Gridiron Stadium Network Builds Strong 2007 Event Lineup

The
Gridiron Stadium Network (GSN), an affiliation of NFL and soccer stadium
operators, has scheduled a strong lineup of events for 2007 at its member
venues, it was announced by Steve Eckerson, Chairman of the Gridiron
Stadium Network and Director of Event Sales and Operations for Qwest Field in
Seattle.

A
principal goal of the Gridiron Stadium Network is to optimize opportunities for
promoters and welcome new audiences to its members’ stadiums. “We’re very
pleased to see an increase in the number of live entertainment and event
bookings at our member stadiums for this season,” said Eckerson.

Jeff
Apregan, who has produced, promoted and managed live entertainment events
throughout North America for over twenty-five years, noted that “these stadiums
are excellent venues for live entertainment,” including concerts, motor sports,
festivals and corporate functions. Promoters also benefit from the versatility
of the large GSN venues, which offer multiple configurations and performance
spaces and provide miles of parking for event attendees.

GSN venues
can help provide promoters and producers with enormous marketing support,
including huge databases, supplemental marketing vehicles and knowledgeable
staffing, critical for promoters.

An April 1
Wrestlemania 23 event at GSN venue Ford Field sold 80,103 tickets, the all-time
attendance record for Ford Field and the highest grossing one-day live event in
World Wresting Entertainment history, grossing more than $5.38 million.

Among the
events already announced by the member venues of the Gridiron Stadium Network
for 2007 are engagements such as Kenny Chesney’s Flip Flop Summer Tour
(featuring Brooks & Dunn, Sugarland, Sara Evans and Pat Green) at Heinz
Field, Lincoln Financial Field, Qwest Field and Ford Field; the NOPI Drift
Series at Dolphin Stadium, Home Depot Center, Heinz Field and Toyota Park; The
Police at Dolphin Stadium; dates at Toyota Park for Dave Matthews Band Summer
Tour and the Crossroads Guitar Festival; the Acquire the Fire Christian youth
event at Ford Field; and the 2007 Macy’s Music Festival (featuring Mary J.
Blige, The O’Jays, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Brian McKnight, Boney James
and Jonathan Butler) at Paul Brown Stadium.