Solar Bears, Clear Channel agreed to broadcast affiliation

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they have come to an agreement with Clear Channel to broadcast all home and away Solar Bears games on www.iheartsolarbears.com. Newly named Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting, Bob Mills, will call the games. Last season, Mills was named the ECHL’s Broadcaster of the Year while serving in a similar role with the Chicago Express.

The Orlando Solar Bears and Clear Channel Media + Entertainment in Orlando have entered into an agreement that will have all 72 Solar Bears games air exclusively on the iHeartRadio platform for WYGM-AM 740 The Game, Orlando’s Sports Leader.It’s the first agreement of its kind for both Clear Channel Orlando and the Solar Bears, where all games will air exclusively on Clear Channel’s iHeartRadio and will include broadcast and online promotional support from Clear Channel. The Solar Bears will promote the game broadcasts through in-arena signage, video, public address announcements and pocket schedules.

The Solar Bears have also created a dedicated website a www.iheartsolarbears.com that will link fans to the iHeartRadio broadcast of each game. “Whether our fans are at home or on the go, it’s important to provide them with an electronic platform and reliable place to listen to every game. Partnering with Clear Channel and iHeartRadio helps us accomplish that goal,” said Jason Siegel, Solar Bears Managing Partner/President. “This is the future of broadcasting and we want Solar Bears fans to be a click away from listening to their team.”

“This is a great new partnership that creates a consistent place for Solar Bears fans to listen to every game, no matter where they are,” said Mark McCauley, General Sales Manager for WYGM-AM. “The Solar Bears front office saw the rapid rise in the adoption of iHeartRadio as an opportunity to keep their fans connected to game broadcasts, whether they’re at a computer, on the phone, or in their vehicle.”

Fans will be able to access the Solar Bears broadcasts by going to www.iheartsolarbears.comand clicking on the iHeartRadio player. The iHeartRadio app for smart phones and iPads will allow Solar Bears fans to listen on the go, anywhere they have an internet connection, and those with iHeartRadio in their dashboards will have easy access in their vehicles.

“We continue to break new ground with iHeartRadio, and this is another step toward the evolution of broadcasting and content consumption,” said Linda Byrd, Market President for Clear Channel Media + Entertainment Orlando. “We’re thrilled that The Solar Bears are partnering with us and look forward to creating a great platform for their fans.”

The first Solar Bears game will air Friday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m. when they play defending ECHL champions and intrastate rivals, the Florida Everblades. The 72-game regular season ends on March 30, 2013.

The Orlando Solar Bears have added Bob Mills to their staff as the Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting. Last season, Mills was named the ECHL’s Broadcaster of the Year while serving in a similar role with the Chicago Express. He was part of the broadcast team for the Bakersfield Condors in 2010-11 and the Gwinnett Gladiators in 2009-10. Mills was honored during the 2010-11 season, when he was selected to be part of the radio broadcasting crew for the 2011 ECHL All-Star Classic in Bakersfield, California.

Mills earned a Telecommunications degree with a Radio Broadcast focus from Bowling Green State University in May of 2009. During his four years at BGSU, he gained broadcasting experience calling hockey games for the Falcon’s NCAA Division One Men’s Hockey team.

“We are excited to have Bob join our organization,” said Bob Ohrablo, Chief Operating Officer/Managing Partner of the Solar Bears. “Bob was recognized as the 2011-12 ECHL Broadcaster of the Year. Our fans and the Central Florida media will enjoy Bob’s talents and passion for the game of hockey.”

The Solar Bears expect to announce a number of player signings, details for our OSB Training Camp dates, details regarding the formation of the OSB Alumni Association, two trophies that will be awarded annually to a current Bears player in honor and memory of both Dan Snyder and Rob Kenny, and a number of exciting promotional events over the next 2-4 weeks. The team also plans to unveil its 3rd jersey during the early portion of the season. Follow the Solar Bears at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and updates.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and AHL's Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012.

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or fill out the form to the right.

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/