-since been linked with a move to Eastlands, although Blues boss Mark Hughes has in the past distanced himself from reports.
Eager to return to Europe once he recovers from a knee injury that curtailed his time at AC Milan, Ronaldo appears to have his heart set on Eastlands.
Brazil team-mates Robinho, Elano and Jo would certainly help him to acclimatise to life in the Premier League and it is a challenge he is keen to take up.
"I know that there is interest from Manchester City - and I am focused on my recovery to explore this," he is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror.
His representative, Fabiano Farah added: "We want a project that will live up to the history of Ronaldo."
The former Real Madrid and Barcelona striker has long-since been linked with a move to Eastlands, although Blues boss Mark Hughes has in the past distanced himself from reports.
Eager to return to Europe once he recovers from a knee injury that curtailed his time at AC Milan, Ronaldo appears to have his heart set on Eastlands.
Brazil team-mates Robinho, Elano and Jo would certainly help him to acclimatise to life in the Premier League and it is a challenge he is keen to take up.
"I know that there is interest from Manchester City - and I am focused on my recovery to explore this," he is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror.
His representative, Fabiano Farah added: "We want a project that will live up to the history of Ronaldo."
McLaren's De la Rosa tests for Force India
By Alan Baldwin
LONDON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - McLaren's Spanish reserve driver Pedro de la Rosa switched over to testing duties with the Force India Formula One team at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya on Tuesday.
Force India this month agreed a five-year partnership deal with McLaren and Mercedes that will see them replace their Ferrari engines with a complete drivetrain (engine and gearbox) package next season.
The team will also use a KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) designed by McLaren and Mercedes.
The deal has triggered speculation the experienced De la Rosa could also be drafted in as a race driver for the Silverstone-based team but a Force India spokesman played that down.
"Pedro is an old friend of the team," he said, pointing out that the Spaniard had been a test driver for Force India's predecessors Jordan in 1998 before making his F1 race debut with Arrows in 1999.
FRESH FACE
"It's an opportunity for a fresh face to put a new perspective on an old car," he added.
While some other Formula One teams have two more tests planned before the New Year, this week's outing at the Spanish Grand Prix circuit will be Force India's last track appearance of the year.
The team will not be able to use their Mercedes engines until January and have almost used up their supply of Ferrari power units.
De la Rosa, who tested for McLaren on Monday, was joined by Force India's German race driver Adrian Sutil on Tuesday with Italian Giancarlo Fisichella scheduled to test with the Spaniard on Wednesday.
Force India's billionaire owner Vijay Mallya has said the team intends to keep Fisichella and Sutil but hinted recently that the McLaren deal could change his thinking.
"They (McLaren) will recommend what they believe to be in the best interests of my team and I have to decide," he told Reuters last week. "And I would be hard pressed to ignore their advice."
(Editing by Ken Ferris)
LONDON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - McLaren's Spanish reserve driver Pedro de la Rosa switched over to testing duties with the Force India Formula One team at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya on Tuesday.
Force India this month agreed a five-year partnership deal with McLaren and Mercedes that will see them replace their Ferrari engines with a complete drivetrain (engine and gearbox) package next season.
The team will also use a KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) designed by McLaren and Mercedes.
The deal has triggered speculation the experienced De la Rosa could also be drafted in as a race driver for the Silverstone-based team but a Force India spokesman played that down.
"Pedro is an old friend of the team," he said, pointing out that the Spaniard had been a test driver for Force India's predecessors Jordan in 1998 before making his F1 race debut with Arrows in 1999.
FRESH FACE
"It's an opportunity for a fresh face to put a new perspective on an old car," he added.
While some other Formula One teams have two more tests planned before the New Year, this week's outing at the Spanish Grand Prix circuit will be Force India's last track appearance of the year.
The team will not be able to use their Mercedes engines until January and have almost used up their supply of Ferrari power units.
De la Rosa, who tested for McLaren on Monday, was joined by Force India's German race driver Adrian Sutil on Tuesday with Italian Giancarlo Fisichella scheduled to test with the Spaniard on Wednesday.
