Sprint Center Renews Contract With Levy Restaurants

By Autumn MorningSky

Sprint Center has renewed its contract with Levy Restaurants to bring authentic Kansas City food to the arena.

The contract allows Chicago-based Levy to continue serving food ranging from smoked brisket to turkey to Jose Pepper's. Levy has been the food provider at Sprint Center since it opened, the company said in a release.

"Sprint Center was very satisfied with the service," Sprint Center spokeswoman Shani Tate said in an interview. "We look forward to improving on the service and food offerings that really reflect Midwest hospitality and culture."

Levy Restaurants' food can be found at every event, from a Farmland Foods stand outside section 119 or Three Girls Cupcakes outside section 117. Levy has built relationships with 20 Kansas City-area farms and food purveyors to create its menus, the release said.

Tate declined to disclose details or financial terms of the deal but said the renewed contract is for multiple years.

April 26 Weekend Preview

Well, this week is pretty light on the movie front but, next week starts the summer movie season with the release of Iron Man 3. This week you will have to settle for Pain & Gain. Based on a true story, "Pain & Gain" follows a group of bodybuilders who engaged in a campaign of kidnapping, extortion and murder in Florida. First told in an article from the "Miami New Times," "Pain and Gain" is directed by Michael Bay and stars Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

For other great ideas for this weekend visit Explore Kansas City for their Top 5 List

of Things To Do in Kansas City April 26 – 28.

The Mavericks’ season ended this past week but you have one last chance to spend some time with the team. The team is hosting a Season Celebration Party this Thursday, April 25 from 5-8 p.m. at Independence Events Center. Mavericks’ players and coaches will be on hand starting at 6 p.m. to sign autographs and say goodbye to the fans before the team separates for the off-season.  Fans can enter through the main (east) entrance of the building starting at 5 p.m.

The Mavericks will have a silent auction with jerseys and other memorabilia as well as a sale at the Top Shelf Team Store.

Also on Thursday the NFL will be hosting its annual draft so head to your favorite watering hole and see who the Chiefs take with the first overall pick.

Even though the Comets’ and Mavericks’ seasons are over there is only one arena team in action for a while. That team is the Kansas City Renegades and they are in action this weekend at Kemper Arena. The good guys take on the Salina Bombers at 7:05 pm. It is also the first ever Kemper Kids Day. One child’s admission is FREE for each paying adult! So in a family of four, both kids get in absolutely free.

Tickets will be available at the box office on game day or on our tickets page. Just request the number of adult tickets you need to buy and then they’ll add that number of kids tickets at the will call window on game day.

Also, Local rock cover band Public Safety Issue will play a tailgate concert.

The band starts at 4:30 in the Kemper parking lot. BYO-beer, grill, and food, and enjoy as Public Safety Issue rocks the, er, parking lot! Forecast: 68 degrees!

Check out Public Safety Issue’s website, publicsafetyissue.com.

If you like curling and would like to try your hand at it then you are in luck this Saturday. The Kansas City Curling Club is hosting an informal curling session at Line Creek Community Center at 4:15pm.

Cost is $20. Discounted to $10 if you pay or have paid for the June Summer League.

Click here for more info.

The presale for the annual Preseason NBA game at the Sprint Center will be from Friday April 26 10 AM -  Sunday April 28 10 PM. This year’s game will be between the Charlotte Bobcats and the Miami Heat (with former Jayhawk Mario Chalmers). Click here to purchase tickets. Use Code: SUPERSTARS

Have a great weekend

QuikTrip Closes Store In Sprint Center

QuikTrip is pulling out of the Sprint Center here, reported the Kansas City Star.

The convenience store chain's location in the arena, which opened in 2007, offered fresh sandwiches, salads and wraps from QT Kitchens. The menu items were priced similarly to those in regular QuikTrip stores.

The arena location was always intended to be a marketing tool rather than a profit center, according to the report.

"It was profitable in regards to what we were trying to accomplish. But we never intended it to be like a normal QuikTrip," stated company spokesman Mike Thornbrugh.

No closing date for the location was given, but Thornbrugh stated that it will be soon.

KU, K-State, Mizzou, Sprint Center Get Ready For The Madness

The NCAA has unleashed March Madness upon us, and its dance card includes the region’s three big basketball powerhouses.

