The official name contest announcement was made at 7:45 AM on the Big Jab 96.3 FM today.
Jon Jennings announced that the Maine Red Claws was the winning name.
The audio of the announcement is in the player below.
NBA Maine Basketball Announces Name the Team Promotion
Portland, Maine, March 3, 2009
– NBA Maine Basketball announced today that with the help of the Portland Press Herald and the BIG JAB they are looking to their fans to help name the team. Fans can go online at www.nbamaine.com, call our office at 207-210-6655 or send in the ballot from the Portland Press Herald to help select the name for their team. There are seven names fans can choose from; Maine Beacons, Maine Crushers, Maine Claws, Maine Destroyers, Maine Red Claws, Maine Swarm, and Maine Traps. The team will also choose one randomly selected voter to receive two tickets to a 2009 Boston Celtics playoff game. Portland Press Herald. Portland Press Herald to help select the name and provide their complete contact information and selection before March 31, 2009. The team will announce its new team name on or about April 3, 2009. For official rules visit www.nbamaine.com.
"We are excited about getting input from our fans on our team name. The fans are what this is all about and we can’t wait to see what they decide." said Jon Jennings, Team President and General Manager of NBA Maine Basketball.
"We are looking forward to trying out names for the team and finding out what the fans think the team should be named live on The BIG JAB" said Jon Van Hoogenstyn, GM of Atlantic Coast Radio.
"As an organization committed to the communities we serve, we are very proud to be involved with the NBA Development League. The excitement it has generated is simply thrilling, particularly given the positive impact it will surely have on area businesses. We look forward to partnering with the new team on a variety of fun and creative marketing initiatives." said Valerie Markgren, Corporate Marketing Manager for the Portland Press Herald.
To enter the contest fans need to visit www.nbamaine.com, call 207-210-6655 or send in the ballot from the
NBA Maine Basketball will begin play in November at the Portland Expo Building. Fans can purchase season ticket packages by calling (207) 210-6655 or visit www.nbamaine.com for more information.
The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA’s official minor league and features 16 teams with direct affiliations to NBA teams. The league has produced 15 percent of the players on 2007-08 end-of-season NBA rosters and continues to develop current NBA coaches and referees. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote youth basketball, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. The NBA D-League also advances the game of basketball as the research and development arm of the NBA. Throughout this season fans can watch all NBA D-League
Bill Ryan spoke the words that The CMSB reported on yesterday..."It's official" Along with Jon Jennings, Ryan broke the news on Sports Radio WJAB in Portland at 7:24 AM on Wednesday morning. Stay tuned for audio and press conference information later today right here on The CMSB.com.
Portland, Maine, February 25, 2009 - NBA Maine Basketball and Atlantic Coast Radio today announced THE BIG JAB 1440 AM and 96.3 FM will become the flagship station of the new Portland NBA D-League team. THE BIG JAB will broadcast all 50 games as well as a weekly interviews and updates. In addition, Chris Sedenka, host of the PM JAB, has agreed to become the voice of the new team.
"We are thrilled to be broadcasting our games on THE BIG JAB. It is the place to go to hear sports in Maine and we are very excited about the partnership." said Jon Jennings, Team President and General Manager of NBA Maine Basketball.
"We are honored to be named the flagship station for NBA Maine Basketball. The arrival of this team adds a new dimension to the local sports scene in Portland and southern Maine. We look forward to this partnership with NBA Maine Basketball. We also are proud to announce that Chris Sedenka, host of the PM JAB, will be the new play by play voice for the team. NBA Maine Basketball is bringing big time hoops to our city and the Celtics connection is fabulous. Stay with THE BIG JAB as we welcome the NBA D-league to Portland." said Jon Van Hoogenstyn, General Manager, Atlantic Coast Radio.
Fans in Maine can catch all home and away regular season and post-season games live on the flagship station BIG JAB 1440 AM and 96.3 FM.
NBA Maine Basketball will begin play this November at the Portland Expo Building. Fans can purchase season ticket packages for games now by calling (207) 210-6655 or visit www.nbamaine.com for more information.
THE BIG JAB, 1440 AM and 96.3 FM. THE BIG JAB, is owned and operated by Atlantic Coast Radio, southern Maine's only locally owned and operated broadcast group, also the flagship for the Boston Red Sox, and the WEEI sports radio network. THE BIG JAB is home to the top rated Shoe and Joe morning show, and the PM JAB, hosted by Chris Sedenka.
The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA's official minor league and features 16 teams with direct affiliations to NBA teams. The league has produced 15 percent of the players on 2007-08 end-of-season NBA rosters and continues to develop current NBA coaches and referees. In fostering the league's connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote youth basketball, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. The NBA D-League also advances the game of basketball as the research and development arm of the NBA. Throughout this season fans can watch all NBA D-League games on NBA Futurecast, the free live Web-streaming initiative found at nba.com/futurecast.
