April 20, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES NEW YORK JETS WILL HOLD 2009 TRAINING CAMP AT SUNY CORTLAND
Camp Will Generate Millions in Economic Activity for Central New York; Draw More than 1,000 People to Cortland Each Day
Upstate New York to Become Pro Football Capital during the Summer Months
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that the New York Jets will hold their 2009 Training Camp at the campus of SUNY Cortland generating millions in economic activity for Central New York and drawing thousands of people to Cortland this summer. Governor Paterson made the announcement in SUNY Cortland’s historic Hall of Fame Room where he was joined by New York Jets Owner Woody Johnson and SUNY Cortland President Erik Bitterbaum, as well as business leaders, and State and local elected officials.
The Jets have been researching locations for their 2009 Training Camp since new Head Coach Rex Ryan expressed a desire to take the team to a remote destination for training camp. Ample athletic facilities in a setting conducive to building team chemistry and the College’s superior technological capabilities were among major reasons that SUNY Cortland was selected. The Jets also have plans to hold practices open to the public at their new Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, NJ starting in June and on Long Island at Hofstra University, the site of their former practice facility, for a special Family Night practice later this summer.
“Beginning this year, Upstate New York will become the capital of pro football during the summer months – with the Bills’ training camp at St. John Fisher in Rochester, the Giants’ training camp at SUNY Albany, and now the Jets’ training camp in Cortland,” said Governor Paterson. “It is truly exciting that all three of New York’s professional football teams will train right here in New York State.”
“We are thrilled to welcome the Jets to this town and campus – Central New York is one of the most beautiful parts of New York State and the New York Jets will draw thousands of New Yorkers to the area where they will enjoy not only watching the team train for its upcoming season, but all that the surrounding area has to offer,” continued Governor Paterson. “Bringing the Jets to Cortland will also generate much needed revenue for Central New York at a time when our State faces an unprecedented fiscal crisis. More economic activity translates into more jobs and more opportunities for the people of this region.”
New York Jets Owner Woody Johnson said: “SUNY Cortland is the best place to meet Coach Ryan’s objectives of finding a location away from our home base and out of our players’ comfort zones to build team chemistry. I want to thank Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and SUNY Cortland for putting together a plan quickly that met all of our criteria.”
SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum said: “SUNY Cortland is honored to be the summer home of the New York Jets for several reasons. The partnership will augment our already nationally respected academic majors in sport management, athletic training, physical education and kinesiology. We look forward to the internship opportunities for students in other majors as well. Many of our exceptional graduates work in the professional sports field, so the Jets organization can rest assured that their experience at SUNY Cortland will be an outstanding one as Coach Ryan prepares his squad for the 2009 season. From an economic and tourism standpoint, Cortland County and all of Central New York are eager to roll out the welcome mat to Jets fans from across the nation. We encourage them to visit this beautiful part of New York State. On behalf of SUNY Cortland and the region, I thank Governor Paterson for his vision and his support in making Upstate New York the number one destination in the United States for fan friendly NFL summer training camps.”
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said: “The Jets have made a decision they will not regret. They will be able to take advantage of Cortland’s top notch facilities and location far away from distractions, all the while delivering some hard hitting economic development for the region. The only concern I’d have if I ran the Jets is that some of the players may not want to leave at the end of August.”
New York State is providing $410,000 in grants to SUNY Cortland to help defray the costs associated with hosting training camp and for long-term improvements at the university that will benefit the campus community all year round. These facility upgrades include but are not limited to the installation of air conditioners in dorm rooms and common areas.
The New York Jets Training Camp at SUNY Cortland is scheduled to begin on July 31, with players reporting on July 30th. For more details, visit www.newyorkjets.com.
Additional quotes provided include:
Senator James L. Seward said: “Bringing the New York Jets to SUNY Cortland is exciting news on many fronts. This is a great opportunity for area fans to get an up close glimpse at their football heroes, while at the same time providing a major boost to the area economy. The Jets have made a fantastic choice in SUNY Cortland, a premier college campus, and I hope it is a partnership that lasts for years to come.”
Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton said: “The arrival of the New York Jets training camp will be a great shot in the arm to the Tompkins-Cortland region during slower July and August months. This announcement is the result of an important public and private partnership that builds on the strengths of this SUNY campus. My thanks to Governor Paterson, Woody Johnson and President Bitterbaum for their important work in bringing the Jets to Cortland.”
Cortland Mayor Tom Gallagher said: “The City of Cortland is thrilled that the New York Jets have decided to have SUNY Cortland host their summer training camp. This is a huge boon for the City and the Central New York region and we welcome the Jets with open arms.”
Cortland County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Garry VanGorder said: “We are extremely grateful to the Jets, SUNY Cortland, Governor Paterson and the many other partners who have worked together to present this opportunity to the Cortland County community and the people of Central New York. Aside from the tremendous potential economic benefit, this is a psychological shot in the arm for us at a time when we really needed it. We look forward to working with the College to ensure that the Jets and their many fans have a positive and productive experience here.”