The University of Kansas secured a No. 1 seed and a return engagement at Sprint Center in Kansas City. It will be joined at Sprint Center by Kansas State University, which locked down a No. 4 seed in its bracket. Both teams play Friday.

The University of Missouri gets a No. 9 seed and plays Thursday in Lexington, Ky.

Local hoops fans shouldn’t get their hopes up for renewing the KU-MU-K-State rivalry: The only way the teams could play one another would be if all three made it the Final Four. But can you imagine?

Sprint Center Parent, AEG, Is No Longer For Sale, Leiweke Is Out As CEO

Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz announced Thursday he's terminating sale plans for his Los Angeles-based Anschutz Entertainment Group.
Anschutz, who put his holdings of sports teams and entertainment venues up for sale last year, now says he intends to take a more active role in the company. Anschutz is chairman of AEG.
“From the very beginning of the sales process, we have made it clear to our employees and partners throughout the world that unless the right buyer came forward with a transaction on acceptable terms we would not sell the company,” Anschutz said in a statement.
AEG owns a collection of sports teams and arenas, including the Los Angeles Kings and Los Angeles Galaxy, as well as Staples Center and L.A. Live.
Anschutz was expected to get at least $7 billion from the sale of AEG. Sports Illustrated this month ranked Anschutz as the third-most powerful person in sports, because the magazine considered the sale of the company "will be the blockbuster sports transaction of 2013."
Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of AEG since 1996, will be leaving the company. That decision was a mutual one, according to the statement from Anschutz.
“We appreciate the role Tim has played in the development of AEG, and thank him for the many contributions he has made to the company. We wish him well in his new endeavors,” Anschutz said.
Dan Beckerman will take over as president and CEO. He joined AEG in 1997 as CFO of the Kings and as CFO and COO of AEG.
Ted Fikre, who also joined as AEG in 1997, will become vice chairman and continue in his current role as chief legal and development officer. Jay Marciano, currently president and CEO of AEG Europe, will move to Los Angeles from London to become COO of AEG.

Lead Bidder Emerges For Sprint Center Parent AEG

The owner of Michael Jackson's former estate has emerged as the lead bidder for Anschutz Entertainment Group, Bloomberg reports.
Colony Capital LLC, which has teamed with Qatar's sovereign wealth fund in its pursuit of Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz's concert and arenas business, are bidding below the $8 billion asking price, Bloomberg reported, citing unnamed people. A spokesman for Anschutz declined to comment on who's bidding.
Negotiations to sell Anschutz Entertainment Group have been put on hold as Anschutz recovers from back surgery. Bloomberg estimates Anschutz is worth $10 billion.

Sprint Center Owner AEG Receives Low Ball Bids

A report in the New York Post is saying that Sprint Center Owner/Operator AEG is not receiving satisfactory bids for the company. The article states that the bids are below what AEG feels is market value and well below what the company would like to receive.
AEG spokespeople on several occasions have said that the sale of the company would not have an impact on any of the company’s assets. People in Kansas City still have to wonder how the sale will affect the company’s several failed attempts to secure an anchor tenant for the Sprint Center.

