Even on New Year's Eve, no escaping work

New Year's Eve I found myself watching the Blackhawks skate all over the Devils on Comcast SportsNet Chicago. The high-definition picture showed the mighty Blackhawks dominating play much like they have most of the season. My mind was a million miles away from Hoffman Estates and work. However, Comcast's corporate branding strategy had other ideas.

On the network's ticker - which updates scores and news - a familiar blue and red logo appeared in the center (notice the use of the American spelling on the latter, not the British). It wasn't even midnight and the emblem from the Sears Centre greeted viewers and personally taunted me about work. The logo wasn't advertising an upcoming event, but merely to remind folks that, yes, the Sears Centre exists.

Jan. 1 was the date when Global Spectrum, a division of the Comcast Spectacor family, assumed management control of the 11,000-seat arena off I-90 and Rte. 59.

Global Spectrum officials have told the village they'll use all their resources to better brand the building to attract more concerts and larger crowds. Putting the Sears Centre logo in the network's ticker is just one small step to generate publicity.

Having access to sports television could be quite a boon in sustaining a sports franchise in the arena, which experts say is crucial for a building's success. Comcast viewers may well see Lingerie Football League on-air cross promotion, assuming the Bliss remains at the Sears Centre next season.