Professional Hockey Returns to Kemper Arena October 15

Published on July 8, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kansas City Outlaws News Release


(Kansas City, MO) July 8, 2004 – The United Hockey League (UHL) announced today that Kansas City's new hockey team will begin play in Kemper Arena – a Global Spectrum managed facility – this fall. The team will operate under local ownership with Chillicothe, MO, resident Stephen Franke as majority owner of the team. Franke and President and General Manager Richard Adler bring a winning tradition to Kansas City with a combined four championships between them.

Season tickets to the UHL franchise at Kemper Arena will go on sale on Monday, July 12 at 10 a.m. For ticket information, call (816) 513-4400. Single game tickets will range from $10 - $18 and $10 - $13.50 a game for season tickets. For more information, visit www.kemperarenakc.com.

"While I might live an hour away, I consider myself a Kansas Citian and I'm excited and committed to building a championship caliber team in Kansas City on and off the ice," said Franke. "The UHL is a pure brand of hockey, featuring teamwork, speed, and athleticism. Our team will provide an exciting and affordable entertainment option for families in Kansas City and from across our region."

Franke's 14-year involvement with professional hockey ownership gives the Kansas City franchise a strong financial foundation and a history of successful business operations. He is a majority owner of the Fort Wayne Komets UHL team, one of the most successful minor league franchises in North America. The Komets have consistently led the UHL in attendance.

"With my experience through the years with other hockey franchisees, I believe our organization in Kansas City is on the strongest financial footing of any team in organized hockey," said Franke. "We are not the National Hockey League, and we don't pretend to be. The UHL is the Double A of minor league hockey at family affordable prices."

The United Hockey League is embarking on its 14th consecutive season with 14 member clubs in seven states, including the Kansas City expansion franchise.

"Kansas City is a fantastic sports town and an excellent addition to the UHL," stated Richard Brosal UHL President / CEO. "Stephan Franke's winning tradition, success and experience will further enhance the strength of the league."

For additional information about the UHL, visit their Web site at www.theuhl.com.

Global Spectrum (global-spectrum.com), the fastest growing firm in the public assembly facility management field with more than 35 facilities throughout the United States and Canada, manages the 18,000-seat Kemper Arena. The Philadelphia-based company is part of one of the world's largest sports and entertainment conglomerates Comcast-Spectacor, which also owns the Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum, the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, the Philadelphia Phantoms of the American Hockey League, Flyers Skate Zone, a series of community ice skating rinks, Comcast SportsNet, a regional sports programming network, three minor league baseball teams - the Bowie Baysox, the Delmarva Shorebirds and the Frederick Keys - all affiliates of the Baltimore Orioles, Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage services provider, and Patron Solutions, a full-service ticketing and marketing product for public assembly facilities.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from July 8, 2004


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