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March 17, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Kathy Lowrey Northshore Harbor Center 985-285-6393 Cirque in Black & White: A New Experience for the Northshore Slidell, Louisiana – The Northshore Harbor Center’s third anniversary celebration being held on June 28, 2008 from 7pm until Midnight, will deliver an element that the Northshore community will have to see to believe. The black and white tradition continues with this year’s “Cirque in Black & White” theme. The spectacular evening will include not just fabulous food and music, but entertainment that will captivate and surprise attendees. Picture aerialists swinging overhead, ribbon twirlers dancing around you, stilt walkers parading past you and a Master of Ceremonies bringing order to the chaos! Presented by The Friends of The Northshore Harbor Center, this third anniversary gala promises guests all of this and much more. Cirque in Black & White will once again showcase the Harbor Center’s vision of unique and unparalleled service and event production. The Friends of the Harbor Center is a non-profit organization with the sole purpose of raising funds and support for the Northshore Harbor Center. Cirque in Black & White is their largest fundraising event and will be an unforgettable evening. Tickets for the gala will be available soon at a cost of $75 per person. A limited number of $1,500 “Big Top” table sponsorships remain available. For ticket or sponsorship information, please call 985-781-3650. ### |
Northshore Harbor Center committee to explore private management
The Northshore Harbor Center Board of Commissioners will form a committee to consider the pros and cons of hiring a private firm to oversee the management of the Slidell area convention center.
The panel also will examine the benefits of forming a partnership with parish government.
Stressing that the committee's objective will simply be to gather information, board chairman Kurt Bozant said Tuesday he will appoint committee members over the next two weeks. The discussion about how to manage the facility follows the resignation of general manager Kerry Painter, who left April 1 to take a position at the Niagara Falls Convention Center and Civic Center in Canada. Kathy Lowrey, previously the Harbor Center's sales and marketing manager, is serving as interim general manager until a permanent replacement has been named. Board member Derise "Deb" Morel said that outside management, such as that used by the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, was considered by the board before Painter was hired as the center's first general manager in 2003. "Of course today's another day and there could be a consensus for either direction. But we're not going to be intimidated or in any rush to make a decision. We're fortunate to have a well-seasoned staff and have more than enough confidence that they're going to take the center in a positive direction," Morel said. "A decision has not been made one way or another. My concern is that we inform our constituents, that they are made aware of the information we receive every step of the way," commissioner Gwen Wade said. Commissioner Larry Hess suggested that while the board was weighing the management issue it also might consider the potential benefits of forming a partnership with parish government. Whatever form the partnership would take would have to be defined and agreed upon by both entities, and would require legislative approval. Board member Boogie Gomila agreed that a cooperative agreement might provide a valuable source of support, specifically from the point of overhead costs. "We have a 10-year window with our tax, but when that 10 years runs out, the center needs to be strong and on its feet," he said. Commissioner Warren Haun recalled that the original decision to become an independent governmental entity in the 8th and 9th Wards was made after much deliberation. "I think you'll agree our authority is far greater than any other organization in this parish. Our independence has served us well." Board member Donna O'Daniel asked to serve on the committee and cautioned the board to expect the fact-finding to take a great deal of time. "This is a big project and not something that's going to be decided quickly," she said. |
Five dollars Gets Everyone on Your List a Gift
Tickets are on sale now for the Toys for Tots raffle. Prizes have already been donated by
The Wine Market, STARC, N.O. Firemen’s Federal Credit Union, Crossgates Athletic, WalMart, Holiday Inn, Magic Glo Car Wash, Hilton Homewood Suites, Galloway Studio of Dance, Bayou Country General Store, Gymnastics Plus, St. Tammany Tourist Commission, Global Wildlife, Anytime Fitness, Carreta’s Grill, Brad Thompson Fine Arts Gallery, Annette’s House of Décor, Cameo Photography, Beignet Station, PJ’s Coffee, Anne’s Flower Shop, Slidell Gun & Knife Show, Honda of Slidell. With more arriving everyday, prizes already include everything from fine art and wine to bath baskets, gift certificates and stuffed animals. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and may be purchased at the Northshore Harbor Center, East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce and the West St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce. All proceeds from the raffle will purchase toys for the Marine Corps toy collection. For more information, call 985-781-3650. ### |
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November 21, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kathy Lowrey
Northshore Harbor Center
985-285-6393
klowrey@harborcenter.org
Marines Land at the Northshore Harbor Center
The Marines will land at the Northshore Harbor Center…the Marine Forces Reserve Band that is. The Marine Corps Band will bring their Christmas Extravaganza “Santa Meets Sousa” to the Northshore Harbor Center in Slidell on December 12th as part of their annual Toys for Tots campaign. Admission to the performance is free, but donation of at least one new, unwrapped toy is encouraged. The show will begin at 7:30pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.