January 18th Weekend Preview

This weekend three different movies open that cater to just about every demographic. First there is the drama Broken City. It stars Mark Wahlberg as a disgraced New York cop that uncovers corruption at the highest levels of City Hall.
Next we have Last Stand that stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Johnny Knoxville. In this action comedy the two heroes battle the most notorious, wanted drug kingpin in the western hemisphere as he tries to escape the U.S. into Mexico.
Finally we have the supernatural thriller Mama. It is the haunting tale of two little girls who disappeared into the woods the day that their parents were killed. When they are rescued years later and begin a new life, they find that someone or something still wants to come tuck them in at night.
If you are not in the mood for a movie there are several other things to take in this weekend. Kansas City Restaurant Week kicks off this Friday. Top chefs and restaurants from across the Kansas City metro area will be participating in Kansas City Restaurant Week 2013. The event will take place January 18-27 and will feature over 100 restaurants who will offer multi-course meals at a fixed price for lunch and dinner. Click here for more info.
Union Station this Saturday (11:00 am & 2:00 pm) is hosting the monthly ‘Engineerium’. Explore the world of LEGO Mindstorm robotics, as you design, build and program a robot for a challenging mission. Experience LEGO's in an amazing new way! Families returning for additional experience will be able to use prior experience and knowledge as they design, build and program robots unique from their initial visit to the Engineerium. (Note:Children must have completed 1st grade  )
There are plenty of free things to do also. There is the City Market Farmers Market, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. both Saturday & Sunday. The Roasterie and Boulevard Brewing offer free tours on the weekend (just call ahead to make a reservation).
Also, the World War I Museum is offering free tours for KCMO residents through February
If you are already starting to get Spring Fever and are missing baseball you can get your fix this weekend. The 2013 Royals FanFest will be held at the Overland Park Convention Center Saturday, Jan. 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fans will have several opportunities for autographs from current and formers plays like Billy Butler, Willie Aikens, Alex Gordon, Dennis Leonard, Brian McRae, and Willie Wilson just to name a few. For more info, visit the Royals Fanfest page.
For a complete list of Kansas City activities checkout our friends at Explore Kansas City. They have the city covered like no one else.
If you are a fan of amateur sports then you are in luck this weekend. First there is the Heart of America Volleyball Martin Luther King Day Volleyball Tournament from January 19-21. This premier three day volleyball event features 12-18 under age divisions and draws top local and regional teams from the Midwest. For more information click here
If you have the day off on Monday and want to catch some of the best prep basketball in the city you can head down to the Sprint Center. The Time Warner Cable Basketball Showcase presented by Metro Sports will feature eight games involving 16 Kansas City area high school basketball teams, starting at 9 AM, and will mark the first time that high school basketball has ever been played at the arena. All games will be broadcast live in HD on Metro Sports, and tickets for the event are only $10 for the entire day and can be purchased at the Sprint Center box office. For more information click here
This Saturday the Comets return home to take on the Rochester Lancers. The team will be wearing special jerseys honoring the 1992-93 NPSL Champion Kansas City Attack and you can take them home with you in a special LIVE auction immediately following the game.
At halftime, you can see if your favorite former Comets/Attack players still "got it" during the annual Reunion Game!  Scheduled to appear are Gino Schiraldi, Jim Schwab, Kia, and many more!
Also this Saturday night, you can Meet U.S. Women's National Soccer Team player and new FC Kansas City Defender, Becky Sauerbrunn! Stick around for the post-game autograph session and meet Becky and help welcome her to Kansas City!
The Mavericks are in Rapid City this weekend for a two game set against the Rush. When the team is on the road there is usually a watch party at the Lee’s summit Brew Top Pub.
The Missouri Rhythm host two different teams from Oklahoma this weekend. On Saturday they take on the Oklahoma Stallions while on Sunday afternoon (3:00 PM) the battle the Oklahoma Impact.
The Topeka RoadRunners are home this weekend as they take to the ice against the Wichita Falls Wildcats. The Runners are battling for their fourth NAHL South Division title. So checkout a game and see these stars of tomorrow before they are household names.
Don’t forget that the NHL is back this weekend! So head to your favorite local watering hole and enjoy the action. I suggest the BlueLine. It is Kansas City’s only hockey themed sports bar! They have a chef driven menu and fine spirits and beers for any taste. You won’t miss a game since they have NHL CENTER ICE as well as all the sports channels and packages on their many HDTV's. Plus Bubble Hockey, Darts, Golden Tee, Silver Strike, Open Ice, and MegaTouch!
On Monday you can head to Centerpoint Community Ice (next to the Independence Events Center). They will be conducting a FREE Intro to Skating Lesson from 10:30 - 11am. This lesson is open to all ages, skate levels and no experience is required. Call 816-442-6128 to RSVP. Public Skate will follow from 11 - 3pm for $5 per person including skate rental!
Have A Great Holiday Weekend!

Sprint Center Kept Busy In 2012

By Brenna Hawley

Sprint Center was America’s sixth-busiest arena in 2012, according to Pollstar magazine’s year-end report.

It landed 22nd worldwide, selling 420,430 tickets to events between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2012.

Shani Tate, vice president of marketing, communications and ticket sales for the Sprint Center, said in an interview that being No. 6 in the nation when the market was ranked 34th in size made Sprint Center employees proud.

“It really says that Kansas City fans are knowledgeable and passionate,” she said.

