Arena at Harbor Yard Managed by Centerplate Announces 1,000th Event

STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Arena at Harbor Yard, Southwestern Connecticut's 10,000 seat multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue, announced today that they will host the venue's 1,000th event on Saturday, January 30th, 2010. Managed by Centerplate, contract partner to North America's premier convention centers and entertainment venues, since opening in 2001, Arena at Harbor Yard has hosted marquee events such as NCAA post-season games, World Wrestling Entertainment and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, in addition to musical concerts every year. The 1,000th event, a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men's basketball matchup between Fairfield University and Rider University, will include a special celebration of the venue's anniversary with free hot dogs for the first 1,000 fans and prize giveaways throughout the game.

"My sincerest congratulation to the Arena as it celebrates its 1,000th event at the magnificent Harbor Yard building. Since it opened in 2001 with the return of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to Bridgeport, the Arena has been a magnet for residents of the City and the region to come to see fast-paced sporting events, magnificent concerts and special events that draw celebrities known the world over," said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.  "We're very proud of the management team that runs the Arena, and the fine work they do all year to provide quality entertainment and sporting events to people young and old."

"We are proud to celebrate our 1,000th event this Saturday and look forward to 1,000 more to come," said Lynn Carlotto, Centerplate's general manager for Arena at Harbor Yard. "One of the keys to our success is the ability to create memorable experiences for our guests, from NCAA championship games to musical concerts." Since opening, the Arena has presented many concerts including Elton John, Cher, John Mayer, The Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, the Who, Nickelback and Fleetwood Mac.

"We have enjoyed our time as one of the primary tenants at Arena at Harbor Yard, so being part of the 1,000th event is very exciting," Fairfield University Director of Athletics Eugene P. Doris said. "Whether it be hosting a single game, a doubleheader, or an NCAA event, I am proud to be associated with Arena at Harbor Yard and look forward to many more events over the coming years."

Doors for the Fairfield/Rider basketball game will open at 3:00pm with events to commemorate the Arena's 1,000th event occurring throughout the afternoon.  Everyone in attendance at Saturday's game will be eligible to win prizes including a two night getaway in the Berkshires at Vacation Village Resort; a 12 seat Executive Suite for the stage production of Tyler Perry's "Madea's Big Happy Family" at the Arena on March 18th; a $75 gift certificate to Roberto's Restaurant and four tickets to the Arena's Carrie Underwood concert on March 16th; a $75 gift certificate to Joseph's Steakhouse and four tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters "Magical Memories World Tour" at the Arena on February 27th; a $75 gift certificate to Tiago's Restaurant & Bar and four tickets to the Arena's Monster Jam monster truck show on March 13th; a $75 gift certificate to Ralph 'n' Rich's and four tickets to Smucker's Stars on Ice at the Arena on April 20th; a $25 gift certificates to Rita's Ices and Carvel Ice Cream; and a basketball signed by Coach Cooley and the Stags.

About Arena at Harbor Yard

Arena at Harbor Yard is a state-of-the-art 10,000-seat entertainment and sports venue located along Interstate 95 at the junction of Routes 8 and 25 in Bridgeport, CT.  The Arena opened on October 10, 2001.  It is the home of the American Hockey League  Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the premier affiliate of the National Hockey League New York Islanders. Arena at Harbor Yard is also the home court for Fairfield University's men's and women's NCAA Division I basketball teams.  In addition, Arena at Harbor Yard presents the most popular touring events including Smucker's Stars on Ice, World Wrestling Entertainment, Disney on Ice and Harlem Globetrotters.  Concerts, consumer shows, business and special events round out the entertainment schedule.

About Centerplate

Centerplate crafts and delivers "Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results." in more than 250 prominent sports, entertainment and convention venues across North America. Centerplate has provided services to 11 Super Bowls, 19 World Series, key events for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Art Basel Miami Beach, 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration.  In addition, Centerplate is proud to serve as a hospitality partner to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games and to Superbowl XLIV at Land Shark Stadium.  Visit the company online at www.centerplate.com.

SOURCE Centerplate