September 2009 Archives

The Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center will open on Columbus Day, October 12th, to kick off the 2009-10 winter season. It is the world's most famous ice skating rink, with more than one quarter of a million skaters visiting each year between October and April. The Rink opening marks the traditional beginning of the festivities leading up to the annual lighting of the beloved Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

The Rink will open this year with an exhibition from Ice Theater skaters. Honoring Columbus Day, a skater portraying Christopher Columbus will perform and offer complimentary Italian flag cookies to all visitors on opening day. The skater will perform for the public from 9 am-4 pm, and a press reception will be held from 10 am-12 noon.

Additionally, anyone with the name "Christopher" will receive 1/2 off on skating on Columbus Day, and anyone named "Christopher Columbus" will receive a complimentary skating on opening day.

"Attracting skaters of all ages and levels, The Ice Rink is a tradition we are proud to be a part of," said Nick Valenti, CEO of Patina Restaurant Group, which operates The Rink and its surrounding restaurants, The Sea Grill and Rock Center Cafe. "Visiting The Ice Rink and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has spanned generations and lasted throughout the decades, with more memorable years to come."

The Rink first opened on Christmas Day in 1936 as the premier artificial outdoor skating pond built in New York City, complete with modern amenities: night skating, a heated house for changing skates, piped-in music and rink-side dining. Over the past 73 years, The Rink has become one of the most visited sites in NYC -- and even the world.

The perfect destination for both families and lovebirds, The Ice Rink has several programs planned for the upcoming skating season: "Engagement on Ice" will be available throughout the season, which offers couples private time to propose marriage on the Ice Rink, followed by a champagne toast at Rock Center Cafe. "Breakfast with Santa" will begin in late November and last through Christmas Eve for children to spend quality time with St. Nick, enjoy a delicious breakfast at Rock Center Cafe and partake in a skate session. For those looking for a unique morning workout, Olympic gold medalist Jojo Starbuck hosts a morning "Cool Workout Sessions" program. Finally, back by popular demand, "Skate-a-Date" will begin January 2010. The program includes dinner for two at Rock Center Cafe and VIP skating on The Rink.

The Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center is located on 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets. For schedules and skate rental information, please visit www.therinkatrockcenter.com.

Chicago 2016 announced today that it has teamed with United Airlines to charter a flight to Copenhagen, Denmark, for the final presentation to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Boeing 747 will feature the Chicago 2016 logo and will be filled with hundreds of supporters en route to Copenhagen where the IOC will select the Host City for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 

"With just seven days to go until the final decision, we appreciate everyone's support and are honored that so many Chicagoans are traveling with us to Copenhagen for the big day," said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. "It is the enthusiasm of everyone in Chicago that makes this time in Chicago's history so exciting. We thank United Airlines for being such a valuable partner in our efforts."

Chicago 2016 will have a strong presence in Copenhagen for the historic event. On board the United Airlines flight will be Chicago 2016 committee members, supporters, athletes, media, staff and others. Chicago 2016 sold packages, including travel, accommodations and cultural events, for those wishing to attend to show their support for Chicago's bid.

Members of the Chicago 2016 delegation will make the final presentation to the IOC on the morning of October 2, with the Host City announcement following later that evening.

"As Chicago's hometown airline and official airline of the US Olympic and Paralympic Teams, United is proud to support Chicago's and the U.S. bid for the 2016 Games, and be a partner in this historic event," said Glenn Tilton, chairman, president and CEO of United Airlines. "We are very pleased that our flight crews, our customer service and ramp employees, and all of the other employees get to be a part of this momentous flight."

About Chicago 2016

Chicago 2016 is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to seek the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Chicago. The committee's board consists of business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Patrick Ryan serves as the organization's chairman and CEO.

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Source: United Airlines

Located in the vast waters of the of the Pacific Ocean, the Micronesian island of Kosrae has plenty of room for hundreds of canoeists to roam. That's what's needed to accommodate the hundreds of islanders participating in the second island-wide Outrigger Canoe Competition on October 24, 2009, one of the largest events of its kind in Micronesia.

