Sports & Leisure from Minnesota Public Radio

Gary Busey covering Buddy Holly songs in Mpls. tonight

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:21:41 -0600

As part of an ongoing rock 'n' roll film series at South Minneapolis's Parkway Theater, organizer Rob Chapman will be screening the 1978 biopic The Buddy Holly Story -- and the event will be feature an appearance and performance by none other than Gary Busey.

U of M's AD says he wanted to keep his job a bit longer

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:44:57 -0600

University of Minnesota athletic director Joel Maturi will step down from the job this summer. The university announced yesterday that Maturi's last day will be June 30, 2012, when his current contract runs out. After that, he'll remain on staff at the university for another year, as a special assistant to U of M president Eric Kaler.

University recalls accomplishments as Maturi steps down

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:25:38 -0600

The man who has led the University of Minnesota's intercollegiate athletic program for the last decade announced Thursday that he is stepping down this summer. Joel Maturi said it was time for him to leave the high profile position.

Rybak fires back at Vikings stadium critics

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:14:15 -0600

A week after a chilly reception for his stadium proposal in front of the City Council, and a day after a shot-across-the-bow from St. Paul, Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak is rising to the defense of his plan.

Joel Maturi steps down as U of M athletic director

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:48:13 -0600

Maturi is in the final year of his contract. He has headed up Gophers sports programs for the past decade.

Angelo Dundee, Muhammad Ali's iconic trainer, dies at 90

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:59:37 -0600

Dundee died in his apartment in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday night at the age of 90, and with him a part of boxing died, too.

Photos: Racing the Arrowhead 135

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:14:29 -0600

Minnesota's oddly warm winter put the kibosh on the annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, but another competition -- on foot, bike or skis -- gave extreme athletes a chance to test their mettle Up North. The Arrowhead 135 endurance race on Jan. 30 from International Falls to the Fortune Bay Casino in Tower Tower, attracted entrants from all over the country. First place eventually went to Kevin Breitenbach, of Alaska.

Mayor Coleman voices concerns about stadium funding

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:25:33 -0600

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said Tuesday he is concerned about a plan to tie state funding for a Vikings stadium to Target Center renovations.

Stillwater Lift Bridge to close later this year for repairs

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:35:25 -0600

With a proposed replacement bridge over the St. Croix River moving forward in Washington, MnDOT is planning work on the existing span.

Packers cancel Fan Fest for 2nd year in row

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:29:25 -0600

Fan Fest started in 2005 in the Lambeau Field Atrium and gave fans a chance to interact with current and former players.

Minnesota women topple 9th-ranked Ohio State 76-68

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:03:34 -0600

Rachel Banham scored 20 points and made three 3-pointers, helping Minnesota take down No. 9 Ohio State 76-68 on Sunday. The Golden Gophers beat a ranked team for the first time in nearly three years.

City of Lakes Loppet Festival moving to Wirth Park

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:11:40 -0600

The annual City of Lakes Loppet Festival in Minneapolis is moving from Uptown to Theodore Wirth Park just one week before the event is set to begin, organizers said Saturday. Recent snowfall has weakened ice and created puddles around the Chain of Lakes.

Vikings considering 4th stadium location near Metrodome

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:46:19 -0600

The Minnesota Vikings say they're looking at yet another potential stadium site in downtown Minneapolis. The site includes the blocks just east of the current Metrodome. This is the fourth location under consideration for the Vikings.

NFL timing may slow Vikes stadium momentum

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:00:12 -0600

The countdown to the end of the Minnesota Vikings' lease at the Metrodome has hung like a hammer over the political debate on whether citizens should help pay for a new stadium. That lease is about to expire, but thanks to a confluence of NFL deadlines and Minnesota's legislative calendar, it's not looking like the advantage the Vikings might have hoped.

Why so little love for NFL kickers?

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:01:00 -0600

It's hardly a coincidence that the weirdest pass ever thrown in the history of the Super Bowl was launched by — who else? — a kicker.