Man In The Stands

Baltimore Ravens expect Texans win, already focused on Wade Phillips' defense

Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron wanted an in-person playoff look at theTexans defense.
The Texans' second-ranked defense knows that all eyes are on them in theplayoffs.
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com

Amid the madness of Reliant Stadium — the white playoff towels waving, the giant "Go Texans" spelled out in placards along the entire east side of the lower bowl, defensive end Antonio Smith breaking into his ninja sword routine during pregame introductions, the noise, oh the noise — one silver-haired man sat silently.

Cam Cameron — the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator — purchased a ticket to the game to watch the Texans defense from the stands. If Houston (10-6) beats Cincinnati, it will play at Baltimore (12-4) in the second round with the winner advancing to the AFC Championship Game. If the Bengals win, the Ravens will play the winner of the Pittsburgh-Denver game instead.

Cameron is obviously betting on seeing the Texans, a team his offense put up 29 points against back in Week 6, again. Why not get another up-close look at Wade Phillips' Miracle Defense, the second-ranked defense in the entire NFL?

So Cameron waded into the Texans crowd and found his seat. Cameron's own quarterback Joe Flacco has tweaked him for being too conservative in his offensive play calling. After seeing the Bengals go 74 yards in five plays — a drive that included a 52-yard pass interference penalty on safety Glover Quin — to go up 7-0 early, Cameron figures to be a little more daring against the Texans (if Houston actually makes it to Baltimore).

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chill out

Houston Astros ballpark gets cool new name for the next 15 years

Courtesy of the Houston Astros

The Astros' stadium will have a new name in 2025.

The Houston Astros are about to have the coolest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The team announced on Monday, November 18 that its has reached a naming rights agreement HVAC manufacturer Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc.

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the stadium will be known as Daikin Park (die-kin). Scheduled to run through the 2039 season, the new name replaces Minute Maid Park, which has been the stadium’s name since 2002. It opened in 1999 as Enron Field.

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Astros fans online are already calling the new stadium “The Ice Box,” replacing its informal “The Juice Box” moniker. That name feels likely to stick.

Japan-based Daikin Industries is a leading manufacturer of HVAC systems. It sells air conditioning units and other products under brand names such as Daikin, Goodman, Amana® and Quietflex. Critically, it operates Daikin Texas Technology Park in nearby Waller, which is the largest HVAC manufacturing facility in North America. The company employs approximately 10,000 people in Greater Houston, according to a release.

“We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark’s naming rights,” Astros owner Jim said. “Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home. The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.”

The Astros will use the revenue for new stadium amenities and other upgrades. It will also continue the team’s various community initiatives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. the Houston Chronicle notes that naming rights deals may be worth anywhere from $3.5 million per year (T-Mobile park in Seattle) to $11 million per year for the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field.

The team’s first game in Daikin Park will take place on Monday, March 24, which it plays an exhibition against its Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. It will open the regular season on Thursday, March 27 against the New York Mets.

“Daikin fit all of the criteria we set out to find in a naming rights partner,” Astros senior vice president Matt Brand added. “Their name and reputation fit our iconic downtown Houston home, and their values mesh perfectly with those of the Astros. We are grateful to partner with the entire Daikin team and to help them succeed in their business goals. Daikin Park will be a special place for our fans for many years to come.”

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