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From: Ryan Stanzel
Director of Communications
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
Press release courtesy of Minnesota Swarm

SWARM’S TOM GARRITY NAMED NLL MARKETING EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

AVERAGE ATTENDANCE INCREASED MORE THAN 1,000 FANS PER GAME IN HIS FIRST YEAR WITH SWARM

SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The National Lacrosse League (NLL) announced today that Minnesota Sports and Entertainment (MSE) Vice President, Minor League Sports Properties Tom Garrity has been named NLL Marketing Executive of the Year. Garrity serves as the Team President for the American Hockey League’s Houston Aeros.

In 2007, Garrity’s first with the Swarm, the franchise increased average attendance by more than 1,000 fans per game and established a new club record for single-game attendance when the Swarm drew 14,144 fans to its April 14 season finale against the Arizona Sting.

“We’re extremely happy to see Tom recognized on a league-wide level for the wide range of accomplishments we’ve witnessed here first-hand,” said MSE Executive Vice President Matt Majka. “His determination in increasing the visibility of this franchise is unrivaled and the Swarm’s successful 2007 season was a direct result of that.”

Garrity, 43 (1/8/64), was named MSE’s first Vice President, Minor League Sports Properties on September 29, 2006. In that role, Garrity oversees the day-to-day business operations of the Swarm and the Houston Aeros.

The Prairie du Chien, Wis., native was named the Houston Aeros Team President in July of 2003 to help the team through a transitional process as the Aeros began their first season in Toyota Center. In addition to overseeing Houston’s overall business operations, including marketing, advertising, communications, promotions and ticket sales, he guides the team’s budget development and corporate partnerships.

Under his guidance, the Aeros have increased attendance in four consecutive seasons, including a 10.8 percent increase in 2006-07. Since Houston had a franchise-low average attendance of 5,124 in the Calder Cup season of 2002-03 – the year before Garrity’s arrival – the Aeros have increased attendance 25.3 percent.

His successful 14-year career in sports administration and sales has also included occupation with the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota North Stars and Dallas Stars, the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Minnesota Timberwolves, Major League Soccer’s (MLS) San Jose Clash and at the collegiate level with the University of Minnesota.

---HOUSTON AEROS---