Category: Entertainment News

The Authentic French Sparkling Wine Brand Grows to New Jersey, Florida, Massachusetts and more

LOS ANGELES — (BUSINESS WIRE) — First Growth Brands, a builder of brands and importer of unique, premium, authentic wines from Europe, will expand it’s regional footprint of the company’s flagship brand, Faire La Fête, the authentic French sparkling wine.

Already distributed in 26 states across the country, Faire La Fête will now be sold in six new markets beginning on October 1st; including New Jersey with Allied Beverage Group, Massachusetts and Rhode Island with Horizon Beverage, Connecticut with Brescome Barton plus Florida and Indiana with Southern Glazers.

Additionally, with Faire La Fête’s rapid growth in the New York market, the brand will be moving to the Emerald Division of Southern Glazers, plus participating in the New York Food & Wine Festival on October 15th.

“We are delighted with the successful expansion for Faire La Fête in the key ‘sparkling wine’ markets,” said Chris Siconolfi, Senior Vice President of Sales. “Our goal is to build the brand into a strong player and leader in the French Sparkling wine category.”

Faire La Fête is the vibrant sparkler that rivals all non-vintage Champagne brands for 1/3 of the price. Developed in Limoux, France, the village that discovered, and first produced sparkling wine in 1531, Faire La Fête is hand harvested by 8th generation families and aged for up to 24 months, longer than similar Champagnes that cost $50 or more a bottle. Faire la Fête is a “champagne for all” with a $20 price point.

Contacts

Caitlin Kelly Caitlin@caitlinkelly-nyc.com

MAPLEWOOD, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — More than 200 franchised New Jersey new car and truck dealerships have participated in a variety of New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite fundraising campaigns since 2014. Raising over $2,250,000 since 2014, their generosity has made an extraordinary impact on the lives of more than 6,000 brave children with cancer, sickle cell disease and other blood disorders treated by The Valerie Fund each year.

The 2021 New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite Campaign has set an ambitious goal of raising $500,000. Already, nearly 80 dealers have contributed more than $270,000, before the two-month campaign official launches on September 1, 2021.

Rosario Dawson has also joined the campaign as the celebrity spokesperson and will be featured in a public service announcement expected to be launched in mid-September. Known for her roles in projects such as THE MANDALORIAN, TOP FIVE, RENT and SIN CITY, she can next be seen in the upcoming Hulu limited series DOPESICK which will air in October. In addition to her many acting credits, Ms. Dawson is also a well-respected activist, designer, businesswoman and community volunteer.

The September 1, 2021 campaign launch date coincides with the month’s national recognition of Pediatric Cancer Awareness and Sickle Cell Awareness. This year’s campaign will focus on educating the public about Sickle Cell Disease, in particular. The Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Newark Beth Israel treats more sickle cell patients than any other hospital in New Jersey and is recognized as a Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center.

“New Jersey’s 500+ franchised neighborhood new car and truck dealerships are the backbone of their communities and support local organizations in hundreds of different ways,” said Jim Appleton, President of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers. “These entrepreneurs compete for customers every day, but they can also unite behind a worthwhile cause.”

“New Jersey’s dealerships are coming together, across all brands, to pay it forward and support the thousands of brave children treated by The Valerie Fund each year, and their families,” said Judith Schumacher- Tilton, NJ CAR Chairwoman and owner of the Schumacher Auto Group. “It is especially important to support the hundreds of children with Sickle Cell disease treated at Valerie Fund Centers. This is an incurable disease that effects an underserved population.”

For more information about the New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign, The Valerie Fund or the services provided at The Valerie Fund Children’s Centers, please contact Randi Zamkotowicz, Valerie Fund Assistant Director of Development for Philanthropy at (201) 993-3787 or randiz@thevaleriefund.org or Brian Hughes, NJ CAR Director of Communications at bhughes@njcar.org.

About The Valerie Fund

Since 1977, tens of thousands of critically ill children have received state of the art medical treatment and customized health care services at one of seven Valerie Fund Children’s Centers located close to their homes. The Valerie Fund is committed to fully funding psychosocial services that are not reimbursed by insurance but enable kids with life-threatening diseases to live life to the fullest. And now that COVID-19 is a serious threat to our families, The Valerie Fund plays a doubly important role keeping our children safe medically and emotionally.

