joint release by Randall's Island Sports Foundation (RISF) and the Armory Foundation (Armory)
TRACK AND FIELD ALLIANCE POSITIONS NEW YORK CITY AS PREMIER INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVE VENUE, AND OFFERS STRATEGIC
SPORTS MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
RISF selects Armory to aid in management of Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island Park
New York, NY, June 14, 2004 - The Randall’s Island Sports Foundation (RISF) announced today that it will retain the Armory Foundation (Armory) to assist in managing Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island Park during the initial three years of its operation. The beautifully designed Icahn Stadium, a $38 million project replacing the demolished Downing Stadium, is the site of Jesse Owens’s dazzling victory in the 1936 Olympic 100-meter Trials, the 1991 U.S. Track & Field Championships, and the 1964 Olympic Trials. The Armory’s extensive programming, expertise in managing a world-class track facility, and reputation for excellence within the track and field community will be of tremendous benefit to RISF in opening Icahn Stadium in spring 2005. Icahn Stadium will be the premiere, state-of-the-art, IAAF certified, championship quality track and field facility in New York City for local, national, and international outdoor competition.
“Icahn Stadium will preserve the rich history of track and field on Randall’s Island Park, and provide New York City children with a new resource for physical education,” said Adrian Benepe, New York City Parks & Recreation Commissioner. “RISF’s alliance with the Armory will enhance the future of track and field in New York City and discover our future Olympians.”
“We are extremely excited at what the Armory’s involvement means for Icahn Stadium and the Randall’s Island Sports Foundation,” said Richard Davis, RISF Chairman. “What the Armory has done for track and field in New York in the last ten years will not only help us offer unparalleled sponsorship opportunities, but will also help to develop the future of New York City – our children.”
Norbert W. Sander Jr., M.D., President and Michael Frankfurt, Chairman of the Armory Foundation, expressed their excitement at being selected by RISF. “The stadium is fantastic. This is perfect timing for the development of our sport,” said Dr. Sander. “We are delighted at being chosen to ‘take the baton’ and help RISF to bring back the glory that dates to the Olympic Trials with Jesse Owens in 1936. We fully expect a spring, summer and fall schedule of over 50 meets from youth development to international competition.”
ABOUT ICAHN STADIUM
Offering the ability to hold indoor and outdoor programs and competitions at state-of-the-art facilities on a year-round basis, Icahn Stadium will give a competitive edge to New York City’s bid for the 2012 Olympics. RISF’s agreement with the Armory is effective immediately and will help to put in place the facility’s first programs and events. RISF is launching the $5 million Take a Seat campaign to create an operating endowment for Icahn Stadium. The campaign carries the theme Champions of Randall’s Island, and urges key constituencies to be a “champion” for the stadium and for children’s health and fitness. RISF is currently evaluating strategic corporate partners to maximize this exciting opportunity for New York City and the sport of track & field.
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ABOUT RISF
Randall's Island Sports Foundation (RISF) is a public-private partnership formed with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to manage and operate the 480-acre Randall's Island Park. RISF works to restore and maintain parkland and improve the Park's natural environment. RISF also develops sports and recreational facilities and sponsors community-linked programs for the children of New York City. Randall's Island Park is located off the Triborough Bridge in Manhattan and is easily accessible. For further information on Icahn Stadium, please contact RISF at 212-830-7722 or Lou Vasquez (212) 923-1803 ext.14. For directions, transportation and general information, visit the RISF web site.
ABOUT THE ARMORY
The Armory Foundation was founded in 1991 to restore the indoor track and field program to the West 168th Street Armory in Washington Heights. After over a decade of capital improvement totaling over $20 million, the Amory now houses one of the finest indoor track and field facilities worldwide as well as a host of programs directed to the betterment of the youth of NYC, including an award-winning Technology & Learning Center, Teach for America, PAL Youth Center, City Sports for Kids, City Track and Walking Wonders.
The New Balance Track and Field Center within the Armory hosts over 120 competitions yearly, 350,000 visits of young athletes from throughout the country from 250 colleges and 1,000 high schools. In January 2004 the Armory opened the beautifully designed National Track and Field Hall of Fame, an $8 million, 15,000 square feet tribute to the great champions of the sport and to the potential world class athletes of tomorrow.
For further information, visit The Armory web site or call (212) 923-1803 ext.10. |