Force India's billionaire owner Vijay Mallya has said the team intends to keep Fisichella and Sutil but hinted recently that the McLaren deal could change his thinking.
"They (McLaren) will recommend what they believe to be in the best interests of my team and I have to decide," he told Reuters last week. "And I would be hard pressed to ignore their advice."
(Editing by Ken Ferris)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Davydenko reaches Masters Cup final
Associated Press
November 15, 2008 at 11:30 AM EST
SHANGHAI, China — With everyone tired and aching after a long season, Nikolay Davydenko may be at his best. He knows how to take advantage of a weary opponent.
The Russian reached the Masters Cup final with a 7-5, 6-2 victory Saturday over Andy Murray, who seemed exhausted from his upset of Roger Federer a day earlier.
"Murray was very tired," Davydenko said, adding that the Scotsman looked as if he were ready "to die."
Davydenko will play for the title Sunday against Novak Djokovic, who earlier rallied to oust France's Gilles Simon 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Now, Davydenko gets another opponent who is less than fresh — Djokovic needed nearly three hours to defeat Simon.
Murray went all out against Federer even though he already had clinched a spot in the semis. He added that he gave 100 per cent against Davydenko, but getting to bed at 2:30 a.m. after defeating Federer didn't leave much left in his tank.
"I beat probably the best player of all time," Murray said. "I have no regrets about doing that. To beat him ... means a similar amount to winning a tournament like this. Ideally, I would have liked to have beaten him easier ... and given myself a slightly better chance to prepare for this match."
Murray often looked as if he were trudging through mud. He had only seven winners to 33 for Davydenko, who last played on Thursday, giving him plenty of time to recover.
"I don't want to try to make excuses," Murray said. "He played much better than me. I did the best that I could with what I had. My legs just weren't like they were in the rest of the matches. I wasn't getting the balls ... that I usually do."
The final will be a rematch of a round-robin match this week, when Djokovic edged Davydenko in a 7-5 third set.
Despite consistently being ranked in the top five, Davydenko has never reached a Grand Slam final. He's been to the Masters three times before, with his best showing a semifinals loss in 2005. He was steady and relentless against Murray.
Both players struggled with their serve early. They swapped breaks to open the match, and Murray had to fend off three break points in the third game. Murray served at 5-5 and went up 40-15, but was swinging his racket in anger between points as Davydenko pulled to deuce.
Murray thought he had an ace to save a break point, but it was overruled. Murray wasn't convinced, walking toward the net for a look, then sent a backhand wide for the break. Davydenko ran off the last five games of the second set as Murray looked increasingly dispirited.
Djokovic lost all three of his matches at the last Masters Cup.
"I didn't have such a great time here last year," he said. "Didn't win a single set. But I learned something. Took the best out of it and used it this year."
Simon was added to the field when No. 1 Rafael Nadal withdrew with a knee injury, then beat Federer in their opening group match.
Djokovic struggled against him in the first set, committing 21 unforced errors. But the Serb pulled himself together, mixing stinging groundstrokes with deft drop shots from behind the baseline. Djokovic served for the match at 5-4, but double-faulted on a break point.
"I was pretty exhausted, had to save some energy," he said. "I went for the shots. I wanted to make the points shorter. I risked, and the risk didn't pay off in that game. But it paid off afterwards."
He broke right back and converted his second chance to finish the match, then got down on his knees and kissed the court.
November 15, 2008 at 11:30 AM EST
SHANGHAI, China — With everyone tired and aching after a long season, Nikolay Davydenko may be at his best. He knows how to take advantage of a weary opponent.
The Russian reached the Masters Cup final with a 7-5, 6-2 victory Saturday over Andy Murray, who seemed exhausted from his upset of Roger Federer a day earlier.
"Murray was very tired," Davydenko said, adding that the Scotsman looked as if he were ready "to die."
Davydenko will play for the title Sunday against Novak Djokovic, who earlier rallied to oust France's Gilles Simon 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Now, Davydenko gets another opponent who is less than fresh — Djokovic needed nearly three hours to defeat Simon.
