Berks County Convention Center Authority purchases assets of Royals from Jack Gulati

Reading, PA – The Berks County Convention Center Authority (BCCCA) agreed Friday to purchase the assets of the Reading Royals, proud ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, from Mr. Jack Gulati, contingent upon approval of the ECHL Board of Governors. The acquisition of assets will take place on or before June 30, 2019 and ensures the Royals will remain in Reading and play at Santander Arena.Mike Ehlerman, Chairman of the BCCCA: “BCCCA is pleased that we worked out a deal to keep the Royals in Reading where they have played since 2001. The team is an important part of the framework of Berks County and BCCCA and the Royals will continue to provide the community with an excellent family entertainment option.”Shawn Hackman, Royals President and General Manager: “BCCCA will continue to enhance the experience of fans attending games at Santander Arena. All Royals fans should be excited about this relationship and the future of the team in Reading. We would like to thank BCCCA and Mr. Gulati for their hard work to keep the Royals at Santander Arena.”ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin: “The ECHL is pleased to see that the Royals will continue to play hockey in Reading and want to wish Royals fans the best.”“We are excited about BCCCA’s acquisition of the assets of the Reading Royals professional hockey team and we believe with the BCCCA’s experience and resources behind us, we can look forward to expanding our business and creating an exceptional experience for our fans,” said John Long, Chief Financial Officer for the Reading Royals. “The acquisition will allow the Reading Royals to remain in Reading and continue to build upon their legacy both on the ice and in the community.”“My sole purpose in purchasing the team in 2014 was to keep it in Reading,” said Mr. Gulati. “With this sale, it completes my purpose and my dream to keep the hockey team in Reading. I would like to thank the entire Reading Royals fan base for their passion and support of the team during my time as owner. I know the team will be able to continue to function and operate as a strong part of Berks County at Santander Arena. I would also like to thank the Berks County Convention Center Authority for their strong commitment to keep the Royals in Reading.”About BCCCABCCCA oversees the operation of Santander Arena and the Santander Arena Performing Arts Center.  Founded in 1996, the BCCCA has helped transform Santander Arena into a premier entertainment venue in Berks County and eastern Pennsylvania. Since its construction in 2001, Santander Arena has been Berks County’s show place for sporting events and entertainment, hosting more than 5.5 million people for Royals games, athletic events, concerts, conventions and public gatherings. More than 2.8 million fans have watched Reading Royals hockey since the team began play in the 2001-02 season.BCCCA previously co-owned the Royals with SMG from 2011-14, with the team winning the 2013 Kelly Cup.About the RoyalsThe Royals are in their 18th ECHL season and are proudly affiliated with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Reading plays in the Santander Arena, located in downtown Reading, PA at 700 Penn Street. The Royals won the Kelly Cup in 2013, have made the playoffs in nine straight seasons and are four-time division champions.