HARRISBURG, PA March 19, 2000 - Mayor Stephen R. Reed and the Pepsi Bottling Group of Harrisburg announced that Pepsi has become an official sponsor of The National Civil War Museum in a deal worth more than $2.25 million in cash and marketing support. The agreement, which runs through the year 2005, allows for additional revenues in the form of a percentage of volume sales.

Reed says the milestone sponsorship agreement is the largest private investment committed to-date for the national-class museum, which is now under construction in Reservoir Park and will open in November of this year.

The Mayor and Pepsi said the major points of the Pepsi agreement include a $25,000 cash payment per year in unencumbered revenues, $10,000 cash per year for Museum-directed advertising and over the life of the contract, promotional expenditures totaling $37,500 in Pepsi produced radio spots, 500,000 cube inserts valued at more than $125,000, a retail cross promotion valued at $50,000, and a direct consumer promotion in a multi-state area valued at $1,380,000.

Reed said the agreement also calls for the Museum to receive an estimated $400,000 in commissioned revenue from the sale of Pepsi products at the Museum's cafeteria and vending machines. Pepsi will also install nearly $70,000 worth of vending and related beverage distribution equipment in the Museum.

Pepsi's official sponsorship of the Museum provides exclusive vending and pouring rights of soft drinks and related non-alcoholic Pepsi products through 2005, and entitlement of the Pepsi Patio, the Museum's planned outdoor refreshment area. Pepsi will also be permitted to hold sampling and other promotional events in conjunction with the Museum.

Separate sponsorship agreements are being solicited for other products.

Pepsi Bottling Group spokesman said, "Pepsi is proud to be the first official sponsor of The National Civil War Museum. This is an exciting project that will generate significant national and even international interest and visitation. We are very happy to partner with the City of Harrisburg in bringing this historically significant project to the public and we are delighted to lead the way in committing the vital corporate support that will help insure the attraction's long-term success."

Mayor Reed lauded Pepsi's support of the project noting "while this will provide significant revenues to the Museum, it is equally important in terms of establishing the Museum's market presence and long-term success. Pepsi is the first major private entity to invest in The National Civil War Museum and we think their faith in this project will be well rewarded in years to come. We hope Pepsi will serve as an example for other national and local business interests looking to get in on the ground floor of this exciting new attraction."

About The National Civil War Museum

The National Civil War Museum is a permanent, nonprofit educational institution created to promote the preservation of material culture and sources of information which are directly relevant to the American Civil War of 1861-1865 and the aftermath period of the war as related to Civil War Veteran's service organizations including the Grand Army of the Republic, United Confederate Veterans and the Daughters of the Confederacy to 1920.

The National Civil War Museum
1 Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park
Harrisburg, PA 17103

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm
Saturday & Sunday 10am to 5pm

Admission
Adults . . . . . . . $7
Seniors . . . . . . $6
Students . . . . . $5
Families . . . . . $20

Contact Information
Debra Lavelle
Director of Marketing
The National Civil War Museum
1 Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park
Harrisburg, PA 17103
(717) 260-1861 ext. 1201