Houston Astros Renew Partnership with Food & Beverage Provider Aramark

Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Houston Astros have today extended their partnership with longtime food and beverage provider Aramark.

Under terms of the agreement, Aramark will continue the management and development of Minute Maid Park’s concessions, club level, suites and restaurant dining programs. Aramark, which also manages Minute Maid Park’s facility services, has been partners with the Astros since 1980. Aramark partners with 12 Major League Baseball teams.

“We are pleased to continue our partnership with Aramark as we seek to elevate the experience at MMP through innovation and fan participation,” said Marcel Braithewaite, Astros senior vice president, business operations. “The collaboration has been tremendous with this year’s renovations as well as those planned for the coming seasons, and we are excited to be unveiling those in the months to come. Our mission is always to operate seamlessly with a high standard of quality and service, while including locally-sourced, locally-grown ingredients that represent this great city of Houston.”

“We are excited to extend our partnership with the Houston Astros and look forward to continuing to enrich the game day experience with a variety of menu enhancements and service offerings,” said Carl Mittleman, President, Aramark Sports and Entertainment. “Minute Maid Park is one of the best experiences in baseball and we share the Astros vision for creating innovative hospitality programs to make it a top destination for baseball fans.”

For the 2014 season, the Astros and Aramark unveiled several upgrades to the menu, including a complete remodeling and rebranding of numerous concession stands on the main concourse, as part of a multi-phase food and beverage renovation.

New York Cosmos Announces Seiko as Official Timekeeper

New York Cosmos have announced a corporate partnership with Seiko with the Japanese watch brand becoming the Official Timekeeper of the North American Soccer League (NASL) franchise.

Seiko will promote the Seiko Astron watch through its Cosmos sponsorship. The company will also benefit from significant branding opportunities at Cosmos matches in Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium. The Seiko brand will also feature on-screen with the match timer during Cosmos home game broadcasts on ONE World Sports and on the game countdown clock on the Cosmos’ official website nycosmos.com.

“We are delighted to partner with such a globally-recognized brand in Seiko, denture ” said Cosmos Chief Operating Officer Erik Stover. “We look forward to working with Seiko as we continue to strengthen our club both on and off the field.”

Audio-Technica Extends Deal as Official Headphone Supplier for South Sydney Rabbitohs

National Rugby League (NRL) team South Sydney Rabbitohs have renewed their partnership with leading audio equipment specialists Audio-Technica for the 2014 season.

The brand will remain the Club’s official headphone supplier.

“We are extremely proud to partner with the South Sydney Rabbitohs again this year,” Audio-Technica CEO Anthony Russo said.

“From our headphone guys here in Sydney right up to the Audio-Technica boardroom in Tokyo, there is a huge sense of excitement about the season and the relationship.

“Seeing the players’ enthusiasm for Audio-Technica spoke volumes for us and we couldn’t be more thrilled that the best team in the NRL now uses the best headphones in the world.”

Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said the partnership has fantastic synergies.

“The players, coaching staff and management are delighted that Audio-Technica is onboard again this year,” Mr Richardson said.

“The relationship we established last year was great for both organisations and we’re keen to build on that in season 2014.

“The players in particular love their music and Audio-Technica delivers the quality audio equipment.

“Many of the players use their headphones to get into the zone pre-game, and they look great too!”

Audio-Technica Brand Manager Wesley von Grabill said: “We’ve just released three new block buster models, AG1 premium gamer headphones, ANC70 noise cancelling and M50x studio monitor ‘phones.”

“All are great choices so we asked the players to select the headphones that best fitted their lifestyle.

“All three were in demand but most jumped on board with the M50x mainly because of its flexibility for listening both at home and on the go, plus its no-holds-barred performance.

“The standard colour options are black or white but it was the limited edition blue/brown that pushed the right buttons.”

Mississippi State University Inks Adidas Extension

Mississippi State University (MSU) have announced a new seven-year extension with adidas worth more than $17 million.