Contacts

Bunny Flanders

bflanders@thevaleriefund.org
973.202.1992

Brian Hughes

bhughes@njcar.org
609.883.5056, x315

New York — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (“MSG Entertainment”) (NYSE: MSGE) today announced it plans to issue a press release on Friday, May 7, 2021 before the market opens, reporting financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2021. MSG Networks Inc. (“MSG Networks”) (NYSE: MSGN) previously announced it will issue a press release on Friday, May 7, 2021 before the market opens, reporting financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2021.

In addition, MSG Entertainment plans to file a registration statement on Form S-4 that contains a joint proxy statement and prospectus before the market opens on Friday, May 7, 2021 and MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks plan to file a joint investor presentation on the proposed acquisition of MSG Networks by MSG Entertainment on Friday, May 7, 2021.

The companies plan to host a joint webcast on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time regarding the proposed acquisition of MSG Networks by MSG Entertainment, moderated by Brandon Ross, Partner and TMT Analyst at LightShed Partners. The event will be available via webcast at investor.msgentertainment.com under the heading “Events & Presentations” and at investor.msgnetworks.com under the heading “Events & Presentations.”

About Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) is a leader in live entertainment experiences. The Company presents or hosts a broad array of events in its diverse collection of venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre. MSG Entertainment is also building a new state-of-the-art venue in Las Vegas, MSG Sphere at The Venetian, and has announced plans to build a second MSG Sphere in London, pending necessary approvals. In addition, the Company features the original production – the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – and through Boston Calling Events, produces the Boston Calling Music Festival. Also under the MSG Entertainment umbrella is Tao Group Hospitality, with entertainment dining and nightlife brands including: Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Avenue, Beauty & Essex, Cathédrale, Hakkasan and Omnia. More information is available at www.msgentertainment.com.

About MSG Networks Inc.

MSG Networks Inc., a pioneer in sports media, owns and operates two award-winning regional sports and entertainment networks and a companion streaming service that serve the nation’s number one media market, the New York DMA, as well as other portions of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The networks feature a wide range of compelling sports content, including exclusive live local games and other programming of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres, as well as significant coverage of the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. This content, in addition to a diverse array of other sporting events and critically acclaimed original programming, has established MSG Networks as the gold standard in regional sports.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

This press release may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed transaction between MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks. In connection with the proposed transaction, MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks intend to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement of MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks that also constitutes a prospectus of MSG Entertainment. MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. This document is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus, Form S-4 or any other document which MSG Entertainment or MSG Networks may file with the SEC. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF MSG ENTERTAINMENT AND MSG NETWORKS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the Form S-4 and the joint proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by MSG Entertainment will be made available free of charge on MSG Entertainment’s investor relations website at http://investor.msgentertainment.com. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by MSG Networks will be made available free of charge on MSG Networks’ investor relations website at http://investor.msgnetworks.com.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy, or a solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or solicitation would be unlawful, prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law.