Murray went all out against Federer even though he already had clinched a spot in the semis. He added that he gave 100 per cent against Davydenko, but getting to bed at 2:30 a.m. after defeating Federer didn't leave much left in his tank.
"I beat probably the best player of all time," Murray said. "I have no regrets about doing that. To beat him ... means a similar amount to winning a tournament like this. Ideally, I would have liked to have beaten him easier ... and given myself a slightly better chance to prepare for this match."
Murray often looked as if he were trudging through mud. He had only seven winners to 33 for Davydenko, who last played on Thursday, giving him plenty of time to recover.
"I don't want to try to make excuses," Murray said. "He played much better than me. I did the best that I could with what I had. My legs just weren't like they were in the rest of the matches. I wasn't getting the balls ... that I usually do."
The final will be a rematch of a round-robin match this week, when Djokovic edged Davydenko in a 7-5 third set.
Despite consistently being ranked in the top five, Davydenko has never reached a Grand Slam final. He's been to the Masters three times before, with his best showing a semifinals loss in 2005. He was steady and relentless against Murray.
Both players struggled with their serve early. They swapped breaks to open the match, and Murray had to fend off three break points in the third game. Murray served at 5-5 and went up 40-15, but was swinging his racket in anger between points as Davydenko pulled to deuce.
Murray thought he had an ace to save a break point, but it was overruled. Murray wasn't convinced, walking toward the net for a look, then sent a backhand wide for the break. Davydenko ran off the last five games of the second set as Murray looked increasingly dispirited.
Djokovic lost all three of his matches at the last Masters Cup.
"I didn't have such a great time here last year," he said. "Didn't win a single set. But I learned something. Took the best out of it and used it this year."
Simon was added to the field when No. 1 Rafael Nadal withdrew with a knee injury, then beat Federer in their opening group match.
Djokovic struggled against him in the first set, committing 21 unforced errors. But the Serb pulled himself together, mixing stinging groundstrokes with deft drop shots from behind the baseline. Djokovic served for the match at 5-4, but double-faulted on a break point.
"I was pretty exhausted, had to save some energy," he said. "I went for the shots. I wanted to make the points shorter. I risked, and the risk didn't pay off in that game. But it paid off afterwards."
He broke right back and converted his second chance to finish the match, then got down on his knees and kissed the court.
South Carolina's Raley-Ross sidelined with knee sprain
Columbia, SC (Sports Network) - South Carolina guard Brandis Raley-Ross will miss 3-to-4 weeks with a left knee sprain suffered in Friday night's victory against Jacksonville State.
Head coach Darrin Horn, in his first season on the job, announced the extent of the injury on Saturday morning.
Raley-Ross scored five points in 13 minutes of the season-opening 89-76 victory. The junior guard averaged 6.0 points in 30 games last season and is part of a talented backcourt that features Devan Downey and Zam Fredrick.
Head coach Darrin Horn, in his first season on the job, announced the extent of the injury on Saturday morning.
Raley-Ross scored five points in 13 minutes of the season-opening 89-76 victory. The junior guard averaged 6.0 points in 30 games last season and is part of a talented backcourt that features Devan Downey and Zam Fredrick.
Judo star trades gold for ticket to mixed martial arts
AFP, TOKYO Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008, Page 19
Japanese judo star Satoshi Ishii brushed off his Olympic gold medal as merely a ticket to greater glory as he announced a switch to the cash-rich world of mixed martial arts.
