PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 5, 2006 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Fireworks at Penn's Landing are a grand New Year's Eve tradition and December 31, 2006 will end in sparkling delight as Philadelphia's annual free New Year's Eve fireworks show at Penn's Landing continues the custom of ringing in the year with a bang! The tradition will continue due to the generous support of the new presenting sponsor of the New Year's Eve Fireworks, Riverwalk Casino.
Since 1991, residents of the Greater Philadelphia region have counted on fireworks at Penn's Landing as part of their New Year's Eve Celebrations, and thousands of people still visit each year to watch the fireworks display. Seen easily along Philadelphia's waterfront at Penn's Landing at Midnight, this year's production weaves a tapestry of color choreographed to music. The overall music track is scored to evoke anticipation and above all, fun.
"We are thrilled but not surprised that Riverwalk has come to the rescue," Joseph P. Brooks, Acting President of Penn's Landing Corporation states. "Their pledge of 2.5 percent of the casino's net profits, up to $3 million for community causes, and the local owners' group's commitment of 20 percent of its profits for citywide benefits is consistent with what we've seen from Riverwalk's partners," continued Brooks. "Without a sponsor, there is no doubt that this 16 year tradition would have ended. Every year businesses along the waterfront and all over the City hold special New Year's Eve events based around the fireworks, and without them these events would not be possible. By making this year's fireworks possible, Riverwalk is showing its genuine support of Penn's Landing and the Greater Philadelphia region."
"When we heard that this year's annual Penn's Landing fireworks may not happen because they had not found a sponsor, we immediately stepped up," said Robert Earl, BHM Gaming Partner and Chairman and CEO of Planet Hollywood International. "Our sponsorship of the New Year's Eve fireworks is the first community-wide benefit of bringing gaming to Philadelphia, and we are pleased to sponsor a show which is enjoyed across the region. If we are granted a license, we will make sponsoring these fireworks an annual tradition."
"As Philadelphia natives, watching the Penn's Landing New Year's Eve fireworks is a city tradition," said Willie Johnson, Chairman of PPG. "As local investors we care deeply about this city, because it is where we grew up, where we live, and where we have raised our families. We are proud to be associated with this year's show and hope to be associated with it for years to come."
The official soundtrack to which the fireworks will be choreographed will be simulcast LIVE on KYW Newsradio 1060 AM, which extends the show's reach well beyond the waterfront. Additionally, the entire Greater Philadelphia region will be able to enjoy the fireworks because the entire show will be broadcast LIVE on NBC 10 (WCAU-TV) for television viewers.
Crowds are welcome to view the fireworks from the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, on Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street. Speaker stacks will be erected on waterfront at Penn's Landing from Market to Walnut Street broadcasting the fireworks. If watching from anyplace else, use a radio to hear the soundtrack on KYW Newsradio 1060AM.
Meryl Levitz, President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation comments, "watching the fireworks from Penn's Landing to ring in the New Year is a special tradition that Philadelphia is proud to offer each year. The fireworks are another great reason to sleep over and celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another."
Another great way to enjoy the fireworks is the New Year's Eve Party on Ice at the Blue Cross RiverRink, a fun-filled way to ring in the New Year. It's great for all ages and ideal for families as a non-alcoholic way to ring in the New Year. The Blue Cross RiverRink's convenient location on Columbus Boulevard at Market Street will be the perfect place to view the Midnight fireworks over the Delaware River. Great food, fun activities, and live entertainment in the heated indoor facility, along with ice-skating make this party one of the most unique in Philadelphia! Tickets to the Party on Ice are only $25 for skaters and $15 for spectators. Advanced parking passes area also available for purchase. For more information, you can call 215-925-RINK or to purchase your tickets now, visit www.riverrink.com.
Penn's Landing Corporation developed the rink in 1993 to make the waterfront a year-round entertainment destination. Each year the popularity increases with more than 100,000 guests enjoying the Blue Cross RiverRink each year. Independence Blue Cross is the founding and presenting sponsor of the Blue Cross RiverRink. Other supporters include: NBC 10, and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
Special holiday skating sessions on December 31 are: 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon; 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Special holiday hours continue on January 1 with sessions at 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Call 215.925.RINK for reservations and more information.
The Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing is located at Columbus Boulevard at Market Street. The Blue Cross RiverRink is available for birthday parties, corporate parties and private rentals. Skating lessons and group outings are also available. For more information, call 215.925.RINK or visit www.riverink.com.
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Penn's Landing Corporation
Penn's Landing Corporation is the non profit organization responsible for funding and producing public programming at Penn's Landing. All events produced by Penn's Landing Corporation are FREE to the public on the Great Plaza, the heart of Penn's Landing, Philadelphia's premier riverfront entertainment destination. The Penn's Landing Corporation also owns and produces the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing, Philadelphia's premier outdoor ice skating experience.
Public Programming at Penn's Landing would not be possible without our founding and presenting sponsor Independence Blue Cross and the continued support of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation. For more information, please visit our website at www.pennslandingcorp.com
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About Riverwalk Casino
Riverwalk Casino will now be a $500 million unique gaming and entertainment concept which will consist of more than 100,000 square feet of casino space featuring 3,000 slot machines, a 400-seat entertainment venue, a television and radio studio, six restaurants, and a 3,500 space parking garage. An additional 50,000 square feet will be set aside for a second phase expansion to include an additional 2,000 slot machines, for a total of 5,000 gaming positions. The project will be located on 11.5 acres of land leased from Penn's Landing Corporation at Delaware Avenue and Spring Garden Street.
About the Riverwalk Casino Partnership
PPG consists of prominent Philadelphians, predominantly minorities, who are respected and successful business professionals serving on boards and committees such as the African-American Chamber of Commerce in Philadelphia, Martin Luther King Jr. Association, and the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania.
PPG will partner on the Riverwalk Casino project with BHM Gaming Opportunities, Ltd. itself a joint venture between Robert Earl, founder of Planet Hollywood International Inc., and BH Casino and Hospitality LLC, managed by Douglas Teitelbaum, principal and manager of SEC registered investment advisor Bay Harbour Management, LC.
Mr. Earl and Mr. Teitelbaum both hold non-restricted gaming licenses in the State of Nevada in relation to their voting control of Aladdin Resort & Casino, currently being remodeled as the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, located on the Las Vegas Strip. Mr. Earl also operates Fifty, the hottest new gaming concept in London.