Participants in the Solicitation

MSG Entertainment, MSG Networks and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the holders of MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks securities in respect of the proposed transaction under the rules of the SEC. Certain information regarding these directors and executive officers and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the Form S-4 and joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction (when available) and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC by MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks. Information regarding MSG Entertainment’s directors and executive officers is available in MSG Entertainment’s proxy statement relating to its 2020 annual meeting of stockholders filed with the SEC on October 27, 2020. Information regarding MSG Networks’ directors and executive officers is available in MSG Networks’ proxy statement relating to its 2020 annual meeting of stockholders filed with the SEC on October 21, 2020. These documents will be available free of charge from the sources indicated above.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “projects,” “strategy,” or “anticipates,” or the negative of those words or other comparable terminology. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed transaction, pro forma descriptions of the combined company and its operations, integration and transition plans, synergies, opportunities and anticipated future performance. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results, developments and events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the following factors: the impact of public health crises, such as pandemics (including coronavirus (COVID-19)) and epidemics and any related company or government policies and actions to protect the health and safety of individuals or government policies or actions to maintain the functioning of national or global economies and markets; MSG Entertainment’s and MSG Networks’ ability to effectively manage the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken in response by governmental authorities and certain professional sports leagues; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement with respect to the proposed transaction between MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks or otherwise cause the transaction not to occur; the risk that the conditions to the closing of the proposed transaction between MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks may not be satisfied or waived, including the risk that required approvals from the stockholders of MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks, regulatory clearances and other approvals are not obtained; the risk that the anticipated tax treatment of the proposed transaction between MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks is not obtained; potential litigation relating to the proposed transaction between MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks; uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the proposed transaction between MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks; the risk that the proposed transaction disrupts the current business plans and operations of MSG Entertainment or MSG Networks; the ability of MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks to retain and hire key personnel; unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the proposed transaction; potential adverse reactions or changes to the business relationships of MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks resulting from the announcement, pendency or completion of the proposed transaction; financial community and rating agency perceptions of each of MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks and its business, operations, financial condition and the industry in which it operates; strategic or financial benefits or opportunities if the merger is completed; the impact of the merger on the liquidity position or financial flexibility and other potential impacts of the proposed transaction; opportunities related to sports gaming or growth initiatives; and the potential impact of general economic, political and market factors on MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks or the proposed transaction. These risks, as well as other risks associated with the proposed transaction between MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks, will be more fully discussed in the joint proxy statement/prospectus that will be included in the registration statement on Form S-4 that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may give rise to risks that are currently unknown or amplify the risks associated with many of these factors. In addition, future performance and actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to MSG Entertainment’s and MSG Networks’ overall business and financial condition, including those more fully described in MSG Entertainment’s and MSG Networks’ filings with the SEC including their respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings, including the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained therein. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks each disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

Contacts

Kimberly Kerns

EVP and Chief Communications Officer

(212) 465-6442

Ari Danes, CFA

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Treasury

(212) 465-6072

Theme Park Will Open to the Public May 14

ARLINGTON, Texas — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #HurricaneHarborConcord—Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, today announced that Six Flags New England has received state clearance to reopen with rides and attractions. The park, located in Agawam, Massachusetts, will open for its 21^st season to Members and Season Pass holders on May 14, and to the general public on May 15, 2021. Additionally, the company’s two California waterparks, Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles and Hurricane Harbor Concord, will open to the public May 15 and May 22, respectively. The parks will operate at reduced attendance levels, in accordance with state reopening guidelines for theme parks and waterparks, utilizing a reservation system. The parks will implement the extensive safety measures already in use at Six Flags parks throughout the system. Six Flags New England’s Dinosaurs: A Walk Thru Experience will be available through May 23 with paid park admission.

“With today’s announcement, 26 of our 27 parks will be welcoming guests this season,” said Senior Vice President of Park Operations, Bonnie Weber. “The safety of our guests and team members continues to be our highest priority, and we look forward to announcing an opening date for our theme park in Canada in the near future,” continued Weber.

Six Flags New England Park President Pete Carmichael added, “This is a great day for our team. They are ready to get back to work and do what they love, and we are thrilled to reopen our park with all of the great roller coasters, rides, and attractions that Six Flags New England is famous for,” continued Carmichael.

Open Six Flags Parks

The following Six Flags parks have already opened, or will be opening soon, with a full lineup of rides and attractions. Those parks include:

