Sorry bout the link. Here's the stuff:
Company Press Release
PSINet and The NFL's Baltimore Ravens Forge Revolutionary Strategic Commercial Partnership
Technology to Reshape Sports Marketing
BALTIMORE/NEW YORK--(BW SportsWire)--Jan. 26, 1999-- PSINet Inc., (NASDAQ: PSIX - news), the first and largest independent commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP), today announced an innovative partnership with the National Football League's (NFL) Baltimore Ravens to develop a global Internet-based network for the Ravens that will significantly enhance outreach between fans and the team, as well as establish a new business model for sports marketing. Under the agreement, PSINet will develop and host a Ravens Web site, (www.baltimoreravens.com) containing unique and exclusive content. PSINet will also create a Ravens branded Internet service (www.ravenszone.net), available only to subscribing fan members, which will offer Internet connectivity, access to special restricted content and numerous other value added features. Both the general Web site and subscriber site will be complete and fully operational April 17, 1999 in coincidence with NFL Draft Day.
Collectively, these services will provide fans unprecedented access to team players and personnel. Commercial aspects of the transaction are expected to bring revenues to both organizations through service and membership fees, e-commerce and promotional ventures. The pact, which involves a 20-year commitment, also provides for naming rights to the NFL Stadium at Camden Yards in Baltimore, which will become PSINet Stadium, as well as primary sponsorship of all team events. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
www.baltimoreravens.com will offer fans team access including team data and profiles, a stadium tour, cheerleader information, Baltimore's Marching Ravens Band performances and other features to be announced as the site evolves. In addition, PSINet and the Ravens will offer fans an opportunity to subscribe to a special member's only package of services (www.ravenszone.net) including Internet access; restricted Web content such as access to breaking news, press conferences, pre-scheduled player autograph sessions, player chat rooms and bulletin boards, unsold tickets (priority standing), game balls, practice sessions, fan playbooks, coaching films and previously recorded Ravens television shows; as well as bonus miles and other currency type premiums.
The Web sites will also contain e-commerce applications allowing fans worldwide to purchase Ravens merchandise online, as well as smart tickets and branded phone cards.
PSINet will additionally provide a variety of innovative technologies for use in the stadium. Interactive kiosks will be placed on the stadium concourse and PSINet will have the exclusive right to provide high speed Internet services to the stadium offices and all corporate suites.
''The City of Baltimore and the Baltimore Ravens should be applauded for the leadership position they have taken in sports management. The PSINet/Ravens partnership will bring fan involvement to an entirely new level. We intend to develop the first truly successful affinity Internet service for the sports industry, which will significantly increase awareness of various aspects of team operations and personnel as well as football itself. We believe the agreement will benefit the Ravens, their fans, PSINet shareholders and the sports industry,'' said Harold S. (Pete) Wills, president and chief operating officer of PSINet.
''We're extremely pleased to be working with a cutting-edge Internet company, whose operations match our organization's efforts to develop an innovative communications infrastructure that will take us well into the next century. The fans of the Ravens in Baltimore and throughout the country are the ultimate winners as we begin to roll out a series of programs and incentives that will connect them to this team in ways never previously accomplished. Fans will finally be able to reach out and 'touch the cloth' of the players with the ultimate online sports tool,'' said David Modell, executive vice president of the Ravens.
The Baltimore Ravens were established in 1996 under the direction of Art Modell, who operated the Cleveland Browns for 35 years (1961-1995). In 38 years of NFL ownership, Modell and his family have produced an impressive 24 winning seasons. The Ravens play in a new stadium, which opened in August of 1998 and was filled to capacity for the team's 10 home games in the first season. The Ravens enjoy one of the NFL's largest season ticket bases with over 55,000 permanent seat license holders out of 69,000 seats. The energetic organization is noted for a number of off-field innovations, including its own marching band (over 300 members) and the Ravens' Foundation for Families. The franchise was the first NFL team to produce its own television shows, pre-season games and full-color pre-season magazine, as well as sell moments of exclusivity to advertisers at home games. |
