CHESTER, Pa. -- Before the official groundbreaking ceremony for the 18,500-seat soccer-specific stadium for the Major League Soccer club coming to the Philadelphia area in 2010, another big accomplishment needed to be announced on Monday afternoon.
Keystone Sports and Entertainment, LLC, the MLS Philadelphia 2010 ownership group, named Panasonic as the "Official Technology Partner" of its new stadium and waterfront complex. Panasonic is the team's second "Keystone Founding Partner" and supports the organization's goal to give fans a world-class guest experience.
Panasonic follows Crozer-Keystone Health Systems and Premier Orthopaedics, which will exclusively encompass all areas of team and stadium healthcare, including physical therapy, team-doctor relationships, and on-site medical services.
"Panasonic is a name respected around the globe, recognized for their innovation in consumer electronics and business technology products," said Nick Sakiewicz, CEO and operating partner of Keystone Sports and Entertainment. "Our fans will be treated to a unique in-stadium experience, 'Powered by Panasonic.' But more than that, this partnership also will extend throughout the entire waterfront redevelopment project."
Through this partnership, Panasonic will receive rights to stadium marks and logos, branding on the main scoreboard, LED signage, as well as space on the stadium grounds to create "The Panasonic Experience," an area that highlights their technology and allows customers to experience it firsthand. Panasonic will also be the exclusive provider of broadcast and television production systems, large screen LED displays, security systems and point-of-sale systems.
"Panasonic is very excited to join with Keystone Sports and Entertainment to build a state-of-the-art stadium for the benefit of all soccer fans," said J.M. Allain, president of Panasonic System Solutions Company. "We are also proud to extend our partnership to the entire waterfront mixed-use development to provide a broad range of technology solutions to help create a world class experience for all.
"Our investment in this partnership is indicative of Panasonic's interest in revitalizing local communities and offering consumers the opportunity to experience technology in everyday life. For Panasonic, the initiative also plays a large role in our global 'eco ideas' initiative, which aims to improve the efficiency of products, increase environmental performance and engage with local communities around the world."
Panasonic's consumer electronics and technology products range from high definition televisions, security systems, digital cameras, laptop computers, home appliances, personal care products, components and in-flight entertainment and information systems.
"Our first partnership with Crozer-Keystone Health Systems and Premier Orthopaedics is emblematic of our local commitment," Sakiewicz said. "With the addition of Panasonic, we're demonstrating that the international business community is looking to Major League Soccer and Greater Philadelphia as a smart place to invest. These partnerships substantiate the power of our brand and the connection that it makes to suburban soccer families and powerful ethic audiences."
After the announcement, the club officially broke ground on the stadium that will be constructed at the foot of the Commodore Barry Bridge, just 13 miles from downtown Philadelphia. The multi-purpose stadium will feature an 11,000 square-foot club, 30 suites, a built-in concert stage for world-class music shows and a special 2,000-seat area for the Sons of Ben supporters club. The new structure will also have a waterfront park and plaza used not only stadium entry, but also for city sponsored events such as festivals.
The new stadium is the centerpiece of a $500 million entertainment, retail, residential and commercial development covering more than 100 acres along the historic Delaware River waterfront.
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