"Canoeing is becoming a major sport on Kosrae," said Grant Ismael, executive director of the Kosrae Visitors Bureau. "This race draws Kosraens of all ages, and visitors love the camaraderie and excitement."

Some 800 paddlers from Kosrae's four villages - Utwe, Malem, Lelu, Tafunsak - will compete for prizes and community pride during the event and celebration. The teams will race in traditional six-person outrigger canoes, in a fleet of 130 total canoes.

The official day of competition comes after months of practicing and preparation, including building the traditional outrigger canoes used in the race. Tall breadfruit trees are felled and brought down the mountain by each village. Village teams dig out the trees to make canoes with the guidance of a traditional canoe master builder.

On the day of the race, all of Kosrae turns out in their village colors to cheer for their teams. One of the favorite Kosraen traditions is to out sing and out cheer the other village teams.

To learn more about Kosrae's second island-wide outrigger canoe competition contact Grant Ismael, executive director of the Kosrae Visitors Bureau at kosrae@mail.fm" target=_new>kosrae@mail.fm.

SOURCE Kosrae Visitors Bureau

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation today announced that it will host The Runyon 5K, a run/walk and kids fun run at Yankee Stadium to support cancer research on Sunday, November 15th 2009. Proceeds from the event, the first of its kind to be held inside the new stadium, will support brilliant young scientists carrying out innovative research for all types of cancer.

"This is a chance for New Yorkers and Yankees fans to follow in the footsteps of Yankees greats, for kids to run where their heroes run, and for every participant to make a real impact on cancer. From families to corporate teams, from fans to cancer survivors, all can enjoy this unique event at this incredible structure, which represents so much to so many," said Lorraine W. Egan, executive director of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation.

100% of all funds that a participant raises will directly support cancer research. The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has a long history with the Yankees: Joe DiMaggio was on its Board, and Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle were supporters. Damon Runyon himself was a New York writer who began his career as a baseball journalist and revolutionized how the game was covered.

Event Details

The Runyon 5K is a unique run/walk charity event that uses the stadium as its course. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. inside Yankee Stadium in New York on November 15th, 2009.

Participants will run or walk the stadium's concourses and ramps, climb stairs between levels, and finish with a lap around the warning track that encircles the playing field. In addition, there will be a fun run for kids around the warning track.

Local scientists funded by the Foundation will be on hand to answer questions about their cancer research and the work of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation.

More detail can be found at www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium

Participants

The event is open to both individuals and teams, with corporate teams encouraged to compete.

The event organizers send a special invitation to cancer survivors and those running in memory of lost loved ones or in honor of those affected by cancer.

Families and supporters are welcome. Non participants will have the opportunity to view the event from the bleachers in the stands.

All participants are encouraged to raise funds for the event, and everyone will have access to their own fundraising page on The Runyon 5K website.

How to Register

Registration will begin online on September 15. For more information and to sign up for the event, visit www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium. The registration fee is $35 for students and children and $50 for adults. Entry is limited to the first 2,500 registrants.

Sponsors

In addition to the New York Yankees' support, other event sponsors include 24 Hour Fitness, SIRIUS XM Radio, New York Post and WNBC4 New York.

SOURCE Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation

AT&T* today announced that the new NFL RedZone channel will be added to the AT&T U-verse(SM) TV channel lineup. Through an agreement with the NFL Network, AT&T will make the channel available to U-verse TV football fans beginning with the NFL season's opening Sunday, Sept. 13.

NFL RedZone, a new sports channel produced by NFL Network, gives football fans quick and easy access to the most important moments of NFL Sunday football. Once a team gets inside their opponent's 20-yard line, U-verse TV customers will be able to experience the anticipation and excitement of each play within the red zone. NFL RedZone keeps fans up-to-date in real time by switching from game to game with live look-ins, highlights and a chance to see every important play.

