FLEETCENTER TO INSTALL CHOICESEATS
November 16, 2000
Copyright 2000 MediaVentures
BostonÕs FleetCenter has become the latest venue to take technology directly to the fan in the seats. The arena has contracted with ChoiceSeat to put its interactive
technology in the building this year. The system will be at least partially operational during this NBA and NHL season for fans in luxury suites and at kiosks in the concourse
area. The system may be expanded to other seats later.
The SmartSeat screens will give fans access to player and team information along with other information. Suite users can use the system to order food and beverages.
Compaq will provide computers and monitors for the system. The system has been used at New YorkÕs Madison Square Garden, Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego and
Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay.
Construction of the FleetCenter
Project Owner:
The FleetCenter is privately financed and owned by the New Boston Garden Corporation, a subsidiary of Delaware North Companies, Inc.
Project Cost:
At completion, the FleetCenter is projected to cost $160 million. This figure represents the total construction, interest, marketing and ancillary expenses.
Project Financing:
The bulk of the financing -- $120 million -- is provided as a multi-year loan by three leading New England banks: Bank of Boston, Fleet Bank and Shawmut Bank. The remainder will be secured through equity commitments by Delaware North Companies Chairman Jeremy Jacobs and by an eminent domain settlement between the New Boston Garden Corporation and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Project Timetable:
The general contractor for the project is Morse Diesel International. Construction began in April 1993 and will conclude in September 1995. Arena construction is expected to last 29 months. The FleetCenter is scheduled to open to the public on September 30, 1995.
Project Design:
Conceived by architectural firm Ellerbe Becket, Inc. of Kansas City, MO, the FleetCenter will serve as the northern gateway to the City of Boston. With high visibility from both north and south, the structure also features grand-scaled windows with views of the Boston Inner Harbor.
Economic Impact:
The FleetCenter will have a significant impact on both the local and regional economies. Specifically, the FleetCenter will:
* Generate approximately $350,000,000 in direct and residual annual spending in Boston and Eastern Massachusetts.
* Improve commercial real estate values in both the Downtown North neighborhood and
downtown Boston.
* Create new and expanded markets for local businesses.
* Increase tax revenue for the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
* Stimulate the state's overall economic recovery, according to the CEO & President of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pat Moscaritolo.
* Reinvigorate Boston's rich and unique sports heritage.
Jobs Impact:
Seven hundred jobs will be filled during the construction of the FleetCenter and 50 new permanent jobs will be created once the FleetCenter is completed.
Transition From Old to New:
The existing Boston Garden will remain in use until the FleetCenter is completed. Only after the new arena has begun operation will the demolition of the Boston Garden begin.
FleetCenter
Larry C. Moulter, President & Chairman of the Board