Only three months after saving Japan’s pride at the Beijing Olympics, the 21-year-old disappointed many in the homeland of tradition-bound judo by joining what is still widely seen as a make-believe sport designed solely for television.“I had made up my mind that I would go to the world of mixed martial arts whether I won or lost at the Olympics,” Ishii said late on Monday, in a move that will see him combining techniques from judo, karate, kick-boxing and wrestling.“I want to throw away the judo gold medal and everything, and fight it out in another world by starting from scratch with a white belt,” said the black belt holder, who at 181cm and 110kg is small for a heavyweight.Ishii, fighting at the world’s top level for the first time in Beijing, was one of the only two Japanese who made the podium in men’s Judo, as Japan registered a record-low medal haul in the sport.Japan’s judo establishment bans professionals in any other combat sport from competing under its auspices, making it impossible for Ishii to go for another gold at the 2012 London Olympics.“He has kept on training while other people rested. He has interesting talent and will be missed because he could stimulate other participants,” said Kazuo Yoshimura, director of technical development at the All-Japan Judo Federation.Critics fear that Ishii, who has irritated judo purists with his no-holds-barred style, could inspire others to follow him into a sport full of colorful figures, in which earnings can easily top ￥100 million (US$1 million) per match.“In my value system, mixed martial arts is the strongest,” Ishii said.“I am a total newcomer and I have no confidence in winning a match now. But I strongly feel I will work hard and succeed in this world, no matter what,” he said, citing legendary Brazilian Rickson Gracie as his model in the trade.Before Ishii, other Olympic and world judo champions have also stepped into professional martial arts — but only when they were past their prime at around 30. They include four-time world heavyweight and open champion Naoya Ogawa, Barcelona Olympic 78kg gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida and Sydney Olympics 81kg winner Makoto Takimoto.Ishii, who has gifted his Olympic gold to the gym of his hero Ogawa, did not reveal which one of the multitude of martial arts organizations he would join. His debut in the sport will wait until his graduation from Tokyo’s Kokushikan University in March. This story has been viewed 422 times.
Japanese judo star Satoshi Ishii brushed off his Olympic gold medal as merely a ticket to greater glory as he announced a switch to the cash-rich world of mixed martial arts.
Only three months after saving Japan’s pride at the Beijing Olympics, the 21-year-old disappointed many in the homeland of tradition-bound judo by joining what is still widely seen as a make-believe sport designed solely for television.“I had made up my mind that I would go to the world of mixed martial arts whether I won or lost at the Olympics,” Ishii said late on Monday, in a move that will see him combining techniques from judo, karate, kick-boxing and wrestling.“I want to throw away the judo gold medal and everything, and fight it out in another world by starting from scratch with a white belt,” said the black belt holder, who at 181cm and 110kg is small for a heavyweight.Ishii, fighting at the world’s top level for the first time in Beijing, was one of the only two Japanese who made the podium in men’s Judo, as Japan registered a record-low medal haul in the sport.Japan’s judo establishment bans professionals in any other combat sport from competing under its auspices, making it impossible for Ishii to go for another gold at the 2012 London Olympics.“He has kept on training while other people rested. He has interesting talent and will be missed because he could stimulate other participants,” said Kazuo Yoshimura, director of technical development at the All-Japan Judo Federation.Critics fear that Ishii, who has irritated judo purists with his no-holds-barred style, could inspire others to follow him into a sport full of colorful figures, in which earnings can easily top ￥100 million (US$1 million) per match.“In my value system, mixed martial arts is the strongest,” Ishii said.“I am a total newcomer and I have no confidence in winning a match now. But I strongly feel I will work hard and succeed in this world, no matter what,” he said, citing legendary Brazilian Rickson Gracie as his model in the trade.Before Ishii, other Olympic and world judo champions have also stepped into professional martial arts — but only when they were past their prime at around 30. They include four-time world heavyweight and open champion Naoya Ogawa, Barcelona Olympic 78kg gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida and Sydney Olympics 81kg winner Makoto Takimoto.Ishii, who has gifted his Olympic gold to the gym of his hero Ogawa, did not reveal which one of the multitude of martial arts organizations he would join. His debut in the sport will wait until his graduation from Tokyo’s Kokushikan University in March. This story has been viewed 422 times.