• Six Flags Over Texas – open year-round;
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas – open year-round;
• Hurricane Harbor Oaxtepec – opened February 27;
• Six Flags Over Georgia – opened March 6;
• Six Flags America – opened March 6;
• Frontier City – opened March 13;
• Hurricane Harbor Phoenix – opened March 13;
• Six Flags Mexico – opened March 18;
• Six Flags St. Louis – opened March 20;
• Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark – opened March 26;
• Six Flags Great Adventure – opened March 27;
• Six Flags Magic Mountain – opened April 1;
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – opened April 1;
• Six Flags Great America – opened April 24;
• The Great Escape – opening May 1;
• Hurricane Harbor Splashtown – opening May 1;
• Hurricane Harbor Arlington – opening May 1;
• Six Flags White Water – opening May 8;
• Six Flags New England – opening May 14;
• Hurricane Harbor New Jersey – opening May 15;
• Hurricane Harbor OKC – opening May 15;
• Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles – opening May 15;
• Six Flags Darien Lake – opening May 21;
• Hurricane Harbor Concord – opening May 22;
• Hurricane Harbor Chicago – opening May 29; and
• Hurricane Harbor Rockford – opening May 29.

Park reopening dates are subject to change based on local, state, and federal guidelines related to COVID-19.

Six Flags’ safety plan, developed in consultation with infectious disease experts and utilized throughout the Six Flags network of parks, provides for execution at the highest levels of hygiene and social distancing protocols. The park will adjust these procedures as needed to ensure continued compliance with state recommendations.

Park Reservations System to Control Capacity

Six Flags has established attendance caps for each park that are in accordance with current state guidelines to allow for proper social distancing. All Members, Season Pass holders and guests with a single-day or group ticket will need to make a reservation at www.sixflags.com/reserve. Guests who buy single-day tickets will be able to reserve during the purchase process.

Health and safety protocols include:

• Masks will be required to be worn by team members and all guests over the age of two;
• Contactless IR thermal imaging will be used to screen temperatures of guests and team members prior to entry;
• Advanced security screening technology will allow for touchless bag checks;
• Easy-to-identify distance markers have been added in all park entry, restroom, retail locations, and ride and dining queue lines to encourage social distancing;
• Modified menus and soon-to-be launched mobile food ordering will help facilitate touchless transactions;
• Self-service buffets and salad bars will be reconfigured to eliminate guest contact with food;
• Increased sanitization and disinfecting of high touch points including all public seating, tabletops, counters, handrails, doors, deck chairs, life jackets, tubes, rafts, and trash cans will occur frequently;
• Restroom staff will be available to disinfect each stall and sink area on a frequent basis;
• Multiple alcohol-based hand-sanitizer stations will be located throughout the park;
• Safety messaging and reminders will be communicated on Six Flags’ website, newsletters, and in-park announcements; and
• Frontline team members will go through extensive COVID-19 training.

Virtual Hiring Fairs

As one of the largest seasonal employers in the country, Six Flags is hosting National Hiring Week now through May 2. The company is hiring for a number of rewarding positions in food service, ride operations, lifeguarding, retail, warehousing, janitorial, maintenance, and security. Applicants may apply online at www.sixflags.com/jobs for a virtual and contact-free process, where they can be interviewed one day, and start earning the next. Additionally, for the first time and for a limited time, new employees will receive a Gold Plus membership for themselves and up to three family members.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, with 27 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For nearly 60 years, Six Flags has entertained hundreds of millions of guests with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling waterparks and unique attractions. Six Flags is committed to creating an inclusive environment that fully embraces the diversity of our team members and guests. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.

About Six Flags New England

Six Flags New England, the Thrill Capital of New England, is home to over 100 rides, shows, attractions and New England’s largest FREE waterpark, Hurricane Harbor. With over 200 acres, Six Flags New England boasts 13 roller coasters, a 500,000 gallon wave pool and world-class shopping and dining for all ages. With a reason to visit every season, Six Flags New England is the premier destination for family fun and is located in western Massachusetts.

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About Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a 22-acre waterpark located next door to Six Flags Magic Mountain, features over 1.5 million gallons of water in a tropically themed paradise. Enjoy two of the tallest full-enclosed speed slides in Southern California, a relaxing 1,300-foot river cruise, a wave pool, an interactive lagoon, and a splashy kid’s play area. The park operates seasonally May-September.

About Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord, Northern California’s Most Thrilling Waterpark, features more than 22 rides and attractions like Break Point Plunge and Splashwater Island. Hurricane Harbor Concord is the premier destination for fun in the sun for the entire family.

Contacts

Sandra Daniels

972.595.5178

sdaniels@sftp.com