The band which consists of 49 members will treat the audience to holiday music including comedy, big band, jazz, caroling and feature everything from the woodwind quintet to the full concert band. The Northshore Harbor Center has set a goal to exceed the 900 toy record of toys gathered at one event. All toys collected will be distributed to children in the area. The Harbor Center is also challenging area businesses to join the "50 Toys or More" Club!! They will recognize all groups or businesses who reach the 50 toy mark on stage at the Holiday Chamber Luncheon at the Harbor Center on December 12th at 11:30.
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Marines and Toys
For Immediate Release
November 1, 2007
As you read about in the Northshore Harbor Center’s newsletter. Our intent is to collect record amounts of toys this year. So many people have given graciously to us during our recovery period that now it’s time to give back! The record is 900 toys at one event and we’re hoping to do better than that by asking groups such as the Home owners associations, Lions, Rotary, PTA’s, Churches, Businesses, the Chamber etc…to lead the charge and collect toys along with us. If you will consider adding this to your various newsletters or mentioning it in your affiliated meetings we’d be so grateful.
There are three things happening to make this a wonderful holiday event:
We’re collecting gift certificates or business donations to include in an enormous basket to be raffled on December 12th at the East St Tammany Chamber lunch. Please send your donation to the Harbor Center or the East St Tammany Chamber by December 7th. Attendance to win not required. Tickets are 5.00 each available at the East St Tammany Chamber of Commerce or the Harbor Center.
We’re collecting toys from now until December 12th for the Toys for Tots campaign.
We’re hosting the regional concert/holiday show on December 12th at the Northshore Harbor Center at 7:30 pm (Doors at 6:30). Admission is free and seats are first-come first-serve.
Please assist this wonderful effort in any way possible. All the toys remain in the area so on behalf of the Parish children…we say Thank you!
Music, Marines, and toys galore will be the theme for the evening on December 12th at the Harbor Center! For admission, simply bring in at least one new toy. Help us beat the record of 900 toys at one event! Space is limited—first come, first served. To add to the festivities, we proudly challenge all businesses in the Parish to donate a gift certificate to be used in a large gift basket which will be raffled off at the Chamber Lunch that day. Proceeds will go to the Toys for Tots event. Be generous, and be sure your business is a part of all the fun! More information on this exciting event is coming soon, so be sure to watch our website,
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Imagination Movers Coming to Northshore Harbor Center in Slidell
Catch the Playhouse Disney Stars on Saturday, May 5 at 11 a.m.!
What: The Imagination Movers in Concert!
Movers Rich Collins, Scott Durbin, Scott “Smitty” Smith and Dave Poche are the
national award-winning kids’ rock band, The Imagination Movers.
When: Saturday, May 5 – 11 a.m.
Where: Northshore Harbor Center
100 Harbor Center Boulevard, Slidell
Tickets: $12 per person
Charge by phone 985-781-3650
April 5, 2007, New Orleans, LA – Calling all Movers fans! Catch Playhouse Disney’s Imagination Movers, Saturday, May 5 at 11am at the Northshore Harbor Center in Slidell. Celebrate the release of the Movers’ new Playhouse Disney videos with a high-energy, interactive concert featuring your favorite Movers songs including: “Clean My Room,” “I Want My Mommy,” “My Favorite Snack,” and other original, rock and hip hop tunes. Tickets are $12 and may be charged by phone at 985-781-3650. All seating is by general admission.
