March 29, 2007

Just like the mythical bird for which our metro area is named, the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission (PRSC) is being reborn from the Maricopa County Sports Commission, by launching a new Web site and logo, and by forming an advisory board representing many of the Valley's leading professional and collegiate teams, sports and businesses organizations, as well as athletes and agents.

Starting March 29, the commission will launch a new Web site, www.phxsports.org, which will serve as portal to the Valley's sports venues and offer links and information about Valley teams, as well as travel and event planning information and more. Members of the newly formed PRSC Advisory Board also will be unveiled on March 29.

"The Valley is one of world's leading destinations for sporting events ranging from youth to professional levels in sports including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, auto racing, marathons, golf, volleyball and more," said Michael Benson, PRSC executive director. "It's our goal to continue supporting and improving the great events that already call the Phoenix area home, as well as work to bring new events and to further increase the stature of entire metro region as a sports event destination and to gain from all the resulting economic benefits."

The PRSC was established in 1989 by the Arizona State Legislature as a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. It represents the residents of 14 Valley municipalities including Avondale, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Tempe and Tolleson.

The commission has three goals: to bring national and international events to the Valley, to assist in the promotion of existing events and teams, and to help support youth sports. The organization uses its resources to assist with bid development, event management, event site selection, public and media relations, sponsorship sales, volunteer recruitment and destination management.

"It's important not to forget about the history of the Maricopa County Sports Commission, but I am really excited that the municipalities are behind the name change, which will increase our recognition to anyone outside of Arizona," said Cindy Slick, chair of the PRSC Board of Directors and manager of Community Development at APS. "It will help us to bring in new projects that have never been considered before. I can't say enough about our staff, Michael, Heath Price-Khan our director of sales and marketing for the commission. They have hit the ground running and done an excellent job."

Events that the PRSC has participated in or is currently involved with include:

• PF Chang's Rock n Roll Marathon
• NCAA Hall of Fame Challenge
• Women's Only Open Golf Tournament
• Senior Softball World Championships
• Arizona Super Bowl XLII

Michael Benson is the executive director of PRSC. He brings 20 years of experience in the sports marketing and sponsorship business. Benson is also the creator of SponsorIQ, a sports, entertainment, and event marketing agency. For more information about the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission call (602) 258-6272 or
e-mail info@phxsports.org.

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