June 9 , 2008
Federated Investors Parade of Champions To Celebrate Pittsburgh's Unrivaled Sports History
250 years of champions honored during weekend fan festival, June 20-22
PITTSBURGH, April 2, 2008 – Federated Investors Parade of Champions, a Pittsburgh
250 celebration sponsored by Pittsburgh-based investment manager Federated Investors, will welcome back some of Pittsburgh's most famous sports heroes during a three-day fan festival at the Senator John Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum.
Throughout the Federated Investors Parade of Champions weekend, set for June 20-22, 2008, thousands of families and sports enthusiasts will enjoy:
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Autograph signings from former Pittsburgh champion athletes;*
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Championship trophies from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pirates and Steelers;
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Interactive sports activities designed for children and adults alike;
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A "lost teams" section featuring artifacts from defunct Pittsburgh teams, including the Condors, Crawfords, Hornets, Maulers, Pipers, Rens and Homestead Grays;
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Highlight videos of Pittsburgh's most memorable championship moments; and
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Access to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, a two-floor museum-within-a-museum inside the History Center.
“As part of Pittsburgh’s 250th birthday celebration, the Federated Investors Parade of Champions will welcome back the world-class athletes and re-live the championship moments that have helped to inspire our region,” said Andy Masich, president and CEO of the History Center. “With sports stars, championship trophies and fun for the whole family, we expect the event to be a big hit with residents and out-of-towners alike, with an anticipated sellout crowd over the three day celebration.”
A variety of sports champions will participate in the June 20-22 weekend festivities, including members of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pirates and Steelers, as well as former Olympic and collegiate athletes and members of Pittsburgh’s “lost teams.”
Event organizers hope to secure a representative from every major sports championship team – from the 1930s Pittsburgh Crawfords and Homestead Grays to more recent champions from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Passion – as well as individual-sport champions.**
"Federated Investors Parade of Champions builds on the success of the Pittsburgh 250 Reunion and Homecoming Campaign, which encourages people across 14 counties to schedule meetings, conferences and family reunions during our anniversary year," said Jeffrey Letwin,
co-chair of Reunion 2008 and chairman of VisitPittsburgh. "To date, dozens of individuals and organizations have scheduled events that will bring tens of thousands of visitors to our region. More than 600 couples turned out to set a world record for wedding vow renewals during our first, sold out event in February organized by the Carnegie Museums. We expect that with the History Center's leadership, Federated Investors Parade of Champions will be every bit as hot a ticket as we reunite the athletes who brought so many championships home."
Updated information about the event and a list of current athletes can be found on the History Center’s Web site at www.pghhistory.org.
Proceeds from the Federated Investors Parade of Champions benefit the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, the Pirates Charities and the preferred charities of the Penguins and Steelers.
Adult admission for the Federated Investors Parade of Champions is $20 for a one-day pass or $50 for a three-day pass. Children under the age of 12 are admitted for $12.50 and children under the age of six are admitted free. Admission includes autograph signings, all event activities and access to all five floors of the History Center, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum, and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum.
Beginning Monday, April 7, Federated Investors Parade of Champions tickets will be available online through TicketMaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 412-321-1919.
Hours for the Federated Investors Parade of Champions are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on June 20 and 21; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 22.
About the Senator John Heinz History Center:
The Senator John Heinz History Center is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the largest history museum in Pennsylvania. The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum is a museum within a museum, comprehensively presenting the region’s remarkable sports story through hundreds of artifacts and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. The History Center and Sports Museum are located at 1212 Smallman Street in the city’s Strip District, and are open every day. More information is available at www.pghhistory.org.
About Pittsburgh 250:
Pittsburgh 250 is the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the naming of the region in 1758. With the support of business, government and civic leaders from across the region, Pittsburgh 250 has set three goals: Improve awareness of southwestern Pennsylvania as a global leader in arts, science and quality of life through an integrated marketing effort; support the completion of lasting signature projects that connect the region’s past to its future; and improve the region’s competitiveness for future generations by encouraging grassroots participation in improving communities, attracting visitors and living healthier lives.
About Federated Investors:
Federated Investors, Inc. is one of the largest investment management firms in the United States, managing $301.6 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, 2007. With 148 mutual funds and various separately managed accounts, Federated provides comprehensive investment management worldwide to more than 5,400 institutions and intermediaries including corporations, government entities, insurance companies, foundations and endowments, banks and broker/dealers.
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* Autographs are limited to two items per visitor. The purchase of a ticket does not guarantee autograph or opportunity to meet any advertised personalities.
Personalities reserve the right to cancel appearance up to and including date(s) of event.
** A list of participating athletes can be found at www.pghhistory.org. Schedule is subject to change up to and including date(s) of event.
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