Global Spectrum Announces Sun National Bank as New Naming Rights Sponsor for Mercer County Arena

Global Spectrum, operator of the Sovereign Bank Arena, announced today that the arena will be changing its name to the Sun National Bank Center. The Arena celebrated its 10 Year Anniversary on October 6, at which time its naming rights contract with Sovereign Bank expired. Global Spectrum has been actively seeking a new partner and is excited to announce the newly formed partnership with Sun National Bank.

Sun National Bank is the second largest commercial bank headquartered in New Jersey and has served the state’s market place for 25 years. With 70 locations from Cape May to Essex counties, Sun’s New Jersey-focus was integral to securing the partnership.

“Sun is proud to form this strategic partnership with Mercer County and further demonstrate our commitment to the area and all who live, work and visit here,” said Thomas X. Geisel, Sun National Bank president and CEO. “As a New Jersey bank that prides itself on local delivery of both banking services and community support, this endeavor strengthens our long-term ties to Mercer County and allows us to do what we do best – work together with our fellow New Jersey partners, communities and families.”

Sun National Bank Center, the 10,000-seat home of the Trenton Devils (East Coast Hockey League), Philadelphia Passion (Lingerie Football League), and the NJ Kings (American Indoor Football Association – scheduled to start in March 2010) opened on October 6, 1999. Over the past decade, the Arena has hosted international music sensations like Cher, Bruce Springsteen, and Elton John; top sports events such as the 2006 NCAA Women's Division I Basketball First and Second Rounds, and 2009 NCAA Women’s Division I Basketball Trenton Regional; and family-friendly entertainment like the Blue Man Group, Cirque Du Soleil, Disney On Ice, and The Harlem Globetrotters.

“Global Spectrum is truly excited to partner with a company so invested in their community as Sun National Bank is,” said Global Spectrum’s Jeff Schumacher, general manager of the Sun National Bank Center. “We are looking forward to continue the celebration of our 10 year anniversary with a new sponsor on board and together be able to continue to bring the best entertainment to Mercer County.”

“We warmly welcome Sun National Bank as new sponsor to our popular Arena,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “This is a great opportunity for Mercer County to partner with a prominent and caring local business that has a deep commitment to our region. Mercer County wishes Sun National Bank great success as we together take steps toward rebranding this terrific venue and help create wonderful memories for its visitors and fans.”

The transition between Sovereign Bank Arena and Sun National Bank Center, including all interior and exterior signage, will be complete by the end of the year.

Sun Bancorp, Inc. is a $3.5 billion asset bank holding company headquartered in Vineland, New Jersey. Its primary subsidiary is Sun National Bank, serving customers through 70 locations in New Jersey. The Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and its deposits are insured up to the legal maximum by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). For more information about Sun National Bank and Sun Bancorp, Inc., visit www.sunnb.com.

Global Spectrum (global-spectrum.com) is the fastest growing firm in the public assembly facility management field with more than 80 facilities throughout the United States and Canada. The Philadelphia-based company is part of one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment companies, Comcast-Spectacor, which also owns the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, Flyers Skate Zone, a series of community ice skating rinks, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, a regional sports programming network, Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage services provider, New Era Tickets, a full-service ticketing and marketing product for public assembly facilities, and Front Row Marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company and 3601 Creative Group, a full-service in-house advertising agency. In a partnership with Disson Skating, Comcast-Spectacor annually produces 10 nationally televised figure skating spectaculars on NBC.

Monday, November 16, 2009