Brooklyn's Progress
December 2006/January 2007

BY HAROLD EGELN

Aviator Sports and Recreation located at Hangar 5 at the historic Floyd Bennett Field has embarked on a partnership with Madison Square Garden. The venture, which will capitalize on the star power of current and past pros from the NY Knicks, NHL's Rangers and WNBA's Liberty League, was announced at a press conference on the basketball courts at the 170,000 square-foot mega-sports complex.

"Partnering with the most iconic name in sports, Madison Square Garden, is a unique opportunity that will help put the facility solidly on the map," said Steven Gluckstein, Chairman, Aviator Sports and Recreation LLC.

The partnership with MSG consists of a financial investment and a commitment to bring team programming to Aviator that includes hosting basketball and ice hockey camps, and scheduled appearances of famed athletes, past and present. Aviator and the National Parks Service, which oversees the Gateway National Area where Aviator is located, stands to gain quite a bit from the promotional exposure of  MSG-Media and arena events.

“Madison Square Garden is entering a period of significant growth, in which we are seeking opportunities that leverage our unrivaled assets and extend the power and presence of MSG beyond its traditional location and into the community,” said Hank Ratner, Vice Chairman, Madison Square Garden.

The Aviator facility sits on 25 acres at the 75 year-old Floyd Bennet Field, once used by famous pilots. Aviator features indoor ice hockey and skating rinks; basketball courts; fitness, gymnastics and dance centers; and a large food court, “The Brooklyn Food Hall of Fame.”

“As New York's premier sports and media company, we can bring tremendous value to partners, such as Aviator Sports and Recreation, that want to be associated with the unique strength and reach of Madison Square Garden,” said Mr. Ratner.

“We could not be more thrilled to have Madison Square Garden as one of our partners,” said Tom Wells, General Manager, Aviator. “Our members and the entire community will benefit from this great programming opportunity this relationship with provide.”