Uniting Rivals in the College Football Playoff
Indiana vs Notre Dame: A Historic Rivalry Reignites
The College Football Playoff field is set and Indiana will play Notre Dame for the first time in more than 30 years on Dec. 20. This matchup holds a special significance as it brings together two storied programs. The last time these two Indiana schools faced off was in 1991, and the demand for tickets has been nothing short of extraordinary. According to StubHub, the cheapest ticket as of Monday night is $824. When you add on the fees, it jumps to $1,115. Notre Dame's Dick Rosenthal, the athletic director at the time, vividly recalled the difficulty in obtaining tickets back then. He said, "This is the hardest ticket we've had since I can remember. It's just impossible. I've had more requests for Indiana-Notre Dame tickets than any game I can remember." And indeed, things haven't changed. The anticipation and excitement surrounding this game are palpable.No. 5 Texas vs No. 12 Clemson: Ticket Price Insights
At Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas and Clemson on StubHub rank second in ticket prices. The cheapest single ticket is $256, and for two tickets, it's $261. But once you add the fees, those prices rise to $349 and $355 respectively. This shows the significant impact of fees on the overall cost of attending the game.No. 8 Ohio State vs No. 9 Tennessee: Ticket Price Dynamics
At Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio State and Tennessee on StubHub rank third in ticket prices. The cheapest ticket before fees is $262, and after adding the fees, it goes up to $356. This highlights the variation in ticket prices among the different first-round CFP games and the factors that influence them.No. 6 Penn State vs No. 11 SMU: The Budget-Friendly Option
At Beaver Stadium in University Park, Penn State vs SMU on StubHub is the cheapest first-round CFP game. The least expensive ticket before fees is $99, and after fees, it becomes $144. This provides an alternative for fans who are looking for a more affordable way to experience the College Football Playoff.We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage.Experience the Magic of Ballet at the African American Performing Arts Center
King Louie XIV: The Father of Ballet
King Louie XIV's contribution to the world of ballet is truly remarkable. His establishment of the Académie Royale de Danse laid the foundation for modern ballet. His passion for dance and his dedication to its development have had a lasting impact on the art form. Through this production, Sparrow Dance Productions aims to showcase the elegance and grace that ballet represents. The dancers will strive to capture the essence of King Louie XIV's vision and bring it to life on the stage.
Each movement in the ballet will tell a story, transporting the audience to a bygone era of royal courts and elegant dances. The costumes and sets will be designed to enhance the visual experience, creating a world that is both enchanting and immersive. The performers will showcase their skills and talent, demonstrating the beauty and power of ballet.
The African American Performing Arts Center: A Platform for Cultural Expression
The African American Performing Arts Center provides a unique platform for cultural expression and artistic exploration. It serves as a hub for artists of all backgrounds to showcase their talents and share their stories. By hosting "The Nutcracker and the Land of the Sweets" at this center, Sparrow Dance Productions is not only bringing a world-class ballet production to Albuquerque but also contributing to the cultural fabric of the community.
The center's state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated staff ensure that every performance is a memorable experience. From the moment the audience steps through the doors, they are immersed in a world of art and culture. The African American Performing Arts Center plays a vital role in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the arts, and this production is a testament to that.
The Magic of "The Nutcracker and the Land of the Sweets"
"The Nutcracker and the Land of the Sweets" is a beloved ballet that has captured the hearts of audiences for generations. The story follows Clara as she embarks on a magical journey to the Land of the Sweets, where she meets a cast of colorful characters and experiences the wonders of ballet. The production features stunning choreography, beautiful music, and elaborate costumes that bring the story to life.
The dancers will perform a variety of classical ballet sequences, as well as unique and innovative choreography that adds a modern twist to the classic story. The use of light and shadow will create a magical atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for the audience. Whether you are a ballet enthusiast or a first-time viewer, "The Nutcracker and the Land of the Sweets" is sure to leave you in awe.
Unraveling the Royalty Tangle between Sony Music and Boomplay
Background and Initial Reports
Sony's withdrawal was first reported by Pulse NG. A representative for Sony Music declined to comment on the matter, leaving many in the industry curious about the details. Meanwhile, several other prominent labels and distributors have also come forward to confirm that they have not received recent royalty payments from Boomplay. A monthly payment report published by the distributor Symphonic on Dec. 2 highlights that payments from Boomplay are excluded from April 2023 to September 2024 due to delays in receiving statements and/or payments from these partners. This indicates a broader issue within the Boomplay payment system.Boomplay's journey in the music streaming industry has been marked by significant growth and strategic partnerships. In 2019, it announced raising $20 million in Series A funding with the aim of becoming the number one player in the African music ecosystem. CEO Joe He expressed the unique challenges of the African music industry, where there are many independent musicians and small labels, making catalog building a time-consuming process.
Historical Partnerships and Milestones
Boomplay reached its first licensing agreement with Universal Music Group in 2018, followed by deals with Sony Music and Warner Music Group the following year. In 2021, it forged an agreement with the independent label organization Merlin. These partnerships have played a crucial role in shaping Boomplay's position in the market. Additionally, in October 2021, Boomplay announced that its streams would count towards Billboard's charts, further solidifying its place in the industry.Boomplay's CEO, Joe He, had ambitious plans for the platform. In 2020, he told Billboard that he believed the service could grow its user base in Africa to 350 million, highlighting the huge potential of the African market. As of September 2023, the platform claims to have 98 million monthly active users on the continent, demonstrating its growth and popularity.
Comparisons with Other Streaming Services
Boomplay is not the first streaming service to face challenges with timely royalty payments. In 2021, TIDAL was sued, and the complaint revealed that the platform had $127 million in liabilities, mostly in the form of unpaid streaming fees to record labels. However, TIDAL CEO Jesse Dorogusker assured Billboard last year that the payment situation had been remedied. This comparison raises questions about the industry's approach to royalty payments and the need for better financial management among streaming services.The situation between Sony Music and Boomplay serves as a reminder of the importance of timely royalty payments in the music industry. It also highlights the challenges faced by streaming services in managing their finances and ensuring fair compensation to artists and labels. As the music streaming landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for all players to address these issues and find sustainable solutions.