GOVERNOR CORZINE LAUDS JOBS, PRIVATE INVESTMENT AND BASEBALL IN NEW JERSEY

Joins Major League Baseball Network to Celebrate Unveiling of “MLB Network Plaza”

Secaucus, N.J. (February 4, 2009) – Governor Jon S. Corzine officially welcomed MLB Network to their new headquarters in Secaucus today, thanking the company for growing jobs in New Jersey and investing approximately $50 million in the state-of-the-art facility. MLB has created more than 200 new full-time jobs as well as more than 200 part-time positions in the Garden State.

“New Jersey remains committed to attracting high quality jobs and encouraging private investment in our cities,” said Governor Corzine. “Our continued support of business growth and community investment are critical to ensuring our state emerges from the national economic recession, and MLB Network’s decision to make New Jersey its home is great news during these tough economic times.”

MLB Network launched on January 1, 2009 in approximately 50 million homes as the largest network debut in cable history, exceeding any other cable television launch by approximately 20 million. MLB Network is home to two state-of-the-art studios: Studio 3, named to honor Babe Ruth, is the primary home of the live nightly studio show, MLB Tonight; and Studio 42, named to honor Jackie Robinson and designed to be a replica baseball field, features a half-scale infield and is used as a demonstration center by MLB Network’s on-air talent.

“The facility is an ideal location for MLB Network and the new home for MLB Productions because it offers a tremendous amount of space for our studios, operations, and office staff,” said Bob DuPuy, President and Chief Operating Officer, MLB. “From players, owners, and media, everyone we have brought through the studios have been impressed with the size and scope of the operation.”

In only 34 days of operation, MLB Network has attracted some of baseball’s biggest and brightest names to Secaucus including Jimmy Rollins, Yogi Berra, Don Larsen, Rickey Henderson, Jim Rice, Chase Utley, Tim Lincecum, Joe Torre, and more.

“New Jersey is proud to welcome MLB Network to Secaucus,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) Chief Executive Officer Caren S. Franzini. “MLB Network’s decision to make its headquarters in Secaucus has already leveraged millions in private investment and hundreds of new jobs in the state.”

MLB Network’s headquarters are located at 40 Hartz Way in Secaucus, a building that previously housed the MSNBC network for 12 years.

For for photos of the event, please visit www.nj.gov/governor/news/photos/2009/20090204a.html.

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