PITTSBURGH— For an eighth consecutive season, the Pirates won't raise season-ticket prices — the longest such stretch without a hike in the major leagues.

The Pirates haven't boosted season-ticket prices since a much-criticized increase following their 100-loss season in 2001. One plan for 2010 offers a full 81-game package for $399, an average of $4.93 per game, and another offers box seats for $999.

The club's home attendance this year during a major league record-setting 17th consecutive losing season was 1,577,853, the Pirates' lowest since PNC Park opened in 2001.

CHARLOTTE, N.C— A person familiar with the plan says Danica Patrick has reached a deal to enter NASCAR with JR Motorsports.Patrick will announce a partial Nationwide Series schedule at news conference in Phoenix today, the person familiar with her plans tells The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because she has not officially announced her intentions.Last week Patrick signed a three-year contract extension with Andretti Autosport to stay in the IndyCar series, but its schedule gives her enough time to also try NASCAR.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The next Notre Dame coach is going to have to try to turn around the program without two of the best players from a .500 team.Quarterback Jimmy Clausen and his favorite receiver, Golden Tate, announced Monday they will bypass their senior seasons and enter the NFL draft.The announcements were made in the same room where athletic director Jack Swarbrick revealed the firing of coach Charlie Weis a week before.

CINCINNATI — Bearcats coach Brian Kelly confirmed Monday he will meet with Notre Dame officials about their open job, leaving fourth-ranked Cincinnati with a lot of uncertainty heading into its first Sugar Bowl appearance.

MARSHALL TWP — Rachel Middleman, a Marshall Township resident and North Allegheny High School senior, was goalkeeper for the Cleveland Internationals' U-17 girls soccer team this year.The team recently won the United Soccer League's Super Y-League North American Championship in Tampa, Fla. The squad defeated opponents from Canada, New Jersey and Florida.Middleman recently accepted a scholarship to play goalkeeper at Ohio State University.