AEG Takes Sole Control of 'Quakes
December 20, 2002 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
NEW YORK (Friday, December 20, 2002) - The San Jose Earthquakes and Major League Soccer announced today that Anschutz Entertainment Group, Inc. (AEG) has exercised its option to become the sole investor-operator of the team. One of the most prominent sports and live entertainment presenters in the world, AEG takes over operation of the Earthquakes after working in partnership with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E) during the 2002 season. SVS&E operated the Earthquakes in January 2001 and subsequently partnered with AEG prior to the 2002 season as joint operators.
"AEG Soccer is looking forward to operating the Earthquakes," said Sr. Vice President and Managing Director of AEG Soccer Kevin Payne. "We believe that San Jose can become one of the strongest soccer markets in the United States and we fully expect the Earthquakes to be one of the most successful organizations in MLS."
"We were proud to be a part of MLS and the Earthquakes," said President and CEO of SVS&E Greg Jamison. "SVS&E's involvement allowed the Earthquakes to remain a viable part of the San Jose sports landscape and has hopefully set them up for future successes. At this point, due to a variety of business factors, SVS&E is not prepared to execute its option to partner with AEG as investor/operator of the Earthquakes but we wish the team, AEG and MLS well as they move forward."
Under the management of SVS&E, the Earthquakes experienced a personnel overhaul prior to the 2001 campaign that brought several new elements including current head coach Frank Yallop and U.S. World Cup star Landon Donovan. The team proceeded to win its first ever MLS Cup title that season, defeating the Los Angeles Galaxy in the championship game.
"We fully understand the need for SVS&E to focus on other aspects of its business and would like to thank Greg Jamison and his staff for their partnership and professionalism. That said, it is business as usual for the Earthquakes," said MLS Commissioner, Don Garber. "The re-signing of Landon Donovan, the extension of the club's lease with Spartan Stadium and the continued leadership of general manager Johnny Moore will make for a seamless transition."
AEG is currently involved in negotiations with San Jose State University regarding the Earthquakes' future playing arrangements at Spartan Stadium. The club announced earlier this week that it reached a tentative agreement with San Jose State University to play 2003 home games at the facility. The Earthquakes, who sold out their final match of the 2002 season against the Los Angeles Galaxy at the stadium, have played at Spartan Stadium since their inception in 1996.
"Spartan Stadium is an outstanding venue for the Earthquakes and we have enjoyed a great relationship with San Jose State University," Payne said. "We've begun discussions with the university regarding a longer-term and more comprehensive deal that would benefit the San Jose Earthquakes, San Jose State University and the sport of soccer."
About Anschutz Entertainment Group;
AEG is one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. The Earthquakes are one of six MLS teams operated by AEG including: the Colorado Rapids, Chicago Fire, Los Angeles Galaxy, D.C. United, and the MetroStars. Additionally, AEG, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Anschutz Corporation, owns or controls a collection of facilities including STAPLES Center, the London Arena, The Forum (as exclusive booking agent for sports and entertainment programming), HealthSouth Training Center and Kodak Theater (as operator); sports franchises including the Los Angeles Kings (NHL), the Manchester Monarchs (AHL), Redding Royals (ECHL), and six hockey franchises operated in Europe; management of shares of the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA) and Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) owned by Philip Anschutz; AEG Marketing, a sponsorship, sales, naming rights and consulting company; Spring Communications, devoted to creation and marketing of live events for pay-per-view and other electronic media; AEG Creative, a full-service marketing and advertising agency; Creative Battery, producers of live entertainment for a variety of media and venues; and Concerts West and Golden Voice, live entertainment promotion and touring companies. Currently, AEG is developing The Home Depot National Training Center in Carson, California which will be the new home of the Los Angeles Galaxy and training site for a variety of amateur and professional sports.
Major League Soccer Stories from December 20, 2002
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