Royals, BATS Global Markets Team Up to Support Habitat for Humanity

KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kansas City Royals and BATS Global Markets today announced their continued partnership for the 2011 Major League Baseball season, supporting Habitat for Humanity Kansas City through the BATS 1000 Program.

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The program raised $8,000 for Habitat in 2010 as Royals players accomplished the feat 16 times.

The BATS 1000 program, in recognition of the BATS 1000(SM) Index, a U.S. equities market benchmark that helps investors gauge current market conditions, is a partnership between Royals Charities and BATS. Under the program, BATS donates $500 to Habitat for Humanity Kansas City every time a Royals player bats 1.000 in a game (minimum two hits in two at-bats).

"Habitat for Humanity Kansas City appreciates the partnership that has been created with BATS. By providing support it enables Habitat for Humanity Kansas City to create more shelter and education and contributes to the revitalization of blighted urban neighborhoods and provides a stable environment where children and families can thrive," said Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Yahna Gibson. "We look forward to our continued partnership with the BATS 1000 Program."

BATS Global Markets CEO Joe Ratterman said, "We are excited continue to partner with the Royals to help support Habitat for Humanity through the BATS 1000 program, as well as volunteer efforts of many of our employees.

"Habitat provides an important service to our community and their hard work and dedication changes the lives of so many individuals in Kansas City," he said.

BATS also continues its title sponsorship of the BATS Crown Club in Kauffman Stadium this year. The BATS Crown Club offers the most exclusive premium seating option available at Kauffman Stadium, featuring dugout views and behind-the-plate access.  Complimentary food and drink is provided for guests, as well as premium parking.  The BATS Crown Club is also available for hosting events on non-game days.

In the hallway leading up to the BATS Crown Club, visitors can enjoy learning more about the history of major events in financial markets history along with major events in baseball history, including a special emphasis on Kansas City baseball.  

"Supporting important organizations such as Habitat for Humanity is an important element of our community outreach and we are excited to partner with BATS again this year on this important initiative," said Mike Bucek, Royals Vice President-Marketing & Business Development.  "The recent renovations to the BATS Crown Club give our fans a great venue to come cheer on the Royals while learning more about our financial markets and Kansas City's contributions to their success."

About the Kansas City Royals

Founded in 1969 by the late Ewing Kauffman, the Kansas City Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League.  The Royals play in beautifully renovated Kauffman Stadium, located in Kansas City, Missouri, part of the Jackson County Sports Complex which includes Arrowhead Stadium.  The Royals have participated in two World Series, winning in 1985.  The Royals also have two American League pennants and six division championships.  Many writers and publications currently note that the Royals have one of the best minor league systems in the game, stocked with promising prospects for the Major League level.

About BATS

BATS Global Markets (BATS) is a leading operator of stock and options markets around the globe. BATS operates two stock exchanges in the U.S., the BATS BZX Exchange and BYX Exchange; BATS Options, a U.S. equity options market; and BATS Europe, an FSA-authorised multilateral trading facility in Europe. Each of these marketplaces is powered by BATS' innovative and proprietary technology that was developed by a dedicated core team of market and technology professionals, catering to the needs of the broker-dealer and trading community. The company is headquartered in the Kansas City, Mo., area with additional offices in New York and London. For more information, visit www.batstrading.com.

BATS ... Making Markets Better.

SOURCE BATS Global Markets