Espn Zone

WALT DISNEY CO. and ESPN haven't opened their first sports-theme dining and entertainment complex, but already they're fine-tuning the concept.The name has been changed from ESPN Grill to ESPN Zone. A new logo is in the works. The interior design is undergoing revisions as well.One element that will definitely stay, planners say, is a giant flaming "sports kebab" that will mark the entrance to the Inner Harbor attraction, which is scheduled to open this summer in the Pier 4 Power Plant."That's an integral part of the concept," said Scott Dickey, director of sales and marketing for Disney Regional Entertainment Inc., the Disney affiliate that is working on the project.

THIS MONTH'S opening of the ESPN Zone entertainment center inside Baltimore's Power Plant marked the culmination of a six-month construction blitz aimed at bringing a Walt Disney Co. attraction to downtown Baltimore.But the seeds of Disney's arrival were planted more than a decade ago, when city officials first sought to persuade Disney Chairman Michael Eisner to build an urban entertainment project in Baltimore.In an interview during his visit to Baltimore for the ESPN Zone opening, Eisner said Disney considered launching a project in Baltimore shortly after he became head of the company in the mid-1980s, but the timing wasn't right.

When the ESPN Zone opens its doors in Baltimore's Power Plant next weekend, the Walt Disney Co. puts its future as a dominant player in the regional entertainment market on the line."

Dan Rodricks dropped by Phillips Harborplace on Sunday for a sweet good-bye to the Light Street Pavilion anchor restaurant. He wasn't the only one. Here's Rodricks' story about the people who showed up for the last day to reminisce about the celebrities that came through back in the go-go '80s, A-listers like Muhammad Ali, Queen Latifah andBrad Pitt. Later this fall, Phillips will open a new restaurant nearby in the Power Plant space forrmerly occupied by the ESPN Zone.

Phillips last day at Harborplace is Sept. 18 The iconic Maryland seafood restaurant will end it 31-year tenure in the Light Street Pavilion after the Sunday dinner service on Sept 18. Phillips will reopen in the nearby Power Plant Live balding in the space vacated by the ESPN Zone, sometime this fall. No firm date has been announced for the reopening, and no details about arrangements for the restaurant's employees were available.

The Runner, an ABC reality series scheduled to debut in January, will hold a casting call tomorrow from noon to 8 p.m. at the ESPN Zone in the Inner Harbor. The series seeks to imitate a spy adventure. Runners crisscross the country having secret rendezvous, exchanging information and completing missions. Pursuing the runners will be agents, who will have the latest technology, as well as the American public, helping them try to find the runners. ABC will casting for both runners and agents in Baltimore tomorrow.

Zevi Daniel Purchasing manager, anthem singer Baltimore native Zevi Daniel won ESPN Zone's Star-Spangled Sing-Off on July 8 at the Baltimore ESPN Zone after he impressed judges with his rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Although he is nervous about starting on the proper key, Daniel will open the Aug. 26 Orioles versus Chicago White Sox game in Baltimore by singing the national anthem. Daniel is a purchasing manager for Advanced Defense Technologies. He lives in Pikesville with his wife, Shoshy, son Eli, 3, and daughter Kayla, 1. 1. Day out with my little boy "Maybe Ravens training camp.

FRIDAY KARAOKE AT THE SENATOR: This is your big chance to perform in the spotlight on a historic stage. The Senator, 5904 York Road, offers touch-screen song selection of more than 65,000 songs accompanied by the theater's impressive sound system. Video of the performances will also be projected live on the screen. Doors open at 7 p.m. Karaoke starts at 8 p.m. The karaoke contest is free and culminates in costume karaoke on Oct. 30. Call 410-435-8338 or go to senator.com. TEQUILA TASTING: The opportunity to taste a brand-new tequila doesn't come along every day, which is why you should get to Morton's the Steakhouse, 300 S. Charles St., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Don Roberto Tequila Experience includes samplings of three Don Roberto cocktails, three tequilas and several of Morton's hors d'oeuvres.

Social calendarFor the first time in 16 years, Baltimore will play host to the World Lacrosse Championships at Johns Hopkins Homewood field, which is why most of this week's calendar is lacrosse-oriented. A private opening reception was held at the Living Classrooms Foundation last week to kick off this 10-day event, considered by many to be the Olympics of lacrosse.July 19: South Baltimore Learning Center's seventh annual So-Bo-Q at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway. Ted and Patty Rouse, honorees.

Super Bowl at ESPN Zone ESPN Zone expects major traffic on Sunday for the Super Bowl. They've got 150 TVs, including a 16-foot projection television, ensuring the game will be bigger-than-life. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m., but they suggest you start lining up by 11:30 a.m. to secure a reservation. If you get in, pace yourself -- they require that you consume food and beverages at the rate of $10 per hour per person. Reservations are free but are first- come, first-served. The ESPN Zone is at 601 E. Pratt St. Call 410-685-3776 or visit www.espnzone.