Motley Crue Heading Back On The Road
Motley Crue will follow up this summer's Crue Fest amphitheater tour with a North American arena trek, beginning Feb. 2, 2009, at Cox Arena in San Diego and wrapping March 18 at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine.The 25-city-plus jaunt will feature support from Hinder, Theory of a Deadman and the Last Vegas. Chicago-based the Last Vegas recently won the first Guitar Center On-Stage: Your Chance to Make Rock History contest. Along with an opening slot on Motley Crue's upcoming tour, the rock outfit's prize includes a management contract with Tenth Street Entertainment and a recording deal with Eleven Seven Music.Ticket prices for the Live Nation-produced Saints of Los Angeles 2009 tour will range from $25 to $75, with public on-sales beginning Nov. 21 in various markets. Other tour partners besides Guitar Center include American Express and Fuse, according to Tenth Street Entertainment/Eleven Seven Music CEO Allen Kovac.Kovac, who has served as Motley Crue's manager since 1994, says the band's winter jaunt picks up where Crue Fest left off. "These are markets we didn't play," Kovac tells Billboard. "Rock has always been a middle-of-the-country sport, and you have to go to where your fans are."The inaugural 40-plus-city North American Crue Fest -- which also featured rock acts Buckcherry, Papa Roach, Trapt and Sixx:A.M. -- grossed $16.6 million and drew more than 613,000 concertgoers, according to Billboard Boxscore. The trek followed the June release of "Saints of Los Angeles," the first Motley Crue album in more than a decade recorded by the band's original members. The set has sold 236,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
After March, Motley Crue will break from touring until the summer, when it will visit European cities in June. From there, the band will return stateside from July through September for the second edition of Crue Fest, Kovac says. Support acts for the summer tour are still in the works.Here are Motley Crue's North American tour datesFeb. 2: San Diego (Cox Arena)Feb. 4: Reno, Nev. (Reno Events Center)Feb. 6-7: Las Vegas (the Joint)Feb. 10: Omaha, Neb. (Quest Center)Feb. 11: Moline, Ill. (iWireless Center)Feb. 13: Grand Rapids, Mich. (Van Andel Arena)Feb. 14: Madison, Wis. (Alliant Energy Center)Feb. 15: Rockford, Ill. (Metro Centre)Feb. 17: Des Moines, Iowa (Wells Fargo Arena)Feb. 18: Saint Paul, Minn. (Xcel Energy Center)Feb. 19: Green Bay, Wis. (Resch Center)Feb. 21: Nashville (Sommet Center)Feb. 22: Birmingham, Ala. (Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex)Feb. 25: Greensville, S.C. (Bi-Lo Center)Feb. 27: Lafayette, La. (Cajun Dome)Feb. 28: New Orleans (New Orleans Arena)March 3: Miami (Hard Rock Casino)March 4: Orlando, Fla. (UCF Arena)March 6: Atlantic City, N.J. (Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa)March 7: Erie, Pa. (Erie Events Center)March 8: Hershey, Pa. (Giant Center)March 10: Ottawa, Ontario (Scotiabank Place)March 11: Hamilton, Ontario (Copps Coliseum)March 13: Uncasville, Conn. (Mohegan Sun Arena)March 14: Baltimore (1st Mariner Arena)March 16: New York (Madison Square Garden)March 17: Manchester, N.H. (Verizon Wireless)March 18: Portland, Maine (Cumberland County Civic Center)
After March, Motley Crue will break from touring until the summer, when it will visit European cities in June. From there, the band will return stateside from July through September for the second edition of Crue Fest, Kovac says. Support acts for the summer tour are still in the works.Here are Motley Crue's North American tour datesFeb. 