Pittsburgh Xplosion CEO Speaks before the Pennsylvania Gaming Board
May 10, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Pittsburgh Xplosion News Release
Pittsburgh Xplosion CEO and Owner Richard Hersperger spoke before the Pennsylvania Gaming Board Wednesday at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Xplosion CEO gives the Penguins and the Isle of Capri his support in trying to convince the Board to select the Isle of Capri Casino plan in the Hill District.
Hersperger said at the Public meeting "that the Pittsburgh Penguins need a new arena as well as the Pittsburgh Xplosion." Hersperger added "all the other events such as concerts and other sporting events could draw over 1.5 million people into downtown. This is a plan for the whole community and will help generate revenue for the City, the region and the State."
Hersperger added "casino operators in Las Vegas and Atlantic City spend millions of dollars on entertainment to draw people to their casinos and we have a plan that will put a first class arena next to a Pittsburgh Downtown casino, what could be a better fit?"
Xplosion General Manager and Owner Freddie Lewis emphasized that the team will continue its emphasis on being a community partner. This year, the Xplosion provided free tickets to groups such as The Salvation Army, children's organizations and student athletes, and it launched "Hoops for Heroes," which offered free tickets all season long to police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and the military.
Lewis said the franchise plans to take the following steps for the 2006-2007 season:
The Xplosion will bolster its media, marketing and advertising efforts, with a focus on increasing awareness of the team and reaching hard-core basketball fans of all ages in the Pittsburgh region. The franchise will seek input from sports marketing and advertising experts in the region to develop a blueprint for the future.
The franchise will expand its outreach to schools and organizations such as athletic associations and basketball leagues.
Before the start of the 2006-2007 season, the Xplosion will announce a full-season schedule of promotions to generate higher attendance.
The Xplosion will schedule more early-start games next season to attract families and children and fewer games on high school football or basketball days.
The team plans to conduct youth basketball clinics in Allegheny County this summer.
The Xplosion will evaluate its ticket pricing policies to determine optimal levels for the 2006-2007.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
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American Basketball Association Stories from May 10, 2006
- Pittsburgh Xplosion to hold open tryout camp for the 2006-2007 season - Pittsburgh Xplosion
- Pittsburgh Xplosion CEO Speaks before the Pennsylvania Gaming Board - Pittsburgh Xplosion
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