In 2009 Mississippi State agreed to a 5-year deal worth $3 million in product. The new deal spans seven years worth $17.5 million in both product and cash.

“Loyalty is important and adidas came to us when we may not have been as appealing,” MSU athletic director Scott Stricklin said. “They outperformed. They went above and beyond. And our coaches are incredibly happy with that relationship.”

Fans haven’t always been pleased with adidas. One of the biggest complaints involves the similarity between Mississippi State and Texas A&M’s uniforms.

“I’ll be really honest, as we’ve moved into the last couple of years things have gotten a little closer than we’d like them to be,” Adidas’ Director of football Mark Daniels said. “We are diligently focused on separating them even more.”

When Mississippi State originally signed its deal with Adidas MSU and A&M were in separate conferences. The Aggies joined the SEC in 2012. When that happened the similarities were highlighted.

“You’ve got two very similar schools both in the same sub-division of the same conference, that both have the same colors, you start with that,” Daniels said. “Ok, there’s a lot of heritage, a lot of tradition at both schools. We have to be honest and respect that and separate where we can.”

Global Thermostat Signs on as Partner of Formula E Championship

Leading carbon capture company Global Thermostat has signed on with the FIA Formula E Championship to significantly reduce the CO2 emissions generated by the series and to jointly promote sustainable technologies.
The debut of Formula E ushers in an innovative age where a race on the world stage will become the platform to showcase and promote sustainable technology for the environment.
Ben Bronfman, help Principal of Business Development at Global Thermostat, said: “We are very excited to enter into this partnership between Global Thermostat and Formula E. They are one of the first organisations, outside of our development partners, that recognise the power and value of our transformative platform. Formula E is serious about what they are doing and we look forward to working together.”
Graciela Chichilnisky, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Global Thermostat, said: “The two largest sectors in terms of carbon emissions are energy and transportation. Global Thermostat is already creating carbon negative power plants and with Formula E it can create carbon negative automobile transportation – truly cutting edge technology for our new millennium.”
Formula E has already attracted many high-profile environmental supporters with the likes of Sir Richard Branson, Leonardo DiCaprio and former UK science minister Lord Paul Drayson all associated with teams for the opening season.
Enrique Bañuelos, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Formula E, added: “This partnership between Global Thermostat and Formula E is a natural one, as the core beliefs and goals associated with both companies are the same: reduce atmospheric carbon emissions and progress the dialogue towards a sustainable future. It is our intention to bring carbon negative solutions to the hearts of the host cities around the world. Global Thermostat’s breakthrough technology, together with all of our partners, will make it possible for Formula E to pave the way towards uniting sustainability-minded corporations, entertainment, global governments, and the sports world.”

Royal Challengers Bangalore Announce Huawei Sponsorship

With the new Indian Premier League (IPL) season fast approaching, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have annouanced a new partnership with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions provider Huawei India as their principal sponsor.

The partners unveiled the jersey which features the Huawei logo in the front.

“We are delighted to be associated with the prestigious game of cricket that cuts across the demographic barriers and connects masses. Through this association, we aim to create a strong local resonance for the brand,” Huawei India chief executive Cai Liqun said.

RCB captain Virat Kohli said: “Given Huawei’s partnerships with major sporting properties around the world, it is great to have them come on board as principal sponsors.”

Huawei has also globally partnered with football clubs Arsenal, Paris Saint Germain and Canberra Raiders.

RCB play their first IPL match April 17 Sharjah against the Delhi Daredevils.

Delhi Daredevils Unveil Quikr as New Principal Sponsor

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Daredevils have announced Quikr.com have come on board as a principal sponsor.

The GMR group owned team has gone for a complete makeover this season with a new look squad, nurse a new logo and a new sponsor.

Speaking on the unveiling Delhi Daredevils CEO Hemant Dua explained: “Quikr has become a ground breaking company in the online classified space and we at the Daredevils are truly excited with this partnership.  It is the coming together of brands that share similar values on an ideal platform where speed, success and teamwork rule and believe it will be the beginning of a long association. Creatigies Communications and Havas Media played a key role in making this partnership happen, we appreciate their efforts.”

