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ECHL Orlando Solar Bears

Orlando Solar Bears Projected to Generate Over $44 Million & 150 Jobs for Central Florida Community

August 12, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Orlando Solar Bears News Release


Orlando, FL - The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliates of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs organizations, are pleased to present their Economic Impact Study and Report to the Community from their first season.

"The Solar Bears first year out of hibernation has been a wild success on and off the ice. Their commitments to local non-profits are making a difference in the lives of children and families across Central Florida," said City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "I look forward to building on the strong community partnership with the Solar Bears in the years ahead."

The Solar Bears commissioned Conventions, Sports & Leisure International ("CSL"), to perform an economic impact report. CSL has recently provided impact analyses for the Amway Center and other Orlando construction projects.

CSL FINDINGS:

The Solar Bears experienced a very successful inaugural 2012-13 season, drawing over 240,000 fans to the Amway Center in downtown Orlando and participating in many community and charitable activities. In terms of economic and fiscal impacts, the Solar Bears accounted for $14.3 million in new direct, indirect, and induced spending in the City of Orlando (based on gross spending of approximately $24 million). The total includes 152 new full-time equivalent jobs that generated $6.7 million in new personal earnings.

The City of Orlando also benefitted directly in the amount of approximately $2.5 million in new direct revenues from the Solar Bears in the form of direct payments for rent, facility fees, ticket fees, and event day labor. Solar Bears games generated revenues related to concessions and parking. The Solar Bears impacts are an integral part of the nearly $300 million in total annual spending associated with the event activity at the Amway Center.

Over the three-year term of the initial lease, it is estimated that the Solar Bears will generate $44.2 million in new cumulative spending in the City of Orlando and support 152 new full-time equivalent jobs that generate $20.7 million in cumulative new earnings. The City of Orlando will receive an estimated $7.6 million during the initial lease.

In addition, through donations made by ownership, fans and with the assistance of Levy Restaurants, the Solar Bears collectively raised and donated more than $300,000 to the Central Florida Community. The donations were made to over 200 local charities, schools and churches. Solar Bears players and their mascot, dance team and staff made over 100 appearances in the community throughout the year.

The Solar Bears ownership and management team currently sits on a number of local Boards including the Community Food & Outreach Center, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, the Nap Ford Community School Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, the American Cancer Society, Junior Achievement and the American Heart Association. Recently they have accepted a role to partner with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs working with the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness.

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