The Ringless King's Return

Quitness Eve turns into a LeBron laughter as special taunts go up in chalk

Quitness Eve went up in flames all right — not just the way Cavs fans imagined.

Thursday night marked the first time Miami Heat star LeBron James faced his former Cleveland Cavalier teammates and fans since ditching them for warmer climes and a fatter paycheck, and Cleveland came ready for the fallen King's return.

Cavaliers fans prepared elaborately, going so far as to create a chant sheet with taunts designed specifically for game-time situations.

And this was no ordinary taunting. Cav's fans were instructed to laugh hysterically, for example, rather than boo, when James was announced. Still, most fans ignored the instructions and unleashed a seemingly endless, uncreative chorus of boos. The Miami Heat brought extra security into Cleveland to protect its 6-foot-8-inch, 250-pound forward on a night Cleveland fans called "Quitness Eve."

The full jeer instructions can be downloaded here. One that was followed? The fans chanted out "Akron hates you!" about LeBron's Ohio hometown.

Still, it could be argued that LeBron had the last laugh. He put up 38 points, eight assists and five rebounds in the first three quarters as the Heat rolled to a 30-point lead. He even did his usual pre-game chalk toss to cold-blooded stares.

As for us? We're just keeping our fingers crossed for a Twitter war between @LebronJamesEgo and @LaughatLebron.

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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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