Thursday, June 14, 2007 NBAGrapevine: Arsenal’s Henry cheers for Tony
CLEVELAND - Given its global appeal, NBA Finals tickets have historically been expensive. More so in this sports-crazed town where its long-suffering denizens have waited an eternity to see a championship come to pass.
According to the Plain Dealer, Cleveland’s only local newspaper, a corner loge at the Quicken Loans Arena was up for sale for a ridiculous $75,000. Still, that choice seat was expected to be snapped by the time Game 3 unfolded yesterday.
To the less financially-endowed who can’t fork $75,000 grand, there’s a more affordable alternative. Courtside seats were selling at $10,000 while the privilege of being able to mingle with the elite at the VIP section sold for a cool $15,000.
Even parking tickets, which only has a face value of $15, were hawked for a staggering $50.
Thanks to the NBA, yours truly, got credentials to these Finals, a perk which entitles the bearer access to teams’ locker rooms and practices. Nope, I didn’t have to pay for it. The only thing I did was cover the NBA religiously and passionately since I was first credentialed in 2001.
Among those expected to feverishly root for the Spurs in Game 3 was Thierry Henry, France’s best soccer player who kicks for Arsenal in the Premiere League in England.
“Henry is Tony Parker’s best friend and he’s coming for sure,” George Eddy of Canal Plus France told Sun.Star Cebu at the Media Center. Eddy also revealed that some 10 sportswriters from France are here to chronicle Parker’s exploits.
Although soccer is the biggest sports in France, the NBA is fast gaining ground, adds Eddy.
Eddy also filled us in on Eva Longoria’s status in France saying: “She is very popular there, too, and people talk a lot about their coming wedding. (Homer D. Sayson)