More than 50 percent of the top tours in North America came through Kansas City last year, Tate said. The center’s 2012 calendar included a wide variety of shows, including Bruce Springsteen, Justin Bieber, Cirque du Soleil and the Big 12 Conference men's basketball tournament.

“Not having an anchor tenant actually works to our benefit in this situation,” Tate said. “We have more open dates and more flexibility in booking.”

That flexibility has meant some big-name acts for 2013. The Black Keys and Flaming Lips will open their tour in Kansas City, and Kid Rock will rehearse in Kansas City before launching his tour, Tate said.

Arenas in Los Angeles, the Chicago area, Dallas, New York and San Jose, Calif., were the only ones that sold more tickets in the United States. An arena in London sold the most tickets, with 1.58 million.

In 2010, Sprint Center ranked as the second-busiest U.S. arena and No. 7 worldwide.

January 11 Weekend Preview

Two highly anticipated movies are released this weekend, Zero Dark Thirty and Gangster Squad. the former tells the story of the hunt for Osama Bin Laden but has received some recent flack about a scene involving torture (that Congress says wasn’t reported). The latter was scheduled to be released last November but got pushed back after the tragic theater shooting in Aurora. Colorado. This was done because of a scene in the movie that portrayed a shootout in a theater.
The Kansas City Boat & Sportshow is back in town. This is the 59th edition of the show and will be in town through Sunday. Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or are just looking for a way to escape winter for the day, this is you show! This annual 4-day event turns Bartle Hall into a one-stop marketplace for outdoor fun— the best place to see and buy everything you need for your outdoor adventures! See and board boats for every lifestyle, activity and budget! Find gear and accessories for every outdoor activity imaginable; from boating, fishing and hunting to camping and more. Visit outfitters and resorts to plan your next trip or book a vacation, too. There’s really no better place to shop, compare and save! For more info click here
The UMKC Kangaroos are on the road this weekend as they take on the South Dakota Coyotes in Vermillion, SD.
The Comets get things kicked off with a Thursday night game. It is SPORTS RADIO 810 NIGHT AT THE COMETS. All Plaza, Terrace and Fieldside seats are just $8.10 each as the Comets take on the defending MISL champs, Milwaukee Wave! Tickets at this great price can only be purchased by calling 855-KC-ARENA!
The Mavericks host two games this weekend with plenty of activities. Friday night they take on the Tulsa Oilers. The first 2,000 fans 15 & over will receive an  Orange Adult Jersey (pictured below) courtesy of Gray Chiropractic and Paradise Park.

Also, Missouri Lottery Hockey Bingo is back. Missouri Lottery will be on the concourse located across from section 114 for hockey bingo. Missouri Lottery is giving away some great prizes so make sure you fill out the bottom of the bingo card you receive upon entrance and turn it in at the Missouri Lottery table for your chance to win $20 in scratchers. Also the first 150 single bingos will receive $5 scratchers and the first 5 fans to get a blackout will receive $100 in scratchers and a mavericks prize pack. Please pay attention to the game and fill out your bingo cards and they will update you throughout the game with the winning numbers and prizes.
Saturday’s opponent is the Quad City Mallards. The first 1,500 fans will receive a Mac Attack Bobble, sponsored by Price Chopper. Also join the entire Mavericks team for a post game party at Strikerz after the game.

The Rhythm will be hosting two events on Saturday. Not only will they be playing a home game against the St Louis Scorpions but they will be hosting a business networking event before the game. From 5pm to 6:30pm Businesses, Organizations, and Individuals can network, and showcase their products, or services to others, and also take in a professional basketball game.    
Networkers Receive: Catered event, Networking, and a personal meet, greet session with Staff & Players.
Networking and Basketball Game: $20.00
RSVP BY: JAN 10TH
Stick around for the game and show your support, as we honor our men, and women of uniform on this night.
The Topeka Roadrunners will be playing a two game set against the Amarillo Bulls at the Kansas Expocentre.
The Nuclear Cowboyz will be at the Sprint Center this Saturday and Sunday. This is a motocross show that tells a story to music, lasers and pyrotechnics.

