Nearly 6,000 fans enjoy York Revolution FanFest
August 8, 2006 - Atlantic League (AtL)
York Revolution News Release
A new era of minor league baseball in York began on Saturday, as nearly 6,000 fans attended the York Revolution's FREE FANFEST event at the Toyota Arena at the York Expo Center. Guests enjoyed the complete entertainment experience that can be expected when the Revolution open play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball next year. A major announcement also took place during Fanfest, as it was revealed that Sovereign Bank will be the stadium naming rights partner at the York Outdoor Recreation Complex (YORC).
"The turnout and enthusiasm at FanFest on Saturday reinforced what the project team has known for some time - that the people of York are ready for professional baseball and affordable family fun," said Keystone Baseball and York Revolution President Jon Danos. "We can't wait to get a shovel in the ground and begin construction on the great, new stadium."
Thousands of fans eager for Brooks Robinsons' autograph and anxious to obtain season ticket priority numbers, formed lines stretching around the arena throughout the day. Robinson is a special assistant to Keystone Baseball and signed autographs for over three hours, while also participating in a Q&A session on the main stage. FanFest also provided fans with an opportunity to secure priority numbers for full-season, 22-game and 10-game packages to the inaugural season. Fans can reserve inaugural season tickets by visiting the York Revolution website at www.YorkRevolution.com. A $25/per seat deposit secures a priority number.
The 10-year, $2.7 million naming rights package makes the official name of the stadium "Sovereign Bank Stadium" and includes exclusive signage over the main entrance of the stadium, as well as on top of the complex's main video board structure. All identification and directional signage will feature the Sovereign Bank name and stadium logo, which is currently being designed. Sovereign Bank will also be the "official banking partner" of the York Revolution, which will include exclusive rights to stadium ATM machines.
"Sovereign Bank is always looking for opportunities to have a positive impact on the communities it serves," said Sovereign Bank Chairman and CEO Jay S. Sidhu. "Our involvement with the York Revolution is yet another way for us to show our commitment to the growth and vitality of the York region."
Drawings were held on the main stage to pick the winners of the "Name Your Team Contest," in which thousands of entries were received, ultimately resulting in the community picking Revolution as the team name, narrowly edging out White Roses. Jane Kline of Dover and Dale Keagy of York each won a pair of inaugural season tickets, while Eric Eshbach won the grand prize of two lifetime season tickets among all those who submitted the name Revolution. Miss York County Tabitha Burke assisted with the drawing and awarded prize packages to the 30 finalists.
"Minor league baseball is all about community and I was blown away by the response from the people of York at this event," said Robinson. "I was honored to participate in such an exciting day and look forward to being a part of York Revolution baseball and of course, for Opening Day at Sovereign Bank Stadium in 2007."
Hilarious ballpark performers and mascots such as the Oriole Bird, Zooperstars!, Reggy and Krazy George entertained guests throughout the day and fans of all ages enjoyed clowns, balloon artists, face painters, a stilt walker, caricaturists, music and of course - great ballpark food! Emcee C.J. Jackson of Fox-43 moderated a player forum with former Major Leaguers Boog Powell, Tippy Martinez and Dave Johnson, while fans also had an opportunity to participate in a forum with project leaders. Throughout the afternoon, children participated in youth clinics on the Orioles Little Little League field, presented by B2B Baseball.
The York Revolution, along with participating food vendors, combined to donate a portion of the proceeds of concession sales at the event to local. Participating vendors included Bricker's French Fries, Centerplate Concessions, Coca-Cola, Domino's Pizza, Shiloh Lion's Club, Tri-County BBQ, Turkey Hill and Wing Zone.
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