It is the biggest story of the day (apparently): The Nets have been quietly pumping fragrances into the ventilation system at Barclays Center (apparently). The Nets aren't talking but some say ScentAir has the olfactory contract.
The Syracuse Crunch continue to run roughshod over the AHL; Marty gets anther nomination; who is on drugs among hockey analysts?
The Islanders are in the playoffs this season for the first time in six years (sound familiar?). They're moving to Brooklyn (sound familiar?) And Brett Yormark will be handling their marketing! (really familiar!) There will be more.
"It's the fourth quarter," the deep baritone cascades down from the speakers above. David Diamante is standing, his face on the big screen hanging above center court. It's time to stand up and cheer, now a ritual at Nets home games.
In an extensive interview with a Russian business magazine, Irina Pavlova says that while the Nets aren't making money (yet), the value of the team is now between $700 and $800 million, up from the $220 million Mikhail Prokhorov laid out in 2010.
Sports Business Journal reports that the Nets' 23.1 percent increase in attendance this season led the NBA, far outpacing the Houston Rockets, at 8.5 percent and the Pacers and Raptors, who were up 7.8 percent each.
Restaurants are starting to spring up around Barclays Center. The big addition is likely to be Brooklyn SkyBox.across from the arena on Flatbush. Tony Roma's is opening up on Atlantic Avenue as well.
With Nassau Coliseum set to host its first playoff games since 2007, county Executive Ed Mangano is looking to score some tickets. In an RFP to Islanders fans, Mangano hopes to lock down a few seats in exchange for favors and kickbacks. (parody)
The NBA and Nets have announced that the NBA Draft will be held June 27 at Barclays Center (and sponsored by State Farm). The 2011 and 2012 drafts were held at Prudential Center, following a decade at Madison Square Garden.
When the Nets played in their first playoff series in years in 2002, the league had to take over the pre-game and half-time festivities. The Nets own promotions were replaced. Not enough hoopla. No need to worry about that with Brett Yormark.