Sprint Center Expected to Draw 250K To Downtown Kansas City This Week

By Autumn MorningSky
Sprint Center expects to draw at least a quarter of a million visitors to downtown Kansas City during the next week.
The events kick off Wednesday morning, marking the arena’s fifth anniversary. Highlights include an NBA preseason game Wednesday between the Washington Wizards and the Miami Heat, for which a few tickets remain, as well as sold-out concerts by Justin Beiber on Friday, the Red Hot Chili Peppers on Saturday, and Madonna, who will perform her first concert in Missouri on Tuesday.
“We’re closing 2012 with fabulous returning guests,” said Shani Tate, the arena’s vice president of marketing, communications and ticket sales.
Sprint Center has sold about 100,000 tickets for the various events, Tate said. On top of that, she expects visitors seeking to buy merchandise or take part in a series of related activities.
“We’re encouraging people to come early,” Tate said.
Nearby restaurant Johnny’s Tavern is increasing its staff and stocking up by three times what’s typical, according to Managing Partner Nick McMillian.
“We have to have staff to accommodate everyone, and that’s tough,” he said. “We have to keep rotating our staff and keep them happy, otherwise we’re not going to give good service.”
On a normal Friday, Johnny’s would have one manager, one bartender, eight servers and six cooks. This Friday, it will have three managers, five bartenders, 14 servers, eight cooks and two door men. However, he said employees always want to work event nights.
“That’s where we make our money,” he said.
Events connected with the Sprint Center shows include Wednesday’s NBA Nation, part of the NBA’s grassroots marketing effort, and the Grammy Museum Experience, which will honor the arena’s anniversary and be hosted by AEG CEO Tim Leiweke and The Grammy Museum Executive Director Bob Santelli. The Grammy Museum Experience is an interactive area that demonstrates music’s creation, technology, history and other facets.
Wednesday events also include an H&R Block Party from 4-7 p.m. on Grand Boulevard, preceding the 7:30 p.m. NBA game.

AEG chief: Sprint Center is beating expectations, without pro team

This week’s lineup of an NBA preseason game and big-name concerts show that Sprint Center doesn’t need an anchor tenant to thrive, AEG CEO Tim Leiweke said in an interview with KSHB-TV.
Leiweke, whose company manages the arena, said area business and government leaders have come to realize the benefit of having a diverse schedule at Sprint Center. Having a pro basketball or hockey team at the arena could bring some benefits, but could block out 40 dates now filled with shows and concerts.
He told the station’s Jack Harry that “... I think the business community and the community as a whole loves the diversity of the 140 events a year that we’re doing here. We’re making more money than anyone ever thought we would make. ...”
This week’s run of events, including Wednesday’s Miami Heat-Washington Wizards preseason game, Friday’s Justin Bieber concert and shows by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Madonna will bring at least a quarter of a million people to downtown Kansas City.

Jackie Chambers Selected To AFL All-Ironman Team

Rookie standout for the Kansas City Command, Jackie Chambers earned a spot on the 2012 Arena Football League All-Ironman Team that was officially announced by the League earlier today.
Chambers (5-10, 190, Lane College) was a constant threat to score as a kickoff return specialist and despite only playing in 12 games for the Command this season, he finished with a franchise record of 1,163 kick-return yards including two 57-yard kick returns in back to back games against San Jose and Chicago.
Chambers ironman approach to the game was also highlighted on both sides of the ball.  Offensively, he reeled in 58 catches for 751 yards and seven scores.  His unwillingness to be brought down also heralded 11 rushes for 49 yards and five touchdowns.   Along with earning 1,963 all-purpose yards, Chambers also pitched in nine tackles on defense this season. This is Chambers’ first All-Ironman Team selection.
Chambers was one of only six players selected to the All-Ironman Team that includes, PJ Berry from the Pittsburgh Power, Terrance Smith from the Jacksonville Sharks, Terrance Sanders from the Spokane Shock, Jeff Hughley from the Philadelphia Soul and Marcus Everett from the Milwaukee Mustangs.

