Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) Becomes Founding Partner Of The New Arena In Allentown And Is Named Official Healthcare Provider Of Phantoms
Online, March 19, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The Phantoms of the American Hockey League (AHL) announced today a new multifaceted partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). LVHN will be a founding partner of the new arena in Allentown and will be the "official health care provider" for the team once it begins calling the Lehigh Valley home in September 2013. The announcement was made jointly by Ronald W. Swinfard, M.D., president and chief executive officer of LVHN, and Rob Brooks, co-owner of the Phantoms.
Additionally, LVHN proposes to launch and operate a Sports Medicine and Fitness Destination Center in the new office complex that will connect to the arena. The Center will be open to the public, offering outpatient rehabilitation, screening to diagnose and treat concussions and brain injuries, a sports performance program for all ages, a medical fitness center for the community and for Phantoms team members.
The new arena will be the center of the Lehigh Valley and a catalyst to the renovation and revitalization of downtown Allentown. The arena is scheduled to open in the fall of 2013 and will seat 8,500 people for hockey and up to 10,000 for concerts and other events.
"LVHN has deep roots in the Valley and their commitment to the new arena shows their commitment to helping revitalize downtown Allentown," Rob Brooks said. "We see this as a perfect partnership between two community-minded organizations."
"Proposing to launch a new sports medicine and fitness center based in the arena is a reflection of our shared commitment to making the arena a regional asset," added Jim Brooks, co-owner of the Phantoms. "We will also work together to create a community outreach program that will be directed toward educating the youth of the Valley about the importance of wellness, proper nutrition and maintaining good grades."
As a founding partner of the arena, LVHN will have significant sponsorship presence within the arena as well as on the exterior at the main entrance. As the official health care provider to the Phantoms, LVHN doctors will work with the doctors of the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers to manage preventive health and rehabilitation for the players.
"This arena project is the most significant revitalization project in Allentown's history," Dr. Swinfard said. "We are proud to be a part of it and excited about the opportunity it gives us to further enhance the health and wellness of people in Allentown and our surrounding communities."
Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski said the announcement is yet another positive development in the transformation of the downtown. "I am elated with LVHN's proposal to launch and operate a Sports Medicine and Fitness Destination Center in an office complex that will connect to the arena. The center's treatment facilities and programs will bring more people to the downtown. The Phantoms are committed to establishing partnerships with local businesses and institutions. I look forward to similar announcements in the months ahead."
LVHN joins Service Electric Cable TV and Communications as a Founding Partner. The partnership was consulted on by Front Row Marketing Services, a subsidiary of the sports and entertainment firm Comcast-Spectacor.