Several Atlanta execs are "heading up" the development
of the soccer Hall of Champions, scheduled to open in April
'98 next to Disneyland Paris, according to Maria Saporta in
the ATLANTA CONSTITUTION. The $52M project is being
developed, financed and run "primarily" by a group from
Atlanta who have formed a company called Int'l Sports &
Entertainment Concepts (ISEC). They are working with FIFA
and Walt Disney on the project. ISEC Chair & CEO Robert
Brandon is a former Coca-Cola and Anheuser-Busch marketing
exec. Brandon developed a proposal for a FIFA Hall of
Champions, and although he was turned down three times, FIFA
finally gave ISEC a 12-year contract. Brandon found private
backing through retired Coco-Cola CFO Sam Ayoub, who now
owns 36% of the project. Atlanta-based architecture firm,
the Satulah Group, is doing design and construction
management for the project. Boston-based Krent/Paffet
Assoc., which did interactive exhibits for the Coca-Cola's
Olympic City, will design interior exhibits. ISEC also has
merchandising and licensing rights for the Hall, and is
working to line up corporate sponsors. FIFA will retain a
percentage of all revenue (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 12/12).
