Saint Paul to Glow Purple for Prince Tribute Concert Thursday
Partnership with Xcel Energy, Philips Lighting and Tourism Partners Will Turn Saint Paul Purple
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 11, 2016
Contact:
Nick Cusick, Marketing & Media Relations Manager
P: 651.265.4907 | C: 651.341.9422 | ncusick@visitsaintpaul.com
Adam Johnson, Vice President of Marketing & Media Relations
P: 651.265.4904 | C: 651.226.5403 | ajohnson@visitsaintpaul.com
SAINT PAUL, Minn. (Oct. 11, 2016) – Visit Saint Paul, the city’s official tourism office, along with Philips Lighting, Xcel Energy and several tourism partners will illuminate Saint Paul in purple for the Prince Tribute concert at Xcel Energy Center on Thursday evening, Oct. 13, 2016.
Philips Lighting, in partnership with Xcel Energy, will donate 510 purple LED light bulbs for area restaurants to change their exterior lights to purple for the evening. Visit Saint Paul will lead the distribution efforts providing member restaurants with the purple light bulbs.
“We are very excited to be a part of this creative tribute to a musical legend and Minnesota icon,” said Laura McCarten, regional vice president, Xcel Energy. “We pride ourselves with being part of the communities we serve and this is a unique opportunity to work with our partner Philips Lighting to be part of a special night.”
Additionally, several of Saint Paul’s most iconic buildings will be illuminated in purple including all four sides of Rice Park -- Landmark Center, The Saint Paul Hotel, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, George Latimer Central Library, James J. Hill Center and 317 on Rice Park.
“There will be tremendous energy in Saint Paul on Oct. 13 to celebrate the life of Prince and what he meant to fans from around the world,” said Terry Mattson, President & CEO of Visit Saint Paul. “Illuminating the downtown area in purple is a great opportunity for us to work with our partners to add to the unique atmosphere surrounding this memorable event.”
Visit Saint Paul is encouraging all businesses to swap out their front light bulbs to purple as part of the evening tribute to Prince.
Additionally, the Official Outdoor Preshow Party will start at 4 p.m. on the Kellogg Blvd side of the arena between Gates 1 and 2. Festivities will include a DJ, happy hour pricing, area radio stations and concessions. The event is free and open to the public.
About Visit Saint Paul:
Visit Saint Paul, formerly the Saint Paul Convention & Visitors Authority, was founded in 1927 as the Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau, making it one of the oldest destination marketing organizations in the United States. The mission of the organization is to generate economic growth for Saint Paul by effectively marketing the RiverCentre campus, Saint Paul and the region as a preferred convention and tourism destination. Visit Saint Paul oversees management of the Saint Paul RiverCentre Convention Center and Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium. For more information go to www.visitsaintpaul.com.