Stroock Hosts Forum on Impact of Professional Sports with Randy Levine and Jonathan Tisch

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Nov 19, 2013, 01:34 ET

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP presented "The Impact of Professional Sports on New York's Economy," a forum with Randy L. Levine, President of the New York Yankees, and Jonathan M. Tisch, Co-Chair of the 2014 Super Bowl Host Committee. The Government Leadership Forum was held today at the law firm's New York offices.

Robert Abrams, former New York State Attorney General and Chair of Stroock's Government Relations Practice, and Leonard Boxer, Chairman of Stroock's Real Estate Practice, moderated the panel discussion. Ross F. Moskowitz, Stroock partner and member of the firm's Executive Committee, opened the program.

"Professional sports are indelibly enmeshed in the fabric of New York City, both historically and economically," said Abrams. "They are important engines that attract tourists and unite the city across all walks of life."

Moskowitz noted that Stroock has long been involved in professional sports complexes in New York, including Citi Field, Yankee Stadium, and the new skating rink under construction in the Bronx.

Levine said, "It's amazing how many people's lives are affected by the Yankees organization, which employs thousands of people who are hired on a diverse basis. Three to four million people come to baseball games alone, and Yankee Stadium is used every day of the year."

He added, "The Yankees are a social institution. We have a social responsibility to help the community and we lead by example."

Levine is also Senior Counsel of the law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and was a principal founder of the YES Network. Before joining the Yankees, he served as New York City's Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Planning and Administration, and as New York City's Labor Commissioner.

Tisch described the collaboration between the Jets and the Giants to build and share their new MetLife Stadium, and similarly among the many city and state entities in New York and New Jersey to host the 2014 Super Bowl.

"This is the first time a Super Bowl has been hosted by two teams in two states," he said. "The event will contribute an economic impact of $550 million to New York and New Jersey, and its legacy will live on long after the closing of the game."

Tisch is Co-Chairman of the Board and a member of the Office of the President of Loews Corporation, one of the largest diversified financial holding companies in the U.S. Additionally, he is Chairman of its subsidiary, Loews Hotels & Resorts. He is Co-Owner of the New York Football Giants and the host of the Emmy-nominated television series, Beyond the Boardroom with Jonathan Tisch.

Today's event was the 16th in a series hosted by Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP. Previous participants included New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman; Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance Jr.; Congressman Jerrold Nadler; and Patrick J. Foye, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Most recent guests were Kyle Kimball, President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Daniel R. Tishman, Chairman and CEO of Tishman Construction Corporation, and Christopher O. Ward, EVP of Dragados USA.

The forum was sponsored by Stroock's Government Relations group, which is comprised of former prosecutors, judges, and government agency officials. The practice is led by Abrams, who also served as President of the National Association of Attorneys General, Executive Chair of New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's Transition Committee and Honorary Co-Chair of Attorney General Schneiderman's Transition Committee.

SOURCE Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP