Pittsburgh Penguins looks to keep tech in new arena local

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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