Talking Points: What do you like, old new Sparky or new, old Sparky

1

Given a mulligan with the new version of its mascot, Arizona State went online to unveil the latest incarnation of Sparky.

An upgraded Sparky introduced on March 1 was called creepy and likened to a cross between the Honey Nut Cheerios bee, Buzz Lightyear and Jafar from Aladdin.

Arizona State officials ditched the new-look Sparky not long after that and held an online vote to determine what the new one would look like.

The new Sparky looks less like a Disney character than the previous one and more like the original character that was drawn in 1946.

But here’s the odd twist. The original Sparky was created by Disney animator and ASU alumnus Bert Anthony, who is said to have used Walt Disney as his inspiration when creating Sparky.

2

Friday’s Game 5 of the Western Hockey League championship series is sold out.

The Portland Winterhawks announced on Wednesday afternoon that all 10,947 tickets in the lower portion of the Rose Garden have been sold. The Winterhawks do not use the 300-level seats when they play at the Rose Garden.

Winterhawks president Doug Piper said the decision not to use the upper level — an additional 7,000 seats – is based on both economics and the fan experience at the arena.

“That’s a lot of (additional) seats,” Piper said. “I like the atmosphere and the feeling of our building with every seat filled.”

Some of the intimacy would be lost if the upper level was open, especially if only a couple thousand extra tickets sold, Piper said.

1

2

Related Stories