‘Impact Wrestling’ Coming to Sears Centre

It was tempting to go to the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates on Thursday night (Jan. 31). The Chicago Soul FC Soulmates’ poster was being handed out to those attending the indoor soccer match against the Wichita Wings. It was tempting. It also was cold. Very cold.

So rather than brave the elements, your humble correspondent stayed home and missed the Soul’s 8-6 victory. And missed the opportunity to obtain one of the posters. Well, the real, tactile version. Photographer Evan J. Thomas did email a copy of an image of the poster. Purely for the benefit of those who enjoy such things. Which would include yours truly, as well as a sizable segment of the audience that frequents this site.

No doubt the folks who did attend the Major Indoor Soccer League game and received the posters — whether they had the Soulmates autograph the poster after the game or not — are pleased with Evan’s effort. This is what it looks like:

This is what the Chicago Soulmates’ poster — the handiwork of photographer Evan J. Thomas — looks like,

Speaking of the Sears Centre, it will be the scene of some history-making next month. TNA’s “Impact Wrestling” announced Thursday it is leaving the Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla. — where it has filmed the last eight years — and taking its show on the road. The first live television card will be March 14 at the Sears Centre.

TNA’s Tara lives in Chicago, so maybe she’ll be at Impact Wrestling’s March 14 event.

“This is a tremendous step forward for TNA,” TNA president Dixie Carter said in a press release. “Fans from around the world have been coming to us at Universal for more than eight years to be a part of the ‘Impact Wrestling’ audience. … This is a very important next evolution for the company, and I’m excited that the backdrop to the show will feature our great fans in larger arenas around the country and world.

“We are so grateful to Universal for being such fantastic partners and look forward to finding other ways to work together in the future.”

TNA has been to the Sears Centre before. Its “Bound for Glory 2008″ was a big success (and not merely because I was able to accompany Christy Hemme to the ring).

Tickets for the March 14 event are to go on sale Feb. 8 at the Sears Centre Arena box office and at www.SearsCentre.com. Doors will open on March 14 at 6 p.m. with bell time at 7 p.m. The televised show airs on Spike TV.

The editorial staff at elliottharris.com will do its best to provide comprehensive coverage.

The Jan. 31 edition of “Sports & Torts” with co-hosts David Spada and Elliott Harris is in the vaults. Or wherever the fine folks at Talkzone.com put their podcasts. Former New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Rosey Grier was the interview guest. For those who missed Thursday’s show (or if you caught it the first time and would like a replay), you can access the interview by clicking here.

Rumor has it that there’s a football game Sunday in New Orleans. Ah, yes. The Super Bowl.

The halftime performer for the Baltimore Ravens-San Francisco 49ers game is Beyonce, who had her session with the media Thursday afternoon:

The Ravens cheerleader who won’t be on the sidelines:

And more ads to be featured on the Super Bowl telecast:

It’s always good to see Paula Faris, who once worked in Chicago at NBC’s Channel 5. Here she is on ABC:

More video? Oh, sure.

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