(Reading, PA) - The Reading Phillies, the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1967, are pleased to announce a new and exciting partnership with the Crowne Plaza Reading, making the Crowne Plaza Reading the official host hotel of the Reading Phillies for the next seven years.The new seven-year agreement was announced earlier today during a press conference at the Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel with political dignitaries, Kings and a Queen of Baseballtown, R-Phils front office members, and media members in attendance. As the official host hotel, the Crowne Plaza Reading will welcome visiting teams, Eastern League umpires, Reading Phillies players, and visiting baseball executives and dignitaries.
"This is a great day for the R-Phils," said R-Phils GM Scott Hunsicker. "The Crowne Plaza is the cream of the crop of Berks County hotels, and we are excited to be able to offer visiting teams, and all visiting executives, a great place to stay while they are in Greater Reading. I look forward to working with Craig Poole and the entire staff at the Crowne Plaza Reading for the next seven years."
The seven-year agreement between the Crowne Plaza and the R-Phils also includes a $4,000 contribution to Baseballtown Charities each year, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping more children, who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity, play baseball. Complete registration and financial information of Baseballtown Charities can be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State at 1-800-732-0999.
"The partnership of the R-Phils and the Reading Crowne Plaza Hotel is a success story that shares core values and social purpose; that allows us to connect personally and emotionally," said Craig Poole, General Manager of the Crowne Plaza Reading.
The Crowne Plaza, which is located in Wyomissing, recently completed a multi-million renovation, and offers quality and comfort to its guests. The hotel features the area's largest indoor heated pool, and is fully equipped with a 24 hour fitness center. For more information on the Crowne Plaza Reading, please visit their website at www.readingcrowne.com.
Along with today's seven-year contract agreement, the R-Phils introduced new manager Mark Parent at today's press conference. Parent, 49, becomes the 24th manager in Reading Phillies history. Last season, as the first-year manager of Single-A Lakewood, Parent led the BlueClaws to an 84-55 record and a South Atlantic League championship - the club's second in as many seasons. As a player, Parent spent 13 seasons in the Majors, and hit 53 home runs, while driving in 168 runs.
The Reading Phillies will open the 2011 season at the newly-renovated FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday, April 14 for a 7:05 p.m. game against the Akron Aeros. FirstEnergy Stadium is currently in the midst of a $10 million renovation project. Fans interested in renewing their season tickets and mini-plans, can do so now by visiting readingphillies.com, or by calling 610-370-BALL. Individual game tickets will go on-sale online on Friday, February 18 and via phone and walk-up orders on Monday, February 28.
• Discuss this story on the Eastern League message board...
• Digg this story
• Add to Del.icio.us
Tweet
Eastern League Stories from January 19, 2011
• Akron Aeros Launch Redesigned Website - Akron Aeros• R-Phils Announce Exciting New Partnership - Reading Phillies
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