2: San Diego (Cox Arena)Feb. 4: Reno, Nev. (Reno Events Center)Feb. 6-7: Las Vegas (the Joint)Feb. 10: Omaha, Neb. (Quest Center)Feb. 11: Moline, Ill. (iWireless Center)Feb. 13: Grand Rapids, Mich. (Van Andel Arena)Feb. 14: Madison, Wis. (Alliant Energy Center)Feb. 15: Rockford, Ill. (Metro Centre)Feb. 17: Des Moines, Iowa (Wells Fargo Arena)Feb. 18: Saint Paul, Minn. (Xcel Energy Center)Feb. 19: Green Bay, Wis. (Resch Center)Feb. 21: Nashville (Sommet Center)Feb. 22: Birmingham, Ala. (Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex)Feb. 25: Greensville, S.C. (Bi-Lo Center)Feb. 27: Lafayette, La. (Cajun Dome)Feb. 28: New Orleans (New Orleans Arena)March 3: Miami (Hard Rock Casino)March 4: Orlando, Fla. (UCF Arena)March 6: Atlantic City, N.J. (Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa)March 7: Erie, Pa. (Erie Events Center)March 8: Hershey, Pa. (Giant Center)March 10: Ottawa, Ontario (Scotiabank Place)March 11: Hamilton, Ontario (Copps Coliseum)March 13: Uncasville, Conn. (Mohegan Sun Arena)March 14: Baltimore (1st Mariner Arena)March 16: New York (Madison Square Garden)March 17: Manchester, N.H. (Verizon Wireless)March 18: Portland, Maine (Cumberland County Civic Center)
Exclusive: The Fray Debuting Single On ABC
Two-and-a-half years after a key placement on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" helped turn the Fray into platinum stars, the band is utilizing another high-profile TV partnership to introduce its new single, "You Found Me," Billboard can exclusively reveal.In a commercial break from the tense elevator confrontations of the Nov. 20 episode of "Grey's," a one-minute promo with scenes from the upcoming season of ABC's "Lost" will premiere the track, as well as parts of the music video.Viewers will be directed to abc.com, where they can find a three-minute version of the clip as well as a link to iTunes; there they can buy the single, which goes to radio the next day.The partnership between ABC and the Fray -- vocalist/pianist Isaac Slade, guitarists Joe King and David Welsh and drummer Ben Wysocki -- also includes an agreement for the band to appear on the American Music Awards, "Good Morning America" and the outdoor concert series on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" ABC will use "You Found Me" as the promo song for this season of "Lost," and discussions are underway to use the band's music on sister channel ESPN during the height of football season."Because this band appeals to everyone from 8 to 80, television really does play a great role in exposing the music to a wider audience," Epic executive VP of marketing Lee Stimmel says. "And the band writes amazing songs that work with a picture." (Asked if he watches "Grey's Anatomy," Slade says, "I have seen it a few times. It's a really good show.")
As for the sound of "The Fray" -- produced like the debut by Epic VP of A&R Mike Flynn and Aaron Johnson -- it's "a little more extreme than the last record," Slade says. "The quieter stuff is a little quieter than our last record and the rock stuff is a little rockier. It definitely spreads the spectrum a little bit."The Fray will preview the album during a tour of small venues in early January. It will be available for physical and digital pre-order beginning Nov. 21 at thefray.net; purchasers who buy the CD from the site will get a bonus disc of live recordings from the January tour.That online integration reflects a sales history of more than 6 million digital tracks sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and the Fray scored iTunes' top-downloaded album of 2006 with "How To Save a Life."
As for the sound of "The Fray" -- produced like the debut by Epic VP of A&R Mike Flynn and Aaron Johnson -- it's "a little more extreme than the last record," Slade says. "The quieter stuff is a little quieter than our last record and the rock stuff is a little rockier. It definitely spreads the spectrum a little bit."The Fray will preview the album during a tour of small venues in early January. It will be available for physical and digital pre-order beginning Nov. 21 at thefray.net; purchasers who buy the CD from the site will get a bonus disc of live recordings from the January tour.That online integration reflects a sales history of more than 6 million digital tracks sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and the Fray scored iTunes' top-downloaded album of 2006 with "How To Save a Life."
