NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
7 January 2004

COMMERCE BANK PARK TO BECOME NEW NAME OF CITY ISLAND STADIUM; 15-YEAR SPONSORSHIP NETS $3.5 MILLION

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed and Commerce Bank/Harrisburg, N.A. Chairman, President and CEO Gary L. Nalbandian today announced that the city and the midstate-based bank have reached a major sponsorship agreement for Harrisburg’s Riverside Stadium, home of the Harrisburg Senators, which will now be known as Commerce Bank Park. The sponsorship will generate $3.5 million for the city over the next 15 years, with much of the funding earmarked for a stadium rehabilitation project.

“The Harrisburg Senators and the city are absolutely delighted to join in partnership with Commerce Bank,” said Mayor Stephen R. Reed. “Based in the midstate, Commerce is very much a part of the communities it serves. The bank is one of the region’s most prominent full-service financial institutions. Its new investment in one of the region’s most popular recreational pastimes is reflective of its deep community commitment. We expect that Commerce Bank will have an even greater presence in the years to come.”

Commerce Bank/Harrisburg President Gary L. Nalbandian likewise noted his company’s excitement about the sponsorship. “Harrisburg’s City Island and the Harrisburg Senators are valued regional sports and entertainment attractions are enjoyed by over a million residents and visitors each year. Commerce Bank is thrilled to have this special opportunity to support and improve these treasured recreational assets. We are pleased to make this long-term investment for Central Pennsylvania families and the region’s quality of life. And we look forward to seeing fans of all ages out at Commerce Bank Park—for the first pitch in April and all season long.”

Reed said the city is proceeding with planning for the complete rehabilitation and upgrade of Commerce Bank Park, which will include the installation of sky-boxes and a new press box, additional general admission seating, a new food service area overlooking the field, and much more. Revenues from the Commerce Bank stadium sponsorship and other sources will serve as the required local matching dollars for an expected state government capital improvement grant.

The Harrisburg Senators, affiliated with the Montreal Expos, is Central Pennsylvania’s only AA baseball team. The team is the first in league history to win four Eastern League titles in a row between 1996 and 1999.

In addition to Commerce Bank Park, City Island attractions include RiverSide Village Park concession stands, minature golf, the Pride of the

Susquehanna Riverboat, horse-drawn carriage rides, City Island Railroad and Carousel, an arcade, batting cages, three full-service marinas, the Skyline Sports Complex, Harbourtown Children’s Play area, sand volleyball courts, a multi-purpose field for softball, football and soccer, nature tail, parking garage and lots, Park Ranger Station, riverwalk, replica John Harris Trading Post and open space/special event areas.

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