Meet Arizona's New Starter

Kevin Kolb gets traded and paid (big) — $63 million deal for former Universityof Houston quarterback

Kevin Kolb is a starter now. One who is being paid like a franchise savior.

The former University of Houston quarterback received his wish in more ways than one in one of the biggest moves in the NFL's frenzied, compacted free agent signing period yet. Kolb is no longer in Michael Vick's shadow in Philadelphia. And he's no longer being paid like a second-round draft pick either.

The Arizona Cardinals finally pulled the trigger on the much-discussed and often-delayed Kolb trade, getting the 26-year-old quarterback from the Eagles for Pro Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round draft pick. The deal will not become official until teams are allowed to sign players on Friday. But once it was agreed to, Kolb also found himself the future owner of a new contract extension — for five years and $63 million, including a $20 million signing bonus, according to Fox Sports' Adam Caplan.

Kolb is now longer in Michael Vick's shadow in Philadelphia. And he's no longer being paid like a second-round draft pick either.

A lot of responsibility comes with those dollars.

Kolb immediately becomes the new face of the Cardinals, the quarterback who is expected to breathe life into a franchise that's struggled since making the 2009 Super Bowl, the man who is in many ways tasked with making Arizona's all-everything receiver Larry Fitzgerald believe that there's reason to stay in the desert.

Of course at this time last year, everyone thought Kolb and not Vick would be the new face of the Eagles. Then Kolb struggled, got hurt and was quickly Wally Pipped.

Now, Kolb has one more big chance to prove that ex-Cougar quarterbacks can thrive in the NFL.

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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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