The partnership will initially be for a three year period with both sides confident of a long term relationship.

Quikr founder & CEO Pranay Chulet said: “We are excited to partner with DD. Much like our business, T20 games are all about succeeding at speed. The idea is to score Quikr and win Quikr, and we feel we have a great meeting of minds between Quikr and DD on that.”

The Daredevils first match will be in Sharjah against Royal Challengers Bangalore on 17 April 2014.

Sporting Kansas City Selects Official Solar Energy Solutions Provider

Reigning Major League Soccer (MLS) champions Sporting Kansas City have announced a multi-year partnership with Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L) who will join the team as their official solar energy solutions provider.

The deal also includes the brand becoming a community partner of the El Padrino Soccer League, try a Sporting Club Network member.

“KCP&L is excited to partner with Sporting Kansas City and the El Padrino Soccer League, pills ” said Chuck Caisley, ampoule KCP&L Vice President of Marketing and Public Affairs. “Renewable energy and community involvement are two focus areas for our company and we look forward to this new opportunity.”

In addition to the future installation of solar panels at Sporting Kansas City facilities, KCP&L will have the opportunity to connect with hundreds of soccer players in the Kansas City metropolitan area through its community partnership with the El Padrino Soccer League. KCP&L will help support the league with soccer clinics for youth players and coaches, as well through apparel and energy education among other benefits.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with KCP&L. Both of our organizations share similar interests and attributes, the main one being our local ties and our mutual commitment to making Kansas City a better place to work, live and play,” said Jamie Guin, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Sporting Kansas City. “We look forward to a fruitful relationship with KCP&L and its entire organization for the long term.”

London Triathlon Seals New Official Hydration Partner

Energy drink supplier POSI+IV has become the official hydration partner of the London Triathlon and the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Blenheim Palace Triathlon.

Following their UK and Ireland launch in March 2014, cough  POSI+IV has signed a three year sponsorship deal with the UK’s leading triathlon events until 2016.

The London Triathlon is the world’s biggest triathlon event, mind taking place on 2-3 August 2014 with over 13,000 participants and 30,000 spectators. 

The Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Blenheim Palace Triathlon, known as the season opener and best event for first-timers, is the UK’s second largest triathlon with over 7,000 participants and the UK’s most picturesque event taking place at the World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace.

James Robinson, IMG Challenger World Managing Director said: “We are thrilled to be working with a new innovative brand like POSI+IV which embraces the Can Do Attitude like our amazing participants. The brand will be a great addition to our events and I’m sure our participants will look forward to trying the product.”

Commenting on the sponsorship deal, Nicholas Hampson from POSI+IV said: “POSI+IV are proud to be associated as the sole energy drink sponsor of the London and The Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Blenheim Palace triathlons. POSI+IV look forward to supporting both amateur and professional athlete’s tough training regimes in the run up to this year’s events.”

Club Car Becomes Official Golf Cart Supplier for Solheim Cup 2015

Golf club manufacturer Club Car has been named the “Official Golf Cart Supplier” for the Solheim Cup 2015.

Both Solheim Cup Captains will receive a Golf Cart in their team colours during the event. Club Car will also provide a vast contingent of golf carts for the smooth running of the logistic side of this major event including mechanics and servicing. 

Dirk Müller-Haastert, health CEO of the Cart Care Company, viagra who distribute Club Car throughout Germany, said: “We are proud to be Official Golf Cart Partner for the Solheim Cup 2015 and are excited to be supplying the biggest golfing event that has ever been staged on German soil.

“During conversations with officials we have recognised that not only the quality of our vehicles is highly valued, but also our willingness to support and help to realise such an event. Our ability to present specific tailored solutions is also highly appreciated. We are certain that the Solheim Cup 2015 will be one of the greatest golfing events.”