Xplosion Return For Second Season
February 13, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Pittsburgh Xplosion News Release
Pittsburgh, PA. The ABA Pittsburgh Xplosion announced that the team would return for a second year with the goal of boosting attendance and community support for the 2006-2007 season. Freddie Lewis, majority owner of the team and CEO Richard Hersperger were joined by Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Conner's Chief of Staff, BJ Leber, in making the announcement at a press conference in Pittsburgh. Mr. Onorato and the Mayor's office expressed their support for the Pittsburgh Xplosion, citing the team's strong commitment to the city and its role in putting Pittsburgh on the pro basketball map.
"I'm pleased to announce that the Pittsburgh Xplosion will be back next season to build on what this new team has accomplished in its first year," Hersperger said. "Some people predicted that the Xplosion would be silent after our first year. I'm here to assure you that the Xplosion will be playing next season as we take steps to broaden our fan support and build an even brighter future for pro basketball in Pittsburgh."
"With a record of 16-10, the Pittsburgh Xplosion is playing an exciting brand of basketball as we drive for an ABA playoff berth in our first season," Lewis said. "We're getting a great response from fans that have attended our games. Our goal is to finish the season strong on the court and at the Box Office so we can build momentum heading into the 2006-2007 season."
Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato stated: "I'm excited that the Xplosion will be returning for a second season and I urge anyone who loves basketball to come to the team's four remaining home games this year. Having a pro basketball team in Allegheny County is important because it enhances our region's image as a place with great sports, culture and entertainment."
Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Conner said in a written statement: "Pittsburgh has a rich history of producing basketball legends like Connie Hawkins and McKeesport's Freddie Lewis, a star of the original ABA. This team is playing a positive role in bringing proo basketball back to Pittsburgh - the team deserves greater support because it's commited to being a winner."
Hersperger said the team 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 team will seek input from sports marketing and advertising experts in the region to develop a blueprint for the future.
* The team 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 and 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 season.
Hersperger added that the Xplosion is negotiating to play most of its home games next season at Mellon Arena, as the team did this year. Hersperger 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."
"We're extremely excited that the Xplosion expects to have the opportunity to host an ABA playoff game in March," Lewis concluded. "With great fans rooting for us, the Xplosion will have a chance to bring another championship home to Pittsburgh." For more information on the Xplosion and the ABA, visit www.pittsburghxplosion.com or www.abalive.com.
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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