The Dream Team

2012 marks the 20th Anniversary of the Dream Team. The Dream Team of course is the 1992 USA men's Olympic basketball team that went on to win a gold medal. The team including basketball legends such as Magic, Jordan, Bird, Barkley, and many others. Take a look at this ESPN video commemorating one of the greatest basketball teams in the history of the sport.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8029974&categoryid=2459788

The Effect of a Successful New York Sports Team

New York is one of the biggest markets in the world. With its variety of tourist attractions and cultural value, New York is unlike any other city in the world. Part of the success of NY is greatly because of its sports teams. NY is home to the Rangers, Knicks, Nets, Mets, Yankees, Jets, and Giants. With the recent success of the Rangers and the Knicks, New York City has been thriving. The Knicks and Rangers both made the playoffs this year which only increased the amount of revenue at MSG this spring/summer. Although the Knicks took an early exit in the first round, the team showed a lot of promise and based on ticket sales, fans believed in this team which did not have the biggest expectations entering the playoffs. In terms of the Rangers, they are currently still in the playoffs and are only two victories away from a trip to the Stanley Cup finals against the Los Angeles Kings. Rangers fans, as well as hockey fans in general are extremely passionate about their team. The Rangers clinched first place in the East thus giving them home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. The Rangers have been involved in two Game 7 series with the Ottowa Senators and Washington Capitals, which only further boost ticket sales. Prices for Game 7's at Madison Square Garden range from $110-$900 depending upon the seats. As the Rangers continue their playoff journey it will be interesting to track the price of ticket sales and, the streak of MSG sellouts.

The New York Mets 50th Anniversary

The New York Mets are often known as the "second" best baseball team in New York. This year however the Mets are trying to gain a bit more publicity as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary as a major league franchise. The Mets began in 1962 and over fifty years have accomplished two World Championships and a ton of heartache for fans. This year however, the organization plans to give its fans a world class celebration. In January the Mets launched their anniversary campaign of "Mets50". This campaign has in my opinion been marketed to excellence as the team branded its new 50th Anniversary logo in a very efficient way. The 50th Anniversary path is on all uniforms and hats, as well as a sign on the fence in left-center. Along with this logo, the Mets launched a series of anniversary merchandise and has had special events such as: alumni dinners, the "Greatest Mets of All-Time", and even special meet-and-greets for season ticket holders. 

Being in the same city as the Yankees often has its disadvantages. The Mets hope that this campaign will help their struggling ticket sales and bring fans into the stadium. So far the Mets find themselves with a 18-13 record, and only a half game behind the first place Nationals in the NL East.

More information for this campaign can be found at: www.mets50.com

The Tim Tebow Effect

With the NFL's offseason training programs beginning this week, much of the focus seems to be on New York Jets "backup" QB Tim Tebow. Tebow was traded for a fourth round pick this offseason and is expected to bring a new dimension to the Jets offense. Tebow however brings much more to the Jets then just a Wildcat QB. Tim Tebow is a brand. With the signing the Jets will endure double the amount of media and Tebow believers all across the nation. Tebow was a hero at the University of Florida, winning two national championship and a Heisman Trophy in his sophomore season. Since the day he was drafted in the first round by the Denver Broncos, football experts as well as critics say that Tebow can't throw the ball correctly or isn't your typical NFL QB. Now, Tebow may not have a Peyton Manning type arm but he has all the intangibles that make a great NFL QB. Tebow has leadership, pride, and most importantly belief in himself. He led the Broncos to the playoffs last year and a first round victory over the feared defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers. So no, Tebow may not be the ideal QB from a mechanics standpoint but he is an NFL QB.

Although Tebow is only the backup QB for the Jets, expect him to have a huge impact this year. Tebow will not only make it difficult for opposing defenses to scheme against him but also repair the broken locker room of the New York Jets. Tebow will show the often selfish players of the Jets what it is like to be a team player and perform for the team and not for the individua statistics. Being a lifelong Jets fan I am confident in Tebow and know he will be the positive force that this team needs to succeed.