Command Drop Final Home Game Of The Season, Fall To Shock 49-48

Command quarterback Matt Gutierrez threw for 239 yards, four touchdowns and rushed for another to give Kansas City (3-14) their first lead of the game with 6:43 left in the fourth quarter. A thrilling finish would unfold as the Spokane Shock (9-8) etched one final touchdown with 12 seconds left in the game.  The subsequent two-point conversion gave the Shock a one-point lead, 49-48. A missed KC field goal attempt as time expired gave Spokane the victory in front of 3,764 fans Saturday night at Sprint Center.
“It’s never just one play, but that was a tough loss,” Command head coach Danton Barto said on the missed field goal to end the game. “I’m proud of these guys.  They played their hearts out and battled their butts off tonight.” The Sprint crowd tried to fuel the home team as well. “The one thing I love about KC, we had a great turnout, a lot of kids, a lot of energy, and it was fun,” said Barto.
Though Kansas City didn’t earn a first down until 11:58 in the second quarter, Command QB Gutierrez settled in and connected with Samie Parker for his first touchdown in front the home crowd to keep the Command close, 14-7 at the 11:18 mark.  Spokane quarterback Kyle Rowley threw a quick touchdown to Rod Harper to go up 21-7, but on the ensuing kickoff Command special teams weapon Jackie Chambers broke free for a 38 yard kickoff return; giving KC their best starting field position of the game. Command fullback Trey Bryant took advantage of a wide open left side of the field and rushed in for a quick 12 yard touchdown; once again bringing KC within one score, 21-14.
Spokane QB Rowley was in line for another touchdown to Jefferey Solomon when Command DB Sergio Gilliam forced a fumble, and KC QB Gutierrez converted the possession into points connecting with Parker for his second touchdown.   
Spokane quarterback Kyle Rowley connected with Adron Tennell for his third touchdown in the first half with just 17 seconds left in the second quarter and headed into the locker room with a halftime lead of 28-21.  Rowley finished the game with 320 yards passing and seven touchdowns.
Command defense kept the pressure on Spokane, forcing a Shock turnover at the goal line on the first possession of the third quarter which Kansas City again converted into positive points with fullback Trey Bryant’s second rushing touchdown of the game, bringing his season total to six.
The fourth quarter provided a thrilling finish as Armand Robinson’s return from IR delivered two touchdown catches from Gutierrez and gave Kansas City their first lead of the game, 42-41 with 6:43 left in the fourth quarter. When Spokane turned the ball over on downs and Gutierrez rushed for a touchdown, it looked as if KC would hold on to the win. However, there was enough time on the clock and Shock QB Rowley connected with Jefferey Solomon for a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion gave Spokane a one point lead with just 12 seconds remaining in the game. Kansas City would get one final opportunity, but a missed 47 yard field goal attempt as time expired gave the Shock the victory.
On his return from injured reserve, Robinson said “I’m just excited to be back. I’ve never missed a game with an injury, and I was happy to be out there with my team. The fact that the last time we played Spokane they beat us by almost 30, so the fact that we were that close (to winning), I was just proud to be a part of the game and of the guys.”
Chambers has recorded at least 100 kickoff return yards in each of the last six games; and his 116 kickoff return yards on Saturday brings his season total to 1,019; breaking the single-season franchise record of 983, set by Jerel Myers in 2008. Command DB Rashad Barksdale also broke his own single-game record for tackles, notching 15 total tackles against Spokane.

Command Get Ready To Host Spokane On Saturday

This week, the Spokane Shock (8-7) hit the road to take on the Kansas City Command (3-13) this Saturday, July 14th at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO with a 7:00pm CDT kickoff.
The first meeting between the Command and Shock took place just over four weeks ago in week 14 of the AFL regular season and ended with a decisive Spokane victory by a final score of 70-46. Kyle Rowley connected with five different receivers for touchdowns, ending the contest with 8 total. While the game remained tied through the first half, a 28-point third quarter widened the gap as Spokane intercepted Command QB Brian Jones twice and forced three fumbles in route to the home win.
Kansas City enters this week 18 matchup ranked last in the Power Rankings and on a three-game losing streak. Injuries and instability at the quarterback position throughout the year has left the Command with the league's worst passing offense (3,511 yards) and 10th ranked rushing offense (286 yards). Despite their inability to produce offensively as they have only averaged 39.7 points per game, they have managed to post the 3rd best total defensive output this season only giving up only 272.9 yards and 52.6 points per game.
Spokane has completed the most difficult and challenging four weeks of their 2012 schedule after playing all three West Division opponents who have clinched their spots in the 2012 playoffs and the East Division Champion Philadelphia Soul. The Shock are currently ranked 7th in passing offense (4,451 yards) and average 59.4 points per game. The achilles heel of Spokane over the past few weeks has been their inability to protect football and their defense which is ranked last in the AFL as they have given up 332.2 yards and 59.2 points per game.
While each team has been eliminated from playoff contention, there is a strong sense of urgency by each team to finish the season on a high note with only two games remaining in the season. This will mark the first year that the Shock will not make the playoffs in their seven years of existence between the af2 and AFL. With the new CBA on the horizon and a major restructure approaching in regard to player contracts going into 2013, these last two games will play pivotal roles in evaluating roster spots and potential long term contract opportunities for players as the season comes to a close.
This week's game broadcast will be available for listening on ESPN 1510 AM and broadcasted on the Command's Ustream page at Ustream.tv/kansascitycommand.

