From The Press Box: No Fans At Comerica Park, Plenty Of Gambling Though

Can you please rephrase this for me?<br><br>Original sentence: “I would like to know if I can borrow your car tomorrow.”

As a freelance journalist for the Associated Press, I had the opportunity to cover numerous Chicago White Sox games during the years 2017 and 2018.

Last summer, I dedicated a significant amount of time to covering the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.

The teams’ collective record over the course of those three seasons was 176 wins and 309 losses, resulting in a winning percentage of .362.

There are two aspects to consider when it comes to all those games.

• I have become accustomed to covering MLB games with a sparse attendance of fans.
• Lately, I haven’t felt particularly enthusiastic about going to the ballpark for work.

On Sunday, I stepped in for the AP, but with a twist. This time, there were no fans in sight, and surprisingly, I found myself genuinely thrilled to attend the game and experience it firsthand.

Not only did I encounter vacant seats, but I also discovered a cozy ambiance, along with a glimpse into the upcoming trend that will gain increasing attention among sports enthusiasts: sports betting.

Empty ballpark a little jarring, but not really

To be frank, I must admit that the old games I covered often had such a small fanbase that they were quite easy to completely overlook.

To be honest, what has really caught me off guard is witnessing the empty stands on TV from the standard center field camera angle, which has had a greater impact on me compared to actually being at an empty ballpark in person on Sunday.

From the press box, the field offers a splendid view while there is little incentive to divert your attention towards the crowd, unless you deliberately choose to do so.

Baseball writers are accustomed to arriving at empty stadiums so early that media availability starts 3 1/2 hours before the first pitch. When this pandemic is over, make sure to show some appreciation to your local baseball beat writer.

Perhaps a more captivating perspective would argue that the game lacked authenticity, or that the absence of fans was deeply felt.

Indeed, that is certainly accurate when it comes to the league’s financial situation.

After attending countless disappointing baseball games during the past few summers, I was the most prepared person for the sight of vacant stadiums.

Some of the sights and sounds of baseball were missing

Over the years, the Tigers have gradually lost certain elements that defined the game-day experience.

About ten years ago, fans during their prime were enthusiastically chanted “Eat Em Up Tigers, Eat Em Up” by James Van Horn as they made their way to the stadium. This chant soon became a beloved local rallying cry. Sadly, James Van Horn passed away in 2013, just one year after the team’s final World Series journey.

Until last year, young musicians used to drum the bottom of buckets to provide a lively ambiance as you entered Comerica Park through the main entrance on Witherell Street or the parking garages on Montcalm. This vibrant background noise would accompany you on your way to witness the exceptional talents of players like Miguel Cabrera or Justin Verlander.

Charley Marcuse had been a significant contributor to the Tigers’ soundtrack within the stadium for several years. However, the singing hot dog vendor’s employment was terminated in 2013.

Comerica Park now experiences an unsettling stillness, yet it occasionally offers a glimpse into the more intimate sounds emanating from the field.

During a crucial at-bat in the fifth inning, Detroit’s Cameron Maybin expressed his frustration towards home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn, a native of Grand Rapids. Displeased with the calls on balls and strikes, Maybin let out a loud expletive that resonated clearly among the limited number of spectators present after grounding into a double play.

As he made his way towards the dugout, he was expelled from the game. The entire stadium was well aware of the reason behind it.

Protocols make reporter’s job tougher, but free up time

Sunday provided a refreshing break from the monotonous routine and felt like a dream workday.

There was no need to arrive early at the ballpark due to pre-game availability being conducted on Zoom.

After waking up, I connected online with Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire and Cleveland Indians boss Terry Francona. Following that, I leisurely prepared for the day by having a cup of coffee, taking a relaxed shower, getting dressed, and picking up some takeout before heading across the street.

Due to the absence of media meals this year, I found it beneficial to support a local restaurant for my lunch while watching the game. These establishments have suffered greatly from the lack of regular foot traffic resulting from the absence of 81 home games at the stadium.

After the games, the post-game interviews were conducted through video conferences. Therefore, there was no need to hastily head to the locker rooms for the usual rush and waiting period, especially when working on a deadline.

I could easily adapt to this new situation, but there is a drawback. Each team typically has only two players available, whereas being in the locker room provides an opportunity to approach other guys for quick questions. Additionally, savvy reporters don’t have exclusive access anymore.

Furthermore, having access to the locker room can facilitate the establishment of a strong connection with players. While this is crucial for reporters covering teams on a daily basis, it is not as vital for journalists like myself, who cover games sporadically.

Sports gambling advertising hard to miss for Tigers fans

MLB fans cannot miss the clear presence of sports betting, along with the evident disparities.

This year, tribal casinos Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant and FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek continue to dominate TV advertisements. These casinos have consistently invested millions in statewide marketing efforts. And now, with the introduction of sports betting, their marketing focus remains unchanged.

The enhanced advertising presence of the TVG horse racing app is clearly visible on Fox Sports Detroit. Currently, TVG holds the exclusive license for horse racing in Michigan.

The Tigers’ partnership with PointsBet Sportsbook marks a significant milestone as the first official collaboration between an MLB team and a sportsbook.

The Australian company’s advertisements can be found on Tiger’s web content and are prominently displayed on the right-field wall during games, ensuring maximum visibility.

As part of the PointsBet deal, branded in-stadium content will also be featured. Additionally, PointsBet receives mentions on radio broadcasts.

The MotorCity Casino ad in deep left-center field is now less noticeable due to its division between the casino and the facility’s new sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook.

Marian Ilitch, the widow of former Tigers owner Mike Ilitch and mother of the current owner Christopher Ilitch, is the proud owner of MotorCity Casino.

The sports gambling marketing game has already started at Comerica Park, even in the absence of fans.

Please rewrite your request and provide more information.