March 3, 2016

SOLAR BEARS WIN D.O.P. GOLDEN BRICK AWARD

Organization and Partners Recognized for 2015 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL’s Toronto Marlies, announced that the team has been recognized by the Downtown Orlando Partnership with a Golden Brick Award for Sports Special Events in Orlando for the 2015 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Visit Orlando last January.

“We are certainly pleased that our team and employees were recognized by their peers in the marketplace,” said CEO Jason Siegel. “We do our best each and every day to be a valuable part of the Orlando community and strive to showcase the sport of hockey and Central Florida as a whole through marquee events like these.”

With the help of Ryan Crelin and the ECHL League Offices, and their partners from Visit

Orlando, the City of Orlando, Orange County, the Downtown Development Board, Central Florida Sports Commission, Orlando Venues, and Levy Restaurants, among others, the Solar Bears hosted a week-long series of events surrounding the All-Star Game in numerous Central Florida locations in January of 2015. The week's events were capped off with Fanfest on Jan. 20, and the team welcomed 9,288 fans to the 2015 ECHL All-Star Classic the following day. This number represented the game’s highest attendance since 2000 and the third-largest crowd in the event’s history.

The event led to an estimated $4.2 million in economic impact for Downtown Orlando, and was a finalist for the award alongside the Cure Bowl and Orlando City Soccer’s week of events leading into their inaugural game.

“It’s always an honor to be considered among great organizations like City Soccer and the fantastic work done for the Cure Bowl” said Siegel. “We’re proud to be a part of the sports landscape here and look forward to helping to bring more outstanding events to the area.”

The Solar Bears continue their fourth season in the ECHL, presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A., when they they take on the Manchester Monarchs at the Verizon Wireles Arena on Friday, Mar. 4 at 7 p.m. Fans can listen to the game at iHeartSolarBears.com or watch via ECHL.TV.

for the Solar Bears 2015-16 promotional and events calendar.

Single-game tickets for the 2015-16 season are on sale now and can be purchased for as little as $15 at the Amway Center Box Office or online at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or Ticketmaster.com.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Toronto Marlies, play all of their home games at the Amway Center, the 2012 Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook, and Twitter (@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates. Stay in touch with Shades on Instagram by following ShadestheSolarBear.

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call 407-951-8200 or visit www.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/groups.

Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased online at: http://store.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/.

To read the Solar Bears Report to the Community, click here.