“We are excited to play the Northshore Harbor Center. Nothing compares to playing for our hometown fans! Their energy, enthusiasm and excitement are an inspiration to us," says Imagination Mover Rich Collins. Following the Slidell performance, the Imagination Movers will launch their summer tour with concerts scheduled in Georgia, Vermont, California, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Alabama, Illinois, and Ohio.
--more-
Imagination Movers –
The Imagination Movers are national award-winning musicians who have scored a national #1 hit song on XM Kids national satellite radio and earned rave reviews from Parenting magazine, Scholastic Parent & Child magazine, and The Washington Post among others. Beginning in mid-April, you can catch the Imagination Movers new, action-packed videos each morning on Playhouse Disney including: "Mover Music," "Farm," "Seven Days a Week," "Imagination Movers Theme Song" and "Shakable You." Visit www.imaginationmovers.com for the Playhouse Disney video schedule, to listen to Movers music, and for free MP3 music downloads.
For additional information about the Imagination Movers’ May 5th performance at the Northshore Harbor Center or to purchase tickets, visit www.northshoreharborcenter.com or call 985-781-3650.
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April 4, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kathy Lowrey
Northshore Harbor Center
985-285-6393
klowrey@harborcenter.org
Battle of the Bands Rocks the Northshore Harbor Convention Center
On April 14th, the Northshore Harbor Convention Center will host the “Rocking the Harbor” Battle of the Bands. The battle, one of the region’s largest will include sixteen local bands competing for a plethora of prizes. Open to all age, original bands, the competition will consist of two phases. Each band will perform two songs in the elimination round, beginning at 10am and ending at 5pm. The best six bands will compete in the finals beginning at 6pm. Competing bands hail from throughout the area and include rock, metal, punk, ska, Christian rock and more.
Prizes include studio time, a complete 1,000 CD package consisting of Graphic Label Design by award winning designer Diana Thornton, label and folder insert printing, as well as CD pressing. An electric guitar, performances at the Best of the Battle concert, Fall Bayou Jam and Coast Coliseum Summer Fair are among other prizes. “Our generous sponsors have allowed us to provide the winners with all the tools needed to kick-start their music career,” said Kathy Lowrey, Sales and Marketing Manager at the Northshore Harbor Center. “We have been fortunate enough to obtain a distinguished panel of judges comprised of people knowledgeable of the New Orleans area music scene. Chris Recinos, Talent Coordinator for the House of Blues and Miguel Rincon, Manager of the Howlin Wolf are just two such personalities,” said Lowrey.
When asked about his participation, Recinos said, “It’s been a long while since someone has come along and taken an idea to help support local music, and actually made it work. Between the prizes offered, the sponsors, and the list of talent involved, this promises to be an event that will surpass all expectations and that will succeed where many, many others have failed miserably. I’m looking forward to being a part of this event.” ### |
March 4, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact : Kathy Lowrey
Northshore Harbor Center
985-285-6393
klowrey@harborcenter.org
2007 IAAM Mid-Managers Conference to be at Northshore Harbor Center
The Northshore Harbor Center is proud to announce a contract was signed today to locate the International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM) Mid-managers annual conference to Slidell LA from June 17 – 19, 2007. Hugh Austin, The District 5 Manager and Executive Director of the Georgia International Convention Center remarked, “There’s something powerful about being able to do our part to help Louisiana recover and being able to help our newest convention facility prosper in such a difficult time. Who better to bring tourism and conventions back to the area but those who host them for a living?”
