Rockets, Comets and Aeros Announce Partnership with Memorial Hermann

July 5, 2005 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Houston Comets News Release


HOUSTON, July 5, 2005 - Memorial Hermann Healthcare System has reached a multi-year agreement with the NBA's Houston Rockets, WNBA's Houston Comets and AHL's Houston Aeros to serve as the official healthcare partner for all three professional teams. The agreement marks Memorial Hermann's first partnership with a major professional sports franchise.

"I am very excited to announce our newest partnership with Memorial Hermann," said Rockets and Comets President and Chief Operating Officer George Postolos. "Memorial Hermann has a long-standing tradition as one of Houston's finest and most well-respected healthcare providers. With nearly 40 facilities and more than 17,000 employees in the area, Memorial Hermann has the resources and state-of-the-art medical facilities to handle just about anything. We worked very hard to devise a partnership that goes beyond a typical sponsorship package and the result is an agreement that our entire organization is excited about."

Memorial Hermann President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Wolterman views the agreement as an ideal partnership among four organizations that have a lot in common.

"Today's announcement of Memorial Hermann's partnership with three of Houston's premier professional sports teams is a celebration of storied histories and shared visions," Wolterman said. "We are proud to take our place alongside three organizations that are all driven to be the best. The Rockets, Comets and Aeros use their talents and skill to win in the sports world - together, they've captured eight championships. Likewise, Memorial Hermann is a frontrunner in healthcare by consistently delivering advanced, innovative healthcare solutions. I'm excited and confident that the winning tradition of our respective organizations will prove to be a great union."

The long-term arrangement also includes plans for joint grass roots community wellness initiatives, a large-scale signage package within Toyota Center-home for all three teams-and an interactive area to be named the "Memorial Hermann Fan Zone" located on Toyota Center's upper north concourse.

The Memorial Hermann Fan Zone will feature family-friendly interactive stations designed to enhance the game night experience. Attractions in the 4,500 square foot area will include a scaled-down version of the Toyota Center basketball court-complete with two basketball goals, replica home-and-away locker rooms, pop-a-shot and skeeball machines, a party room, a mascot-inspired play area and a design station where fans can create their own posterboard signs. The Memorial Hermann Fan Zone will begin welcoming participants 90 minutes prior to tip-off and remain open until the end of halftime.

"Our main focus is to provide our fans with an unforgettable experience from the moment they purchase a ticket to attend an event at Toyota Center," said Postolos. "One of the advantages when you have a great facility like Toyota Center is the ability to transform certain areas to enhance the fan experience. Interactive areas are fast becoming the new standard in arenas and we are very pleased to have partnered with Memorial Hermann to devise this fun, family-friendly area. We believe it will soon become a signature amenity that all fans can enjoy at Toyota Center."

The Aeros, a minor league affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild, had a previous affiliation with Memorial Hermann. Aeros President Tom Garrity expressed satisfaction in the long-term arrangement.

"We have had a terrific relationship with Memorial Hermann over the past couple of seasons," said Garrity. "It is great for our organization to have an opportunity to grow the relationship into a long-term partnership along with the Rockets and Comets. It should prove to be a great marketing arrangement for all parties involved."

About the Memorial Hermann System

An integrated health system, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System is a vital healthcare resource known for world-class clinical expertise, patient-centered care, leading edge technology, and innovation. The system, with its exceptional medical staff and 17,000 employee partners, serves southeast Texas and the greater Houston community. Memorial Hermann's 12 acute-care hospitals include a university-affiliated teaching hospital in the Texas Medical Center, seven suburban hospitals, a children's hospital and three long-term specialty care hospitals. The system also operates numerous outpatient imaging facilities, a Wellness Center, a chemical dependency treatment center, a home health agency, a retirement community and a nursing home. To learn more, visit www.memorialhermann.org or call 713-222-CARE.



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