POLLSTAR MAGAZINE RANKS PHILIPS ARENA AS NO. 3 VENUE IN THE UNITED STATES

ATLANTA, February 22, 2008 – Atlanta’s Philips Arena has been named as the No.3 concert and events venue in the United States, based on attendance figures released by leading industry publication Pollstar magazine. This year’s ranking is the highest ranking in Philips Arena history and is up three spots from last year’s ranking in the magazine.

Pollstar released its 2007 year-end reports which also showed Philips Arena as the No. 8 concert and events venue in the world. The rankings include attendance for concerts and other shows hosted by Philips Arena from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2007. Philips Arena has ranked in the top 10 five times since 2001.

“Being the No. 3 arena in the U.S. is a rewarding achievement and it validates that artists and entertainers love performing in Philips Arena and their fans love the fan-friendly, acoustically superior experience," said Philips Arena President Bob Williams.

In 2007, Philips Arena hosted many of the “Top Tours” ranked by Pollstar, including Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Josh Groban, Beyonce, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts, The Police, Justin Timberlake, Roger Waters, Keith Urban, John Mayer and Jimmy Buffet. In addition, Athens-based band Widespread Panic increased their Philips Arena record to 17 consecutive sell-outs on Dec. 30 and 31, 2007.

Upcoming events for Philips Arena in 2008 that have been announced include Steve Harvey (Mar. 1), Harlem Globetrotters (Mar. 8), Barry Manilow (Mar. 29), Mary J. Blige & Jay- Z (Apr. 8), Avril Lavigne (Apr. 18), Bruce Springsteen (Apr. 25) and Bon Jovi (Apr. 30 and May 1).