Potawatomi Hotel & Casino Provides $10 Million Streetcar Sponsorship in Milwaukee
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino provides $10 million streetcar sponsorship in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE, WI - (October 9, 2017) – Mayor Tom Barrett has announced that Potawatomi Hotel & Casino and the Forest County Potawatomi will be the presenting sponsor for Milwaukee’s new streetcar, called “The Hop.” As part of the 12-year, $10 million agreement, Potawatomi will also sponsor free rides for everyone for the first 12 months of operation.
“This is yet another important and exciting step for the City of Milwaukee and the streetcar. The momentum keeps building,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “We’re thrilled to have Potawatomi Hotel & Casino as our partner in moving Milwaukee forward.”
Currently under construction, the streetcar’s Phase 1 line is expected to begin service in fall 2018, with a Lakefront Line to follow in coordination with the construction of The Couture development in 2019.
“The Forest County Potawatomi have committed to investing in Milwaukee. Like our recently announced hotel expansion, this is one more example of that commitment,” said Potawatomi Hotel & Casino Chief Operating Officer Rodney Ferguson. “As Wisconsin’s most visited entertainment destination, we are proud to have our brand aligned with The Hop streetcar brand.”
The name “The Hop” was developed as part of a branding process conducted in 2016 with the help of a community input panel. The city hopes the name “The Hop” will become part of the local vernacular, emphasizing that destinations are just a quick hop away.
According to Paul Upchurch, president & CEO of VISIT Milwaukee, “VISIT Milwaukee is grateful to Potawatomi Hotel & Casino for its investment in The Hop and in the City of Milwaukee. The Forest County Potawatomi continue to be a major supporter and contributor to our community through charitable work, sponsorships, and investments in our infrastructure and in our citizens. We are especially pleased to learn that through their generosity, all riders will receive free admission for the first 12 months. This makes getting around so much easier for residents and visitors. The Hop is another great reason to live, work, and play in Milwaukee.”
Brand elements, including vehicles, signage and website, will be developed and rolled out in early 2018. Until then, construction information will continue to be available at http://www.themilwaukeestreetcar.com
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About Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Set in the heart of Milwaukee, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is Wisconsin’s premier entertainment destination, offering guests the best in gaming, dining and entertainment. Theproperty features six award-winning restaurants, the intimate 500-seat Northern Lights Theater and more than 60,000 sq. feet of event space. A 381-room, 19-story hotel opened in August 2014. To discover more visit http://www.paysbig.com
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About VISIT Milwaukee
Celebrating 50 years in 2017, VISIT Milwaukee is the Greater Milwaukee area’s convention & visitors bureau, marketing the destination as a top choice for business, convention, and leisure travel to national and international visitors to increase the economic impact of tourism in the region. Each year, tourism supports over 50,000 full-time jobs and brings in over $5 billion to the community. VISIT Milwaukee has over 680 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. The City of Wauwatosa, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit http://www.visitmilwaukee.org
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