The mid-manger’s conference draws delegates from six states; Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee and of course Louisiana. Close to a hundred delegates are expected to attend this year’s conference. Larry Perkins, IAAM President from the Carolina Hurricanes was delighted to note, “I know our people will have three great days learning and experiencing all the great things the Northshore has to offer. Not only will they have a good time and bond with fellow facility mangers but they’ll walk away knowing we played a little part in jump-starting conventions resurrections in Louisiana. It’s the least we could do to support our newest convention facility.”
IAAM represents public assembly facilities from around the globe; its active members include managers and senior executives from auditoriums, arenas, convention centers, exhibit halls, stadiums, performing arts theaters, and amphitheaters. Member facilities represent huge expenditures of public and private funds. They attract millions of patrons to an astonishing variety of events from football to basketball, from baseball to hockey, from rock concerts to conventions, conferences, ballets...the list is almost endless. IAAM also counts more than 400 Allied companies among its members. These companies provide products and services used by managers. Through their IAAM membership, these Allied members are able to present their products to this vast market. The International Association of Assembly Managers is an association whose purpose is to provide leadership, to educate, to inform and to cultivate friendships among individuals involved in the management, operation and support of public assembly facilities.
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February 23, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kathy Lowrey
Northshore Harbor Center
985-285-6393
klowrey@harborcenter.org
World Title Bout Held at Northshore Harbor Convention Center
When Ultimate Combat Fighting returns to the Northshore Harbor Convention Center on March 3, 2007 the stakes will be high for competitors as they enter the 22 foot steel cage. No Love Entertainment, one of the top producers of combat fighting will hold the eight man world title bout which will attract some of America’s top fighters. The world title bout will be the third action-packed competition produced at the convention center on the Northshore. “The first two were sell outs, with over one hundred waiting outside hoping for an unclaimed ticket so this one is certain to sell out quickly”, said Kathy Lowrey, Sales & Marketing Manager for the facility. Hurricane Katrina forced the producer to find an alternate location for the competitions which were previously held at casinos on the Gulf Coast.
No Love Entertainment owner, Rich Clemente is a world-renowned combat fighting competitor himself, being ranked last year among the top ten in the world as a lightweight. Clemente was the first fighter from LA to fight in the UFC and the first American to do a tag team mixed martial arts fight in Japan. He was chosen and appeared on the Ultimate Fighter Reality Show on Spike TV in 2006. The Northshore Harbor Convention Center was a logical location choice for Clemente, a resident and respected business owner in Slidell. Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.steelcagefighting.com or by calling 888-FIGHT-90.
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For Immediate Release
Date: 20 January 2006
Contact: Larry Hess, 649-3665
Organization: St. Tammany Fire Protection District No. 1 - Slidell, La.
Title: Fire District No. Honors Hurricane Katrina Heroes
St. Tammany Fire Protection District No. 1 serving approximately 100,000 citizens in Slidell and the unincorporated area surrounding Slidell will hold a formal Awards and Recognitions Ceremony on Wednesday, 25 January 2006, at 6:30 PM at the Northshore Harbor Center.
According to Fire Chief Larry Hess approximately 160 fire department members, faith based groups, elected officials, private citizens, and corporations will be honored for their assistance during the response and recovery to Hurricane Katrina.
Awards will be categorized into three classes with Class 1 being reserved for those who went far beyond their duty in assisting the department and community.
Amongst those being honored are Parish President Kevin Davis, Mayor Ben Morris, Police Chief Freddy Drennan, Sheriff Jack Strain, Slidell Memorial Hospital, Winn-Dixie, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Northshore Medical Center, and many others.
The event will culminate with the awarding of Firefighter of the Year for 2005. This recognition is reserved for a firefighter who has been placed in peril while saving the life of another.
The event will last approximately three hours.
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Combat Fighting |
Destruction Press Release
NO LOVE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
Slidell’s hardest hitting fight promotion “No Love Entertainment” brings you “DESTRUCTION”, February 4th 2006 at the brand new North Shore Harbor Center located in Slidell, Louisiana (Right off of the Oak Harbor exit on Interstate 10 then follow the signs) Come watch the south’s most exciting action packed event with some of America’s top fighters. You will see these gladiators compete in our new 22-foot steel cage.