"AT&T U-verse just got better, again. NFL RedZone is a new and exciting way to stay on top of Sunday football, and we're proud to kick off the NFL football season by adding this channel to our lineup," said Dan York, executive vice president of content and programming, AT&T Converged Services. "U-verse TV football fans will truly enjoy tuning to NFL RedZone to watch the touchdowns and the biggest plays as they happen on their big screen TV."

"We're excited to offer NFL RedZone to AT&T U-verse football fans so they can see the important plays from NFL games," said Kim Williams, chief operating officer for NFL Network. "U-verse TV customers across the country are going to enjoy this special channel produced by NFL Network."

NFL RedZone will be available on channel 1629 as part of the U-verse HD Premium Tier, which is available to U-verse HD subscribers for an additional $5 per month.

All U-verse TV packages include HD-ready equipment, and most packages include an HD-ready Total Home DVR, which gives you the ability to watch and manage recordings from a single DVR on any connected TV in the house. AT&T U-verse offers several additional features that improve the viewing experience for football fans and all customers, including the ability to record up to four programs (or can't-miss games) at once; the ability to program DVR recordings from your Web-connected mobile phone or PC; fast channel change for football fans to channel surf without the delay experienced on other digital TV services; picture-in-picture browse capability that lets you preview games on other channels; the ability to follow your favorite sports teams -- including your Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football team -- through the AT&T U-bar; and more.

AT&T U-verse TV is the only 100 percent Internet Protocol-based television (IPTV) service offered by a national service provider, making AT&T U-verse one of the most dynamic and feature-rich services available today. For additional information on AT&T U-verse -- or to order the HD Premium Tier -- visit http://uverse.att.com or call 1-800-ATT-2020. Customers can get more information about U-verse TV programming and television events by visiting http://uconnect.att.com.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

New York's hometown airline JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) today proudly announced a partnership to become the Official Airline Partner of the New York Jets. The three-year sponsorship kicks off with this season's activities and also celebrates 50 years of New York Jets football.

Dave Barger, JetBlue's President and CEO, and Robin Hayes, JetBlue's Chief Commercial Officer, joined Woody Johnson, New York Jets' Chairman and CEO, and Matt Higgins, New York Jets' Executive Vice President, Business Operations, along with celebrated former New York Jets players Joe Namath, Marty Lyons, Wayne Chrebet and Curtis Martin, and members of the New York Jets Flight Crew, to make the announcement today at the airline's new Terminal 5 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. Hundreds of JetBlue crewmembers, customers and fans were also present to commemorate the announcement.

To further celebrate the launch of its partnership, JetBlue is offering a special Takeoff and Touchdown Sale with fares available for purchase today only to AFC East division cities. From New York's JFK, $12 fares (a) are available to Boston and Buffalo in honor of legendary Jets quarterback Joe Namath #12. Special $50 fares (a) are available from Newark to Fort Lauderdale in celebration of 50 years of New York Jets football. Sale fares must be booked by 11:59 p.m. MT today, September 8, 2009, and are one way. Travel must take place between September 12, 2009 and September 23, 2009. Travel must be completed by September 23, 2009. Fares may not be available on all days or on all flights. Certain restrictions apply (a).

In addition to the fare sale, it was announced that later this season, through a partnership with New York Daily News, JetBlue plans to feature a "50 Years of New York Jets Football" photo exhibit showcasing exclusive and rare photographs from throughout Jets history at the airline's Terminal 5.

"As New York's hometown airline, the Jets are core to what it means to be a sports fan in the city," said Dave Barger, President and CEO of JetBlue Airways. "We're the largest domestic airline at New York's JFK International Airport and are thrilled to partner with a major sports franchise right in our own backyard. We look forward to welcoming Jets fans on future JetBlue flights where they'll never have to miss a game with 36 channels of live television, the most legroom in coach, and unlimited snacks and drinks."

