Greater Louisville Sports Commission
401 West Main Street, Suite 2200
Louisville , KY 40202
502-587-7767

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sports Commission Names New Executive Director

LOUISVILLE, KY. - Diane McGraw, a 25-year veteran of the sports entertainment industry, has been named Executive Director of the Greater Louisville Sports Commission.

From Left: Mayor Jerry Abramson, Gary Ulmer,
Diane McGraw and Jim Wood.

"I was looking to settle into a place where my experience and contacts in the sports industry would be a welcome addition to a city that was on the verge of becoming one of the country's premier sports destinations," says McGraw. "The Greater Louisville Sports Commission has planted the seeds and done a remarkable job in attracting the attention of the national and international sports community. My job is to water and nurture those seeds and help it grow to the next level in its development."

Mayor Jerry Abramson said sports in Louisville are more than recreation, they are an industry. " Louisville is a big-time sports town and sports can mean big-time business for our economy," he said. "We're seeing the impact of major sports programs at our university, an arena coming online, and worldwide events like the Ryder Cup and the sold-out Ironman triathlon. Ms. McGraw brings impressive credentials that will help us take our Sports Commission to the next level and further expand Louisville 's sports economy."

McGraw has led a successful career in the world of sports and entertainment, most recently as the president of red eye entertainment out of Philadelphia. Her experience includes the leadership of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission, Orlando Area Sports Commission and the Philadelphia Sports Congress.

Some of the events McGraw has been involved with include the: 1996 Grammy Awards, 1995 PGA Championship, 1998 Senior Golf Open, 2000-2001 NFL Superbowl Bid, 1996 US Olympic Soccer and 1992 NHL All-Star Game.

McGraw is also the former wife of Major League baseball player Tug McGraw of the 1969 Miracle Mets and the 1980 World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies.

The Greater Louisville Sports Commission attracts, creates and hosts sports-related events, most recently involved in Louisville 's selection as home for the 2007 National Senior Games and Ironman triathlon that together are expected to have a $35-40 million impact on the local economy.

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All inquiries about McGraw should be directed to Jeff Schneider at the Greater Louisville Sports Commission, at: 502-587-7767 or jschneider@gotolouisville.com.

The Greater Louisville Sports Commission is a not-for-profit entity established in 1999 to attract sporting events and conferences to the city of Louisville . Overseen by a community board of fifty and a professional staff of four, the Commission is dedicated to attracting, producing and supporting the best sporting events available. The GLSC supports a wide range of events that offer opportunities for a diverse demographic mix of athletes from all age groups and all sports.

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