Command Totally Inept In Loss To Barnstormers

The Kansas City Command (3-13) suffered a tough 54-26 loss to their Central Division rival, Iowa Barnstormers (6-10) in front of 3,223 fans Saturday night at Sprint Center.  Barnstormers’ wide receiver Jesse Schmidt hauled in four touchdowns, earning the National Guard MVP of the game.
“It was an embarrassing loss, nothing positive other than the two blocked extra-point kicks that were returned by Sergio Gilliam.” said Command head coach Danton Barto.  “That’s pretty amazing and nobody has ever seen that in a game.”
Iowa quarterback J.J. Raterink connected with Jesse Schmidt to put the Barnstormers on the board first, but the extra point was blocked by Ken Scott and returned by Gilliam; the first of two blocked extra-point kicks that were returned by KC.  Iowa’s early attempt at an onside kick was recovered by OJ Simpson and the Command quickly put more points on the board with a rushing touchdown by Jackie Chambers.  KC took their only lead of the game 9-6 after one quarter.
Although the Command defense stuffed the Barnstormers on the opening drive, forcing a quick turnover on downs, costly interceptions in the second half kept KC’s offense on the sidelines and allowed Iowa to build a lead they would never relinquish.  Command defensive linemen Michael Robinson and Chris Lyle each had a sack on Iowa quarterback J.J. Raterink, while DB Rashad Barksdale led the team with 8 unassisted tackles. Raterink only passed for 164 yards, but accounted for five Barnstormers’ touchdowns.  
Kansas City’s offense stalled in the second quarter while Iowa put up 21 points.  With just four seconds remaining in the second quarter, Command kicker James Wilhoit connected on a 47 yard field goal cutting Iowa’s lead to 27-12 as the teams headed to halftime.
Command quarterback Matt Gutierrez threw three picks in the third quarter and the Barnstormers took advantage and widening their lead to 40-12 heading into the fourth.  Command backup QB, Zack Eskridge replaced Gutierrez; rushing for a touchdown and tossing another to Bret Smith, avoiding a KC second half offensive shutout.
As for Eskridge’s role for the final two games of the season, “I’ll need to evaluate it, look at the film, and we’ll go from there,” said coach Barto.  “Whoever is going to give us the best opportunity to win these last two games is the guy that is going to play.  The good thing is there will be some competition at wide receiver with Armand (Robinson) coming back.  We’ll also have Xavier (Lee) back next week, and competition is good.  Armand was playing really good football before he got hurt and I think he’ll help whoever is at quarterback, and help this team.”

Phoenix Coyotes Franchise Could Be Folded Instead of Relocated

Speculation is beginning to grow -- particularly in Canada -- that if Greg Jamison can’t complete a purchase of the Phoenix Coyotes, the franchise could fold altogether.
Jamison’s bid to buy the team is now being threatened by a pair of Glendale residents who are trying to get Jamison’s arena lease deal with the city on the November ballot. The city’s voters ultimately could decide whether the team stays or goes.
If the team cannot stay in Glendale, is it possible the franchise could simply fold rather than move to another city? The answer is maybe, according to a new story from Yahoo Sports, which cites reporting from The Globe & Mail in Toronto.
The NHL could make millions by letting the Coyotes fold, then disbursing its players via a draft. Then, a city like Kansas City, Seattle or Quebec City could create a new expansion team in a year or two. The expansion fees, The Globe & Mail reports, could top $200 million, while a Coyotes relocation fee would be more in the neighborhood of $60 million.
So the annual summer ritual continues in Arizona: Will the Coyotes stay, or will they go? As usual, no one seems to have much of an idea.

