If you haven't noticed, it seems most matches in this World Cup are being played at "The FIFA World Cup Stadium" in so-and-so city.
Yes, German sports officials have caught on quite superbly to the All-American skill of commodifying every inch of public space: Welcome to the 'America Online (AOL) Arena' in Hamburg, Germany. Now get used to it.
This is the first World Cup where the issue of corporate naming rights of stadia is an issue. It seems FIFA is suspect about a non-sponsor getting free promotion, but not too interested in the fact that major sporting venues around the world now have names which have nothing to do with the city they're located in, and will change as fast as you can spell E-N-R-O-N.
Not ironically, on the same day that Germany '06 kicked off, the NBA Finals tipped off in the States featuring a series between teams from two different cities which play in the exact same arena name. (the creatively titled 'American Airlines Arena') That was a first in professional sports, and it won't likely be the last.
Very soon, Arsenal FC fans can get excited to cheer on the pride and joy of West London at their posh 'Emirates Stadium' . Expect a new name to call home every three years.
Showing posts with label germany. Show all posts
Showing posts with label germany. Show all posts
Forming an Unholy Allianz
As the World Cup kicks off today at the Allianz Arena in Munich, it's expected that the VIP stands at stadia will be dotted with famous German people thoughout the tournament.
Someone like "Dirk Nowitzki". This man, Novetschi, is a basketball player. Apparently Mr. Novitzkee is a good basketball player.
Maybe even people of kraut descent, like David Hasselhoff. If we were to be so blessed by His presence.
But one famous German you won't see blessing the stands is the new Pope, Benedict. Whereas the previous head coach of the Catholic Church was a fan of soccer and sport in general, this current Head of Fate seems as square-footed as he is minded -- but that's probably why he scored the job in the first place. Like, in the 'prerequisites' section of the online application he filled out a couple years back.
In an ideal world we'd all get to see Pope Benedict show up for one game in particular, that being the Germany v Poland tussle on June 14th in Dortmund. It would surely be the man's first sporting event. Perhaps even first experience outdoors.
It would make sense. Germany, Poland. A wonderful rememberance to the previous pontiff. (and to Dirk Nowitschee, btw -- a German of Polish heritage) A true passing of the baton for his work of several decades. (and to Dirk Noveski, btw) Something the aptly-titled 'Chiristan Democrats' would be proud of. (so would Dirk Knovetskee)
As Jesus would have it, that match has been formally billed by law enforcement as a ticking timebomb, likely to attract hordes of xenophobic, hyper-sexual, alpha males with a penchance for felonious violence.
What Would Dirk Do?
Someone like "Dirk Nowitzki". This man, Novetschi, is a basketball player. Apparently Mr. Novitzkee is a good basketball player.
Maybe even people of kraut descent, like David Hasselhoff. If we were to be so blessed by His presence.
But one famous German you won't see blessing the stands is the new Pope, Benedict. Whereas the previous head coach of the Catholic Church was a fan of soccer and sport in general, this current Head of Fate seems as square-footed as he is minded -- but that's probably why he scored the job in the first place. Like, in the 'prerequisites' section of the online application he filled out a couple years back.
In an ideal world we'd all get to see Pope Benedict show up for one game in particular, that being the Germany v Poland tussle on June 14th in Dortmund. It would surely be the man's first sporting event. Perhaps even first experience outdoors.
It would make sense. Germany, Poland. A wonderful rememberance to the previous pontiff. (and to Dirk Nowitschee, btw -- a German of Polish heritage) A true passing of the baton for his work of several decades. (and to Dirk Noveski, btw) Something the aptly-titled 'Chiristan Democrats' would be proud of. (so would Dirk Knovetskee)
As Jesus would have it, that match has been formally billed by law enforcement as a ticking timebomb, likely to attract hordes of xenophobic, hyper-sexual, alpha males with a penchance for felonious violence.
What Would Dirk Do?
"Holy Shit, are you Bono?"
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