Donatos Pizza Signs on as Premier Sponsor of July 4th Downtown Freedom Blast

INDIANAPOLIS, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- One of central Indiana's most anticipated summer events has landed a new title sponsor and a new behind-the-scenes operator.  Donatos Pizza has signed on to be the premier sponsor of the Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast, Indy's largest fireworks display, set for dusk (approximately 9:45 p.m.) on Monday, July 4th. Emmis Radio has assumed production of the event from Regions Bank.

Now in its 41st year, the Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast provides a dazzling fireworks display, free of charge, to a crowd that last year was estimated at 200,000.  

"We're proud to sponsor such a marquee event within the community," said Dave Walda, district supervisor for Donatos Pizza in Indianapolis. "At Donatos we really strive to promote goodwill on every block on which we do business, and the fireworks show is just another way we're showing our commitment and thanking our Indianapolis neighbors for all their support."

"Emmis has a rich history of producing spectacular fireworks shows for the city of Indianapolis, having presented SkyConcert for more than 26 years.  After that event ended, we looked for the right opportunity to come back with a present to our hometown," Charlie Morgan, Vice President of Emmis-Radio, said.  "The Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast is just such an opportunity.  We couldn't be more thrilled to be providing the production for the Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast for years to come."

Regions Bank remains a sponsor of the event, and the fireworks will continue to be launched from the Regions Bank Tower, in downtown Indianapolis.

While the Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast is free, Donatos, along with WIBC 93.1 FM and Country 97.1 Hank-FM will be giving away VIP tickets during a number of ticket stops throughout the month of June.  The VIP tickets, which cannot be purchased, include access to the VIP area atop the balcony of the Indiana War Memorial as well as free Donatos pizza and exclusive giveaway items.

About Donatos Pizza

Donatos Pizza, founded in 1963 by Jim Grote, is family-owned and operated, and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. The creator of Edge to Edge pizza, Donatos Pizza is recognized as the gold standard in pizza, using only the freshest ingredients and highest food and safety standards to create delicious, quality products. Donatos and its franchise partners operate more than 170 stores in six states, and its products are proudly served at more than 20 entertainment and sports venues. For more information on Donatos Pizza, visit www.donatos.com.

About Emmis Indianapolis Radio

Emmis Communications Corporation is a diversified media company, principally focused on radio broadcasting. Emmis operates the 8th largest publicly traded radio portfolio in the United States based on total listeners. In Indianapolis, Emmis owns and operates WIBC 93.1FM, B105.7, 1070 The Fan and Hank 97.1FM, as well as Indianapolis Monthly.  

SOURCE Emmis Communications Corporation