Latest news with #BigE
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami Dolphins superfan Ian 'Big E' Berger in need of partial liver donation
Miami Dolphins superfan Ian "Big E" Berger recently had a streak of 13 seasons of never missing a home game, including preseason, broken. "I missed three games due to being in the hospital," Berger said. "However, I was able to watch those games from my hospital bed with my Fins gear on." Berger has been a Dolphins fan for 40 years. He cites Zach Thomas as his favorite all-time player, followed by Dan Marino and Jason Taylor. Big E's fandom is among the stories being highlighted as part of the USA TODAY Network's search for the nation's ultimate sports fan. A select number of fans will advance to a bracket-style competition in September to crown a champion. Berger's favorite current players are Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle and Zach Sieler. It's no mistake Berger's nickname is "Big E" as he is now 6-foot-6, 250 pounds. And he's been much bigger. "I've lost 90 pounds due to my illness," said Berger, of Coconut Creek. "I'm happy about being thinner, but wish I had done it on my terms." Berger represented the Dolphins as their official "Fan of the Year" in 2020. And so many Dolphins fans are familiar with his ongoing medical battle. In October 2024, Berger was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, which is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the liver and ultimately blocks bile ducts. Bile is forced outside of the liver walls and it destroys the organ. Berger has stage 4 cirrhosis, which has led to the need for a liver transplant. For now, Berger has two tubes that are connected to his liver that exit his body through his abdomen and are also connected to his lower intestine. Berger's most recent bloodwork and MRI also revealed signs of possible bile-duct cancer, known as cholangiocarcinoma. 'Devastating news, but I'll be fighting!' Berger says. Berger is in need of someone to donate a part of their liver. In the human body, livers actually grow back, which means he is in search of someone willing to offer a partial donation. Berger, who has helped raise about $90,000 for Dolphins Challenge Cancer over the past six years, simply hopes to be able to live a normal, healthy life. To learn more about how to help, and/or to see if you may be qualified to donate, visit Big E's page on the National Kidney Registration. ( "There's no place I'd rather be during football season than Hard Rock Stadium!" Berger said. The Dolphins have not won a playoff game since 2000, so Dolphins fans often have a unique perspective of fandom. Here is Big E's: "I think that being a Dolphins fan is like being in a relationship. You try to give advice, and they don't listen. You have your good times together and you have your bad times together, but you still stay together. And sometimes you don't feel like supporting them, but you still show up because you love them so much." Name: Ian "Big E" Berger Hometown/residence: Coconut Creek, Florida Team: Miami Dolphins Years of fandom: 40 How it started: My grandfather took me to my first Dolphins game at the Orange Bowl in 1985. How it's going: There have been many ups and downs over the past 40 years for the team. The '90s were fun, but unfortunately, there have been more downs than ups since then. However, my fandom has never wavered. "This will be our year" is an annual motto in our household. Has it caused you to miss any major life events? I've never missed any major life events because of the Dolphins. However, when my wife and I went on our honeymoon on a cruise over 20 years ago, it was important that the Dolphins vs Green Bay Packers Monday Night Football game was showing somewhere on the boat. I was the only Fins fan watching the game in a sea of Packers fans by the pool. Then, during the birth of our first daughter, the Dolphins were playing the 49ers right after she was born. While I wasn't allowed to be in some of the surgical rooms with my wife and newborn, I was able to find an empty hospital room to watch the game. Most memorable moment as a fan of the Dolphins: My youngest daughter and I staying until the end of the 7+ hour Dolphins vs Titans game. It was the season opener and my daughter wanted to stay until the end, as did I. It was special because I got to spend that time with my daughter and we got to witness a historic game with a Dolphins win. Also, my Dad and I attending the last home Dolphins playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. Although we lost that game, the energy of the Fins fans leading up to that game, walking up the helixes for the stadium, entering the stadium, was incredible. And also, my wife and I attending the Dolphins vs Broncos game a few years ago to watch the Dolphins score 70 points. Most forgettable moment as a fan of the Dolphins: The 2023 Dolphins were 9-3 heading into Week 14 Monday Night Football game against the Titans. The Dolphins had control of the game, and everyone in attendance was excited that the Fins were going to go to 10-3 on the season with a tough stretch left to close out the year. But with three minutes left and being down by 14 points, the Titans came back to beat the Dolphins. And, the Dolphins ended up losing a home playoff game due to this game and the other losses that followed. Decembers have not been good for the Dolphins for a very long time. Any regrets? I think my only regret would be that I didn't have the opportunity to meet Don Shula prior to his passing. He would have been the one person I would have loved to talk to and listen to his stories and coaching advice. Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@ and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Why Miami Dolphins superfan Ian 'Big E' Berger can't stop loving his team
