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MLS Columbus Crew SC

Crew, Huntington Bank Add Huntington Club to Crew Stadium Amenities

March 20, 2003 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Crew and Huntington Bank have agreed to a long-term partnership that will include the addition of the Huntington Club at Crew Stadium. The addition of the Huntington Club is just one element of Crew Stadium's "Capital Improvement Plan."

The Huntington Club, which was previously the open-air Wreck Room, is located on the mezzanine level in the Southeast corner of Crew Stadium and will now be a fully enclosed, climate controlled, high-end hospitality space that will be utilized for exclusive group functions during Crew matches and other stadium events. The Huntington Club will also be available for non-event day activities, meetings and parties.

The Huntington Club will be occupied by architecs NBBJ and Corna/Kokosing Constrction for Major League Soccer's Opening Day on Saturday, April 5, at 4 p.m. when the 2002 U.S. Open Cup Champion Crew battle the defending MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Galaxy. The dedication for the Huntington Club will take place on May 10, which is Huntington Bank night at the stadium.

The Huntington Club demonstrates Huntington's commitment to the Central Ohio community, while providing a logical brand extension of the Huntington Club concept to three premier sports facilities, Ohio Stadium, the Jerome Schottenstein Center and Crew Stadium.

"As the hometown bank, it's important for us to invest in our community," said Jim Kunk, Central Region President, Huntington Bank. "We're proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the Columbus Crew and to support the development of the Huntington Club at Crew Stadium."

Huntington, an original partner of The Crew since its inception in 1996, is a cornerstone partner of the team. A cornerstone partner has entitlement to one of the four corners of the stadium each of which feature significant in-stadium and community elements.

In addition to the Huntington Club, Huntington's partnership makes it the Official Financial Services Provider of The Crew, and also includes commercial units in both Crew television and radio broadcasts and grass-roots community outreach programs like the Financial Literacy Program for Youth.

"The Columbus Crew is fortunate to have a large number of fantastic partners that share our vision of being the leader of professional soccer in this country," said Crew President/General Manager Jim Smith. "Through the commitment of Huntington Bank, we are able to create a one of a kind 'Huntington Club' that will once again position The Crew as an innovator in professional soccer. The Huntington Club will be an incredible hospitality space on game day and be a special club for soccer fans on non-game days. As The Crew proved last year by hosting the World Cup Viewing Parties, there is a need for a place for soccer fans to gather and call their own and the Huntington Club at Crew Stadium will become that place."

Another ongoing project is the enclosure of selected suites in the stadium. The new suites are priced at $22,500 (12 seats), $25,000 (14 seats) and $30,000 (18 seats), and will include tickets to all stadium events. Lease commitments are for 3, 5 and 7-year terms. Suite pricing also includes a 7 percent, 4 percent and 2 percent escalator for each lease year, respectively.

"Crew Stadium's initial design has proven very functional and successful, especially from the soccer fan's perspective," said Crew Stadium General Manager Mark McCullers. "We do, however, constantly generate project ideas that will enhance the facility and solidify our reputation for years to come. Corporate and community partners, such as Huntington Bank, have paved the way for us to provide the features and amenities that our clients and fans have requested and deserve."

The Dominion Homes Kids Zone will be located just off the Crew Kicker Plaza adjacent to the stadium's East concourse. It will be a new, interactive children's play area with playground equipment. It will also be available for game-day birthday parties featuring Donatos pizza.

Columbus-based Dominion Homes is an official team partner of The Crew and the Official Homebuilder of The Crew. Their partnership will also include stadium scoreboard signage and other grass-roots community outreach programs.

A Donatos Pizzeria will also be a new feature at Crew Stadium. It will be located in the Southeast corner lower concourse and provide Donatos signature pizza. Donatos pizza will also be available in two other permanent stadium concession stands and in the stadium suits and loges.

Donatos Pizza, like Dominion Homes, is also a new partner of the Columbus Crew beginning in 2003. Donatos Pizza will be the Official Pizza Company of The Crew and other key elements of the partnership will be the in-stadium signage and promotional marketing programs.

Highlights and Details of Crew Stadium's Huntington Club
* 5,500 square feet
* Banquet seating capacity 125
* Reception capacity 250+
* Flexible space with various configuration possibilities and uses.
* Adjacent mezzanine terrace seats 125 in amphitheatre style with unique field view.
* Field view full height window wall 'mirrors' the stadium VIP terrace
* Plaza view full height window wall looks onto Crew Kicker Plaza with dramatic southern view of Columbus skyline.
* Huntington Club anticipated use: exclusive group hospitality for Crew matches and other stadium events; marquee international soccer matches and U.S. National Team viewing parties; Crew away game parties; business meetings and functions; birthday and other parties
* Athletic Mind Institute Partnership - Crew Stadium is partnering with Crew team sport and psychologist Dr. Todd Kays to develop a unique corporate training program and environment. Corporate executives could participate in Dr. Kays corporate team building session in the Huntington Club and then extend the team building practical application to the Crew Stadium field in the form of soccer drills and strategy.
* Aramark Sports and Entertainment is preparing a special Huntington Club catering menu. Aramark is the exclusive caterer of Crew Stadium and other sports venues such as Heinz Field and PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati and Conseco Field House in Indianapolis amongst others worldwide.
* The Huntington Club color pallet will include a variety of greens in the Huntington National Bank tradition, gold from the Columbus Crew and blue.
* The Huntington Club design embraces the Crew and Crew Stadium industrial theme while providing luxury accents and comfort.
* Private men's and wome's restroom facilities.
* Full service kitchen facilities.

Highlights and Details of Crew Stadium's Suites:
* Suite amenities will include:
* Heating/Air conditioning.
* Cable Television.
* Upgraded custom casework with refrigerator, coat storage and lockable personal storage.
* Carpeting.
* Corian countertops.
* Glazed window system allowing complete view of the field and stadium exterior.
* Clear story window system on suite rear wall to allow maximum natural light.
* Outdoor premium seating to capture the event experience.
* Indoor 'bar' seating. * Upgraded interior décor.
* Three VIP parking spaces for Black and Silver Suites.
* Four VIP parking spaces for Gold Suites.
* Tickets to all stadium events.

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 20, 2003


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