Command Host The Iowa Barnstormers On Saturday

The Kansas City Command (3-12) host their Central Division rival, the Iowa Barnstormers (5-10) on Saturday; kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Sprint Center. KC is coming off a tough loss in San Antonio last weekend. The Command produced one of their best offensive performances of the year, but a season-high 20 penalties was too much to overcome and Kansas City lost 58-48 in the Alamodome.
Command quarterback Matt Gutierrez returns from the injured reserve list and will be reunited with another former Kansas City Chiefs player, Samie Parker who debuted with the Command last week; scoring a rushing and receiving touchdown. Playing opposite Parker will be KC’s leading receiver Bret Smith, who has 72 catches for 901 yards and 20 TD’s in just 10 games this season. Jackie Chambers has lit up the special teams recording at least 100 kickoff-return yards in each of the last four games; scoring two 57-yard kickoff returns in back to back games (San Jose and Chicago).
Barnstormers quarterback J.J. Raterink started the first 13 games for the Command in 2011 before being traded to the Chicago Rush, which he then led to the National Conference Championship game.  He returns to KC for the first time in a Barnstormers’ jersey and is just 20 yards shy of passing Kurt Warner’s single-season franchise record of 4,149 passing yards, set in 1997. Raterink’s favorite target, Jesse Schmidt leads Iowa with 150 catches, 48 touchdowns and has scored a TD in 11 straight games.
Iowa’s defense is centered around Cameron McGlenn who leads the AFL with 102 tackles on the year.   Just as proficient is Kansas City’s J.C. Neal who leads the Command with 96.5 total tackles, just 13 shy of the single-season franchise record of 110, set by Ken Fontenette in 2011.
Kansas City is hoping the offensive potential of Gutierrez, Parker and Smith gels quickly to avenge the May 12th loss to Iowa (62-42) and give the Barnstormers their fourth straight loss.

Kansas City Does Not Place Well In Latest NHL Study

Recently, the American Business Journals along with sister publication Sports Business Journal conducted a study of what markets have the necessary income bases to support an NHL team.
The study (which estimated that an NHL team needs an income base of $37.6 billion.) analyzed the latest income data for 58 U.S. and Canadian markets that are currently outside the NHL, seeking the best candidates for expansion or relocation. Of the 58 markets only 22 have the necessary income bases to support an NHL team. Among the prominent candidates are Houston, Las Vegas, Orlando and Seattle.
The study doesn’t bode well for Kansas City which ranks 57, only ahead of Cleveland and behind such cities as Tulsa, Akron and Green Bay.
For a full list of markets click here.

Former Kansas City Chief Returns To Command

The Kansas City Command have announced the assignment of wide receiver Samie Parker.  Parker was with the Command at the beginning of the 2012 season before being signed by the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League on March 29th.
Heading into the final four games of the season, Command head coach Danton Barto said “Samie brings great leadership skills to the team.  He is a very talented player that will only make our offense better.”
Parker (5’11, 180, University of Oregon) was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft and played for the Chiefs from 2004 to 2007.  He appeared in 47 games catching 110 passes for 1,529 receiving yards and hauling in 7 touchdowns.  Parker also had brief NFL stints with the Broncos, Panthers, Seahawks, and Raiders.
Parker played for the AFL’s Chicago Rush in 2010 tallying 78 receptions for 1,137 yards and 15 touchdowns.  In 2008 and 2009, Parker played with the UFL’s Las Vegas Locomotives, playing in 14 games totaling 36 receptions for 457 yards and 4 receiving touchdowns.
His four-year career at the University of Oregon landed Parker at the top of the all-time lists for Pass Receptions and Receiving Yards with 178 receptions for 2,761 yards and 19 touchdowns.  Parker also ran the ball 9 times for 60 yards. He was voted MVP for the 2003 Sun Bowl appearance against Minnesota; breaking bowl records for catches (16), yards (200) and touchdown catches (2).  In the 2002 Fiesta Bowl vs. Colorado, Parker caught a season-long 79-yard TD pass, heralded as the longest scoring play in Oregon bowl history and tied for the longest pass in Fiesta Bowl history to date.