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
2025 WWE Money in the Bank champ Naomi opens up about sharing the journey with Big E
Professional wrestler Naomi, born Trinity Fatu, came through and served at the 2025 BET Awards with her husband, Jimmy Uso, showcasing her rightfully deserved (and long overdue) trophy from winning the six-woman ladder match at WWE Money in the Bank just two days prior. Trending Advertisement Not only was this a huge moment for her fans, but it was also the first time in history that a Black woman won the briefcase. Post-match, the WWE veteran was met with words of love and encouragement from WWE commentator and former WWE Champion, Big E, who, coincidentally, was the first Black man to win the achievement. The SmackDown superstar stopped to chat with REVOLT on the BET red carpet about the historic win. 'I feel very validated, which is something [important] as a competitor and performer in this business. Being surrounded by so much incredible talent is something we tend to strive for,' she shared. Advertisement 'Starting this journey a week after Big E,' the Florida native began. 'Sixteen years ago, and going through a different process than what we see today in 'NXT,' it meant a lot because he knows me and has seen the whole journey. He's seen the struggles, the setbacks, and we are very close. And he's close to my husband, so it really touched me.' Of course, we had to ask 2025's Mrs. Money in the Bank who was on her hitlist for the big cash-in moment. After letting the suspense build for a moment, she spilled the beans on who she's had her eye on. 'I've been watching Tiffany Stratton,' she said, with a knowing smile. 'She's had it coming. She's been messing with me all year, so I haven't forgotten.' However, she's never been one to limit her options. Advertisement 'Her time is up. But honestly, I could cash in on anyone, and that's got me thinking. I've never held the RAW Women's World Championship, so Iyo Sky's got something I want, too. You'll just have to tune in.' Before wrapping up the interview, the former Orlando Magic dancer touched on the evolution of representation in WWE, specifically how Black women are finally being given space to shine in ways we didn't always see in the early 2000s, when veteran stars like Alicia Fox, Jacqueline, and Jazz weren't given the spotlight they deserved. 'It feels incredible. One thing I always stick to is this: The talent speaks for itself. The cream always rises, no matter how long it takes,' she said. 'If you stay focused and earn it, I'm living proof that it'll happen for you.' Advertisement You Might Also Like
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Big E, big business, big opportunity: Expo's CEO highlights $1.17B in economic ripples to region
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Big E and its sister events held at the Eastern States Exposition grounds generated $1.167 billion in economic activity last year. That translates into more than 8,000 jobs — 5,140 in Hampden County alone — and more than $439 million in personal income. The Eastern States Exposition generates more than $6.2 million in income taxes, too. 'We stand here in this historic space to draw attention to an historic and important cultural and economic asset in our region,' Eugene J. Cassidy, The Big E president and CEO, said. 'We are the fourth-largest public event that takes place in North America. And I think that's something that all who are members of the community should take pride in and celebrate. And I think it's something that oftentimes gets overlooked.' The $1.167 billion measures total sales attributed to The Big E, spread out over participating companies across New England and New York. About a third of the earnings, $485 million, is generated just in Hampden County, according a new report. Both numbers are likely an undercount, said Billy Leung, an economist and senior vice president for REMI, Regional Economic Models Inc. of Amherst, authors of the report. 'What we didn't model in this particular scenario is the businesses that come here and market themselves, so they continue to grow, when they're back in Pennsylvania, when they're back in Maine,' he said. The Big E, along with REMI, and state and local leaders, released Tuesday the results of the new economic impact study. The fair reported a $750-million-a-year annual impact prior to the COVID shutdowns in 2020. Leung, who grew up in Agawam and often visited the fair, said he and his team arrived at the $1.167 billion number by calculating not only visitor spending at The Big E, but also Storrowton Village, an RV show, home show, the Poultry Congress and myriad other events. REMI also took into account the effect those dollars have as they move through the local economy. It's not just the carpenter who sets up the trade show booth, but the hardware store, the coffee shop and everyone else that the carpenter does business with, officials noted. John Robison, vice chairman of The Big E's board of trustees, said the $1.167 billion also represents the effects on people's lives. 'That number is too big a thing, really, for any of us to grasp. But I would wager that every single one of you knows somebody who has become wealthy by taking part in this fair,' he said. 'Look at the people who are out there selling swimming pools, who are in our local communities selling snowmobiles, selling cars, selling sweaters, selling hats.' Read more: Big E leader: Weekend crowds will be managed with fixes to fair chokepoints, new weekday ticket deal Food vendors at the fair are all small businesses, he said. Many are owned locally. 