The main event for the evening will be against two up and coming lightweight fighters who both are ready to see who has what it takes to fight for the Title. JC Pennington who resides in Slidell has proven his reputation as a finisher will be stepping in with a 6-1 record while his challenger, Gary Bergeron right across the bridge from St. Bernard will be showing his skills as a Golden Gloves boxer with more than 30 bouts under his belt. Also featured on the card will be Kyle Bradley (LA.) Rich Chavez (TX.) Sam Ortiz (LA.) Chuck Roy (TX) Calvin Doss (LA) Brock (LA) Big John Brown (MS) and many other national fighters.
You can purchase your Limited Cage Side seats for $40 or General Seating for $20 Tickets will be on sale the day of the event. Doors will open at 7pm and fights will start at 8pm. Ticket may be purchased at the event center the day of the event or get your online before they run out at WWW.RealityCombat.TV
After the fight come and meet and greet with the fighters at Daiquiris & Creams located at 2060 W. Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA. 985-781-9878. We will also be announcing a surprise for the fighters and fans at the event for the after party. Bonus a new premier Tanning company “2B TAN” opening up in March in the same complex as WOW wingery (right around the corner from the mall in Slidell) will be hosting its first 2B TAN ring girl contest. Winner will receive one year free tanning at Slidell’s hottest and trendiest new Tanning Facility.
SEE YA AT THE FIGHTS WWW.RealityCombat.TV
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Events in full swing at Northshore Harbor Center |
SLIDELL SENTRY
January 6, 2006
Events are in full swing again at the Northshore Harbor Center.
The Harbor Center, the newest addition to the New Orleans area convention and event center market held its grand opening gala on May 21, 2005. That was 100 days before Katrina blew into New Orleans.
A couple million dollars in damage and 100 days later, the Harbor Center is once again the site of events.
The building served as a Red Cross shelter for six weeks, housing as many as 300 displaced residents.
Once the shelter closed five weeks ago, preparations immediately began to prepare the building for events that had been scheduled prior to the storm.
Determined to be the economic engine for the area that it was designed to be, the center has continued to accept new bookings, even as the repairs have proceeded.
There has been a tremendous increase in number of people interested in booking the building for a wide variety of events. Those events include conferences, weddings, boxing matches, corporate events, consumer shows, training classes and even colleges looking for a location to get classes up and running again.
The center is also slated to be the site for the culmination of the Feel Good Tour concert.
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Northshore Harbor Center In The News |
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'Hot Summer Nights' to revisit the '50s |
 BY SHELL ARMSTRONG
SLIDELL SENTRY-NEWS
SLIDELL - Bobby socks, ducktails and poodle skirts will be the attire of the day Saturday, Aug. 13, when the Northshore Harbor Center hosts "Hot Summer Nights."
A celebration of the '50s, the back-to-school bash will include live music, volleyball in the sand, a costume contest and an indoor showing of the movie "Grease."
"This is a great way to end the summer and have one last blow-out before the new school year begins," said Kathy Lowrey, the Harbor Center's sales and marketing manager. "This is a great opportunity for the community to come out and have fun and enjoy the Harbor Center. After all, they helped build this center, it's theirs to enjoy."
"Hot Summer Nights" will kick off with music by Witness, a popular local band, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Lowrey said sand is being shipped in for the beach volleyball games, and a 1950s costume contest for adults and young ones.
The top prize winner in the adult competition will take home a package that includes a weekend get-away for two to the Ritz-Carlton, a jazz dinner cruise for two on the Steamboat Natchez, tickets to Mardi Gras World, and other area attractions.
The children's contest winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Academy Sporting Goods and a back-to-school gift basket from Office Depot.
At 8 p.m., the community will be invited indoors for the lawn-chair showing of "Grease," the musical starring Olivia Newton John and John Travolta.
"We're inviting everyone to come inside the Grand Hall, bring their lawn chairs, and enjoy the movie on the big screen drive-in style," Lowrey said.
