Derek Jeter's new venture, The Players' Tribune, might be more than just a website.
Jeter and some partners in the concession business are proposing to build The Players' Tribune Bar & Grill, reports Eric Snider of the Tampa Bay Bay Business Journal.
The planned location is inside Tampa International Airport. But Snider reports that Jeter faces considerable competition for the space with six other groups, including a Wolfgang Puck restaurant and a Buccaneers-themed bar and grill. Just one will be selected.
The report also cites some of the sales pitch in the bid document from the Jeter group: "Come beyond the velvet rope to enjoy the VIP atmosphere. Not a sports bar … a sports lounge."
The website was designed to give athletes an unfiltered voice. Although there has been some criticism regarding its fact-checking and ghost-written pieces, The Players' Tribune has made an impact on the media landscape since launching in October.
Red Sox slugger David Ortiz caused a stir last week when wrote a column about how he is perceived unfairly because he tested positive for a banned substance in 2003. As Richard Sandomir wrote in the New York Times: " ... the way the Ortiz article quickly went viral also showed the growing reach of The Players’ Tribune, especially when an athlete has something provocative to say, and how its direct pipeline to athletes positions it well to break news ahead of traditional news organizations."
Star power has helped The Players' Tribune build its brand impressively in less than six months. Jeter's name still carries more clout, and that's not in the name of the proposed bar and grill. It might be tempting to add his name, but ultimately The Players' Tribune will need to succeed on its own terms.
"NInety-five percent go out of business," Mark Cuban said of restaurants in an interview with TMZ. "But it's Derek; that's different. And that's his hometown so he's got a better chance than most.
"He's a smart guy. He's a smart businessman. He's got a great following. Who wouldn't want to eat at Derek Jeter's?
Derek Jeter's Retirement Gifts
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
True to the Southern California culture, the Halos presented Jeter with a pinstripe paddleboard.
Houston Astros
Keeping with the local culture theme, the Astros gave the Captain a pair of personalized cowboy boots, a cowboy hat and some golf clubs.
Cleveland Indians
The Indians, who play in the city that is considered by some the birthplace of Rock n' Roll, gave Jeter a personalized guitar.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners presented Jeter with a chair from the old Kingdome, a base from Safeco field and a $5,000 check for his Turn 2 Foundation. Not pictured here is the $34,000 Jay-Z Hublot that Jeter's former teammate, Robinson Cano, gave him.
Cincinnati Reds
During a rare trip to Yankee Stadium, the Reds gave Jeter framed autographed jerseys of Davey Concepcion and Barry Larkin. The frame also included photos from June 3, 2003, the day Jeter was named the 14th Yankees captain before a game against the Reds in Cincinnati.
Chicago White Sox
On behalf of the White Sox, Paul Konerko presented Jeter with a miniature bench made of out bats, balls and bases, U.S. Cellular Field shortstop dirt in a glass container adorned with legendary shortstops' names and a $5,000 check for the Turn 2 Foundation.
Texas Rangers
Jeter got another pair of cowboy boots from Texas' other team along with a framed photo of Jeter and then-president George W. Bush from Game 3 of the 2001 World Series at Yankee Stadium. The former owner of the Rangers was on hand to present the gift to Jeter.
Minnesota Twins
The Twins gave Jeter the last second base from the Metrodome. That bag was used during Game 3 of the 2009 ALDS, when Jeter and the Yankees beat the Twins, 4-1.
Chicago Cubs
Jeter received the No. 2 from Wrigley Field's famed hand-operated scoreboard.
New York Mets
The crosstown Mets presented Jeter with a No. 2 subway mosaic as well as a $22,222 check for the Turn 2 Foundation.
Detroit Tigers
Detroit's tribute was extra emotional for Jeter, who grew up in Kalamazoo, Mich. With Jeter's family on the field, the Tigers presented him with a $5,000 check for the Turn 2 Foundation, a pair of seats from Tiger Stadium and a trio of paintings of Jeter dating back to his high school days.
Oakland A's
In addition to a $10,000 check to his foundation, the A's presented Jeter with a personalized bottle of Napa Valley wine.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers presented Jeter with a bronze replica of his bat, a stay at the prestigious American Club and a round of golf at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis.