Juanes Wins Big At Latin Grammy Awards
Commercial success stories triumphed over critical darlings at the 2008 Latin Grammys, with Juanes, Julieta Venegas, Wisin & Yandel, Flex and Kany Garcia emerging victorious during ninth annual awards in Houston.Colombian pop/rock star Juanes won for Album of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal album for "La Vida Es Un Ratico." His 'Me Enamora" also won for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Short Form Music Video.Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Garcia triumphed in a Best New Artist field that included Mexican alternative singer/songwriter Ximena Sarinana, a commercial success in Mexico who has yet to break big in the U.S. Garcia also took home the award for Best Female Pop Vocal album for "Cualquier Dia." Garcia dedicated her award to Puerto Rico and to Mexico, for being "my second home," and from which she was able to break the continental U.S. market.In the night's first upset, Wisin & Yandel beat out critical favorite Tego Calderon when they won Best Urban Album for "Los Extraterrestres." In the urban song category, Flex's "Te Quiero," a song that ruled the charts relentlessly in pop and regional Mexican versions, emerged the winner.Alternative/pop singer/songwriter Julieta Venegas won earlier in the day for Best Long Form Music Video and Best Alternative Album.
Alternative rock legends Cafe Tacvba, who entered the night with the most nominations, walked away with awards for Best Rock Song ("Esta Vez") and Best Alternative Song (3"Volver A Comenzar").Juanes bounded onstage to receive his first award after opening the show with "Me Enamora" and "Odio Por Amor," plus a joint performance with R&B artist John Legend. Backed by a gospel choir, Legend dueted with Juanes in heavily accented Spanish on a translated version of Legend's "If You're Out There" from his new album.Hosts Cristian de la Fuente and Patricia Manterola kicked off the Univision telecast by announcing that the night's theme would be change -- a familiar refrain in the 2008 election year. In accepting his Record of the Year award, Juanes said, "You've chosen the correct president."After an introduction by actor Andy Garcia, Person of the Year winner Gloria Estefan brought the house down with "Mi Tierra" and "Oye Mi Canto," followed by a collaboration with Carlos Santana and Jose Feliciano on "No Lloren."Another standout performance came from Venegas, who won earlier in the evening for Best Long Form Music Video and Best Alternative Album. Venegas performed "El Presente2"with multinational accordion jammers Emiliano Zuleta, David Lee Garza, Michael Salgado and Fernando Otera. Jimmy Zambrano, Jorge Celadon and Mariachi Vargas also had everyone on their feet in a pan-Latin collaboration.
Alternative rock legends Cafe Tacvba, who entered the night with the most nominations, walked away with awards for Best Rock Song ("Esta Vez") and Best Alternative Song (3"Volver A Comenzar").Juanes bounded onstage to receive his first award after opening the show with "Me Enamora" and "Odio Por Amor," plus a joint performance with R&B artist John Legend. Backed by a gospel choir, Legend dueted with Juanes in heavily accented Spanish on a translated version of Legend's "If You're Out There" from his new album.Hosts Cristian de la Fuente and Patricia Manterola kicked off the Univision telecast by announcing that the night's theme would be change -- a familiar refrain in the 2008 election year. In accepting his Record of the Year award, Juanes said, "You've chosen the correct president."After an introduction by actor Andy Garcia, Person of the Year winner Gloria Estefan brought the house down with "Mi Tierra" and "Oye Mi Canto," followed by a collaboration with Carlos Santana and Jose Feliciano on "No Lloren."Another standout performance came from Venegas, who won earlier in the evening for Best Long Form Music Video and Best Alternative Album. Venegas performed "El Presente2"with multinational accordion jammers Emiliano Zuleta, David Lee Garza, Michael Salgado and Fernando Otera. Jimmy Zambrano, Jorge Celadon and Mariachi Vargas also had everyone on their feet in a pan-Latin collaboration.
New 50 Cent Album Pushed To Early '09
Originally due Dec. 16, 50 Cent's new album, "Before I Self Destruct," has been pushed to an unspecified date in early 2009.Interscope says the artist was "rushing" to meet the December date but "with the deadline to secure advertising and retail placement for the album imminent," the rapper opted to wait until next year.The album boasts production and guest turns from mentors Dr. Dre and Eminem; producer Scott Storch helmed first single "Get Up.""Before I Self Destruct" will be bundled with a full-length feature film of the same name, in which 50 Cent plays a budding basketball star who becomes a criminal after his mother's murder.Early pressings of the album will also include a second DVD with the documentary "Two Turntables And A Microphone: The Life And Death Of Jam Master Jay," which 50 Cent executive produced.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