'You think, 'How well can you do as a food vendor?' Well, out there we have people who have delivered millions of hot dogs and hamburgers and funnel cakes over the years,' Robison said. 'They have more economic power by operating at our fair than any stand-alone restaurant in this area.' The Big E itself takes in about $30 million a year, Robison said. Of that, it keeps about 20% or 30% each year to maintain and improve its grounds. The Big E — a nonprofit institution — pays West Springfield 1% of its gross revenue each year, funding a community grant program. Last year, the total was $249,013. West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt said that fund, along with other miscellaneous taxes generated on the grounds, makes the Expo the fifth largest taxpayer in West Springfield. West Side benefits in other ways, too, the mayor noted. 'The businesses and the hotels, the extra Dunkin' Donuts and gas stations, those things wouldn't exist on (Memorial) Avenue without the fair driving people down here ... to spend their money in these areas,' Reichelt said. 'And it's also important, because it brings people from outside the region into the region to spend their money, whether it be here in West Springfield, in Springfield, in the neighboring communities.' Cassidy said The Big E has five full-time employees, but during fair season, it has about 1,000 employees on its payroll and about another 3,500 on the grounds. Big E leader: Weekend crowds will be managed with fixes to fair chokepoints, new weekday ticket deals Iconic, giant 'Uncle Sam' moving to plaza that's home to Nathan Bill's pub 58,000 personal care attendants in Massachusetts get raises Read the original article on MassLive. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Big E leader: Weekend crowds will be managed with fixes to fair chokepoints, new weekday ticket deals
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Big E drew 1.6 million people its fair last September. Add another 1.4 million a year from Hooplandia, the livestock shows and other events. That makes a total of about 3 million people. Some say it's way too many. Last year, The Big E broke its all-time total attendance record with 1,633,935 guests, and also surpassed its all-time single daily attendance record with 178,608 visitors on Sept. 21. But dozens of attendees came forward, telling media that they were in 'gridlocked' crowds, felt unsafe and had long lines for fair restrooms. Big E President and CEO Eugene J. Cassidy on Tuesday minimized the crowd complaints but also said the fair is taking steps to address it. Most visibly, the fair encourages visitation on weekdays now by offering discounted tickets on Monday through Thursday. 'That helps incentivize attendance on days with lesser crowds,' Cassidy said. But, he added that, 'People want programming on weekends, because that's when they have off from work.' So it's not productive to offer big-name concerts for instance on a Wednesday night, Cassidy said. 'Believe me, we tried it,' he said. 'We have to respond to the demands of the public.' The Big E has worked to eliminate chokepoints, including moving popular restaurants and attractions to areas with more room. This allows vendors to grow their businesses and encourages crowds to move more freely. The fairgrounds totals 170 acres, he said. Advance tickets sales are roughly on par with last year's sales, even with the changes to encourage weekday ticket purchases. John J. Juliano Jr., the booker of musical acts for The Big E, said concert ticket sales already are strong, especially for Journey and ZZ Top. A train show on Sept. 27, the Saturday night before the fair's closing day, also is selling well. Big E, big business, big opportunity: Expo's CEO highlights $1.17B in economic ripples to region Iconic, giant 'Uncle Sam' moving to plaza that's home to Nathan Bill's pub 58,000 personal care attendants in Massachusetts get raises Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WWE Smackdown coming to ASU's Mullett Arena as part of Big 12 partnership
FRISCO, Texas — WWE Smackdown is coming to Mullett Arena. The stop is part of an expanded partnership between the professional entertainment giant and the Big 12, and was announced at the second of two media days on July 9 at The Star in Frisco, the headquarters of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. Advertisement Wrestler Big E (real name Ettore Ewen), who played college football at Iowa, appeared at the media day to discuss the partnership. The move will bring a live Smackdown telecast to four Big 12 markets on the eve of a football game. The first SmackDown will be held on Aug. 22 at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, a day before the 30th year of Big 12 Football kicks off with a Week 0 matchup between the Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas State Wildcats in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on Aug. 23 at Aviva Stadium. Other dates include: Oct. 3 - SmackDown at Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio (Iowa State at Cincinnati on Oct. 4) Oct. 24 - SmackDown at Mullet Arena in Tempe, Arizona (Houston at Arizona State on Oct. 25) Oct. 31 - SmackDown at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah (Cincinnati at Utah on Nov. 1) Big E was asked who he thought might emerge on top of the Big 12. He had two teams to keep an eye on. Advertisement "A pick for the Big 12, that's difficult," he said. "Last year ASU was picked dead last. I would have Utah and Arizona State up there; it's hard to say. I might go ASU." When it came to ASU, Big E said he was "on the bandwagon" and was a Kenny Dillingham fan. "I love the high energy. I love the passion he has." Support local journalism: Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: WWE Smackdown coming to Mullett Arena as part of Big 12 partnership
