Econo Lodge Joins BCA Sponsors

January 17, 2003For Immediate Release CONTACT: Tom Mueller, Sport Management, Inc. (614.899.9476) ECONO LODGE RACKS IT UP WITH BCA 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Worldwide lodging franchisor Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH) has signed a new agreement to market and advertise its Econo Lodge brand through the 2003 Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Open 9-Ball Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. "Billiards is an exciting and widely followed professional sport," said Chris Arnett, director, economy brands for Choice Hotels. "Econo Lodge will use its involvement in 2003 to market our hotels to over 10 million billiard enthusiasts in the United States." According to Arnett, primary marketing vehicles for the Econo Lodge brand during the event include the brand's logo on a rotating billboard, on-site banners, and promotion via the BCA website.
The 2003 BCA tournament is scheduled for May 11-17 at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, with the televised matches taking place on May 16 and 17. The event hosts both Amateur 8-Ball, and Pro 9-Ball events, and attracts over 10,000 competitors. Nearly $1,000,000 prize money is awarded during the world's largest billiard event. "We're very motivated to work with Econo Lodge, and to partner into a program where the Billiard Congress of America can drive traffic to Econo Lodge brand hotels," said Amy Long, marketing director for the BCA. "This is an opportunity to build a relationship with an outside-industry sponsor, where both parties can build business and enjoy growth." Also sponsoring the event are some of the most recognized and respected names in billiards: Official Table Sponsor - KASSON, Official Presenting Sponsor - Billiards Digest, Official Cue Sponsor - Cuetec, Official Cloth Sponsor - Championship Billiard Fabric, Official Ball Sponsor - Imperial International, Official Chalk Sponsor - Tweeten Fibre Company, Official Rack Sponsor - Sardo Tight Rack and Arena Sponsors Iwan Simonis and poolplayers.com. Sponsorships are still available in the lighting, furniture and arena categories. Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) franchises more than 5,000 hotels, inns, all-suite hotels and resorts open and under development in 46 countries under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Rodeway Inn, Econo Lodge and MainStay Suites brands. For more information on Choice Hotels, visit the company's website at www.choicehotels.com.. The BCA, formed in 1948, is dedicated to promoting and growing cue sports worldwide through industry research and promotion, participating in the process of Olympic recognition, hosting amateur, junior and professional tournaments, and supporting its business members by enhancing the image of billiards and broadening its appeal. For more information on the BCA, visit the organization's website at www.bca-pool.com. -end- Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Clarion, Quality, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, and MainStay Suites are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc. ã 2003 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.

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