Concessions will be available, she said. No outside food or beverages, pets or ice chests/coolers will be allowed inside the Harbor Center.
"Hot Summer Nights" is sponsored by Cross Gates Athletic Club, Gibbs Construction, Rotolo Consultants, Inc., and Whitney National Bank.
"We hope to have many more events for the public in the future," Lowrey said. "We're hoping everyone will dress up, bring a lawn chair, and come enjoy the fun." |
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The Times-Picayune
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Contract is awarded for NHC's kitchen
By Ann Barks
St. Tammany bureau
The Northshore Harbor Center is cooking.
Board Treasurer Graydon Hass announced that all three bids to construct the event center's kitchen -- deemed by commissioners as the No. 1 priority -- came in below the budgeted amount of $1.2 million.
Low bidder was Roy Frischhertz Construction of Jefferson, which came in at $1,066,800. Work should begin in about two months and will start with driving pilings for the foundation. Hass estimated the work will be complete in nine to 10 months.
The kitchen has been termed by the board as critical to its ability to successfully market the events center.
With the Harbor Center's recent grand opening weekend considered a striking success, the facility's staff is planning another public event for Aug. 13, the day after school starts in the parish.
"We need to do things to keep getting the community here to become really familiar with and aware of the Harbor Center they have built," General Manager Kerry Painter said. She dubbed the coming event "a last summer blast."
The 1950s themed evening will begin with a free outdoor concert from 5 to 8 p.m. There will also be a period costume contest with prizes, Painter said. After the concert, those attending can bring lawn chairs inside the Great Hall and watch the 1950s-themed hit movie, "Grease."
In other business, board Chair Deb Morel said the Harbor Center's request for $3.06 million in capital outlay funds from the state has passed in the House and could be heard on the Senate floor this week.
Of the money, $3 million would be to construct the wing of the building that had to be dropped as costs outran the budget when the expense of materials such as steel spiked. That wing would hold meeting rooms and a small recital hall as well as the circular lobby at the front of the building. The remaining $60,000 would be earmarked for theater seats.
Directional signs on Interstate 10 for the Harbor Center should be coming soon, according to Painter. All have been approved by state highway department, including a listing on the overhead green exit signs, and are awaiting installation.
The board's next meeting is July 13 at 7:30 a.m. at the Harbor Center. |
Slidell Sentry-News
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Slidell to get ABA franchise
Louisiana Blues to play at Harbor Center
By David Purdum
Professional basketball is coming to Slidell.
Negotiations are ongoing between the expansion American Basketball Association franchise Louisiana Blues and the Northshore Harbor Center to make accommodations for the upcoming season, officials from both parties confirmed Wednesday.
"We're trying to figure out how the Harbor Center can accommodate us, and how we can accomadate the Harbor Center," Blues Vice President of Marketing Craig Robinson explained.
The Blues will play their home games at Joe Brown Park in New Orleans East until the Harbor Center acquires the required equipment.
"We're in the process of figuring out how to make this facility ready for the Blues," said Northshore Harbor Center General Manager Kerry Painter. "We have to get the right kind of floors, goals and enough seating for 2,000 people."
Painter added that Blues and Harbor Center personnel will meet today to "put a dollar amount" on what is needed to be ready for the start of the five-month season in November.
The Blues will be the third ABA franchise in Louisiana, joining the Lake Charles Hurricanes and the second-year Baton Rouge Cajun Pelicans.
The Blues will compete in the Midwest Division and be coached by former Continental Basketball Association head coach Jim McCaa, who will also act as the team's general manger.
Robinson said the Blues currently have one player signed -- Andre Wade, a 6-foot-6 guard out of Central State (OH).
The Blues will be holding open tryouts on Friday and Saturday at Joe Brown Park. There will be a second tryout in Slidell at a time and date to be announced.
For more information regarding sponsorships or the tryouts, contact Robinson or Blues' Operations Manager Kyle Franklin at (504) 920-1196 or (504) 239-1531 |
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