"We are excited to partner with JetBlue, the company's first professional sports team partnership in the New York area," said Jets Chairman and CEO Woody Johnson. "Also, I am looking forward to seeing the celebration of the 50 years of this franchise in this terminal for hundreds of thousands of travelers to experience as they come in and out of this great city."

"This is the perfect opportunity for JetBlue to establish a relationship with the New York Jets," said Robin Hayes, Chief Commercial Officer of JetBlue Airways. "We're a growing airline with a bright future ahead, and the Jets are starting an exciting new chapter with a new quarterback, a new coach and, soon, a new stadium. Both JetBlue and the Jets have histories rooted in New York. We're preparing to celebrate 10 years of aviation history, and the Jets are celebrating 50 years of football history. We congratulate the Jets on five decades and are excited to team up with them for the next three years."

"We know that JetBlue is a great partner for the New York Jets," said Matt Higgins, New York Jets, Executive Vice President of Business Operations. "JetBlue has innovative ideas, creative branding and marketing strategies and we feel that we are both brands doing exciting things whether it is on the field or on the runway."

As the Official Airline Partner of the New York Jets, JetBlue's sponsorship includes joint marketing promotions and advertising through 2012. Featured elements include a JetBlue runway and seat display as well as in-stadium signage and videoboard features at both the team's current stadium and the New Meadowlands Stadium. Other elements include social media and interactive fan engagement activities, such as entitlement of "Randy's Radar" blog, e-mail marketing, special JetBlue fares to away games, and activities with the New York Jets Flight Crew. In addition, JetBlue will partner with the Jets for special events throughout the year at the airline's Terminal 5 at JFK. JetBlue has also committed to supporting the Jets Foundation and associated programs throughout the New York metropolitan area as part of this partnership.

Customers enjoy JetBlue's award-winning customer service and in-flight experience, including all-leather seats with personal seatback TVs and Lots of Legroom. When jetting between destinations in the continental U.S., customers are treated to 36 channels of free live, DIRECTV(R) programming, including FOX, CBS and NBC as well as ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN News, ESPN U and Setanta Sports. A selection of JetBlue Features movies is also available for a small charge. Customers can surf more than 100 channels of XM Satellite Radio(R).

Source: JetBlue

The hottest place for tennis fans to be right now is the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, where the best in tennis have come together to compete in the 2009 US Open Championships. For fans looking to sit so close they can hear the "whoosh" of each 125-mph serve, or for those looking to attend any top match of their choice, TicketsNow, the official resale ticketing partner of the US Open, has your tickets.

The US Open is the highest-attended annual sporting event in the world, with 720,000 fans passing through the turnstiles last year. As a result, demand for US Open tickets is always high and making sure every ticket is authentic is a must. To meet the increasing demand for US Open tickets, the USTA is continuing its partnership with TicketsNow to provide a secure, convenient resale marketplace where fans can buy and sell tickets.

TicketsNow connects fans with all of the fun and excitement of live tennis and is a great way to find the seats you want for the matches you want to see. Additionally, ticket holders who are unable to attend specific sessions can post their tickets for sale, offering fellow fans the opportunity to purchase tickets for courtside and other great seats.

"We are thrilled to once again team with the USTA to offer tennis fans a secure and convenient way to buy and sell US Open tickets," said Shawn Freeman, President of TicketsNow. "This partnership makes it possible for even more fans to experience the excitement of US Open tennis."

Sales for the 2009 US Open Tennis Championships are keeping pace with last year's record volume on TicketsNow. The good news for fans is that although demand continues to be high, prices have dipped slightly. The average US Open ticket sales price this time in 2008 was $191 compared to an average price of $185 this year. Tennis fans purchasing US Open tickets from TicketsNow are arriving from 47 different states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and some are traveling from as far away as Karnataka (India) and Auckland (New Zealand).

For more information and to begin your search for tickets, visit www.TicketsNow.com.

SOURCE TicketsNow