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Pittsburgh Penguins looks to keep tech in new arena local

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May 16, 2008 - 10:39:28 AM

By Andrew Lippe

The Pittsburgh Penguins are working with the Pittsburgh Technology in an effort to determine what cutting-edge technologies developed in the area could be featured in the Penguins new arena that will open in 2010. “This was a discovery process for the Penguins to reach out to the Pittsburgh community,” says Kevin Lane, Pittsburgh Technology Council director of public relations. The Pittsburgh Technology Council is a regional technology trade association in the state of Pennsylvania with approximately 1,400 members. Council members were asked to submit 200-word descriptions on how their solutions could contribute to the new arena.   

“Pittsburgh Penguins’ VP of sales and marketing Dave Soltesz wanted to learn more about the technical community in Pittsburgh,” says Brian Lang, Pittsburgh Technology Council business development manager, sponsorship. “He was looking for a regional opportunity to reach the technical community of Pittsburgh.”   

Council members are familiar with the Penguins franchise as they have used the current Penguins arena for social gatherings as well as had players sign memorabilia. 

The project kicked into high gear on April 17, when the Pittsburgh Penguins website posted a live video stream featuring Pittsburgh Technology Council President Audrey Russo with Pittsburgh Penguins’ vice president Dave Soltesz discussing the agreement. The Pittsburgh Technology Council sent the web video along with a webinar to member companies who were associated with video and multimedia technologies.  

“The Penguins are reviewing submissions from 85 companies,” adds Lang. The Penguins are meeting with companies this week to determine if their solutions are applicable. They range from broadcast systems, to electronic devices, to replay systems, to electronic ticketing technologies, to video displays. After reviewing submissions the Penguins will schedule one on one interviews and sign deals in the future. 

“Soltesz wants to open these marketing solutions to other franchises,” adds Lang. “The Penguins are an innovative franchise and this gives the companies in Pennsylvania a chance to gain exposure.”  


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