GoPro Becomes Official Camera Sponsor of ASP World Championship Tour

The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) have announced innovative camera makers GoPro as the exclusive camera sponsor for the Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) and the ASP Big Wave World Tour (BWWT).

As part of the partnership, pilule ASP will be integrating GoPro content into event coverage. The footage will provide fans across the world with new and unique viewpoints of the elite athletes as they compete.

“We’re thrilled to welcome GoPro into the ASP family and work with them to showcase the extraordinary abilities of our world-class athletes, prostate ” said ASP CEO, Paul Speaker. “ASP’s partnership with GoPro will add an exciting new dimension to our event coverage and help us tell the stories of the world’s best surfers on the world’s best waves from a unique new point of view.”

“The core of our brand is rooted in surf, and for many of us here at GoPro, this is a dream realized to be a part of the ASP Tour,” said GoPro Founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman. “We are stoked to be part of this next evolution in professional surfing and hope that GoPro can help attract new fans to the sport and give lifelong fans new ways to enjoy the coverage of the tour.”

In addition to sponsorship news, GoPro also announced the addition of Brazilian surf phenom, Gabriel Medina, along with Basque ASP competitor, Aritz Aranburu, to the GoPro Surf Team. Fellow GoPro riders Alana Blanchard and Lakey Peterson are set to compete on the Women’s World Championship Tour this 2014 season.

The first stop on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour is the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast from March 1 – 12.

Comer Group to Sponsor Irish St. Leger

Property company Comer Group today revealed its new partnership with The Irish St. Leger. 

The new deal will span the next three years and Comer Group hope to use the support of the race to promote Palmerstown House Estate, patient a luxury hotel and golf resort located close to Naas in County Kildare, which they purchased last year. 

This year’s Irish St. Leger race will take place at the Curragh on Sunday 14th September and will mark the 100th running of the Group One Classic. 

The new sponsorship will ensure a substantial increase in total prize money for the race from €200,000 in 2013 to €300,000 this year, making it one of the richest races of its kind in Europe. 

Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manager of the Curragh Racecourse, said: “We are very grateful to the Comer Group for their generous support of the Curragh and delighted to welcome such an exciting new sponsor to coincide with both the 100th running of the Irish St Leger and the inaugural Irish Champions Weekend.   Our priority will be to attract the very best staying horses from Europe and ensure the race continues to be the premier trial in Europe for the Emirates Melbourne Cup.” 

Luke Comer, Chairman of the Comer Group also commented: “We are delighted and honoured to have been given the opportunity to sponsor this great Race and we look forward to a very exciting three years working with the Curragh Racecourse helping to ensure that The Irish St Leger remains one of the most prestige and important Classic Races in Europe.”

Wembley Stadium Secures EE as First Ever Lead Partner

Wembley National Stadium Ltd. (WNSL) have announced today that digital communications company EE has come on board as the stadium’s first lead partner.

The long-term six-year partnership is effective immediately with the deal showcased at the first event at the stadium, the Capital One Cup Final on March 2. The deal will not include changing the name of the stadium which was rumoured as a possibility in the past.

Wembley will benefit from multi-million pound investment in its technological infrastructure over the course of the six-year partnership to offer visitors the best possible ‘sofa to seat’ experience. 

As part of a planned ‘technology road map’ to be delivered during the six-year deal, future technological advancements from EE include mobile ticketing solutions, enhanced mobile network access and super-fast Wi-Fi available for all.  EE customers will benefit from exclusive ticketing and marketing initiatives from late March.

The deal also includes the launch of a free app – the first bespoke app designed for Wembley visitors.  The new app offers fans a dynamic feed of event content as well as stadium and travel information and is available to download on Apple and Android devices from today. 

Wembley_EE2

The collaborative partnership will be represented in a new composite logo unveiled today. This partnership will be referenced across all channels for both parties as Wembley Stadium connected by EE. As part of the partnership EE will also become a supplier to the England Men’s Senior Team and The FA Cup competition. 

Melvin Benn, Wembley Chairman, said: “We have been looking for the right partner to help us make sure that Wembley maintains its reputation for being one of the best sport and entertainment venues on the planet. As stadia around the world become increasingly more technologically advanced, EE is the perfect partner to assist us in fulfilling that goal, giving event owners and their fans the best possible and unforgettable shared experiences.

Olaf Swantee, CEO at EE, said: “At EE, we are always looking for new ways to enhance digital lives across the UK and this ground-breaking deal allows us to extend the same vision and passion to the country’s national stadium. Over the coming months, we will announce an exciting programme of upgrades and innovations to the existing infrastructure at Wembley that will ensure the stadium offers visitors a world class spectator experience for many years to come.” 

Former Wembley CEO and current iSportconnect Chairman Michael Cunnah assessed the deal.

He told iSportconnect: “Wembley Stadium has such a place in the nation’s pyche that any naming rights deal had to be sensitively managed. 

“Without the ability to link shirt sponsorship to stadium naming rights (as happened at Arsenal and Manchester City) the Wembley Stadium deal was always going to be less valuable, but The FA appears to have worked out how to finance the introduction of wifi connectivity into the stadium.

“Whether the deal is a good one for The FA will depend upon the absolute value received which, in the absence of any reported cash involved in the deal, is difficult to assess.”

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Whitney Bank Get Naming Rights Within New Orleans Pelicans’ Smoothie King Center

NBA franchise New Orleans Pelicans have announced Whitney Bank as their new presenting partner of the Whitney Bank Parade Stand located in section 323 of the Smoothie King Center.

The Whitney Bank Parade Stand features a lower level mural depicting float riders that has been developed in a 3-D treatment to create a sense of being at a parade and moving down one of the iconic streets of New Orleans. The floor is decorated with oversized beads and doubloons, adiposity much like the streets of New Orleans during Carnival.

The upper-level Party Perch area is designed to resemble a French Quarter balcony that will offer special guests a view of the game unlike like any other in the Smoothie King Center. This area has elements of historic New Orleans architecture including wrought iron, viagra order 3-D shutters, viagra and even hanging ferns. The Party Perch will also host musical performances throughout the regular season from some of the region’s most treasured artists.

“We’ve designed the Parade Stand with New Orleans in mind, providing our clients a unique viewing experience alongside fellow revelers, all cheering on the Pelicans,” said Whitney Bank New Orleans Market President Gary Lorio. “We wanted this space to be a reflection of the cultural influence of Mardi Gras that makes this region so exceptional.”

“As an organization, we’re excited to partner with Whitney Bank on the Whitney Bank Parade Stand and offer fans a unique, one-of-a-kind experience at Pelicans games,” said Pelicans/Saints Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Jean-Paul Dardenne. “Whitney Bank has been a long-time valued partner on the Saints side and we couldn’t be happier to work with them on the Pelicans side, as well, as they continue to show their commitment to New Orleans and the Gulf South. The Whitney Parade Stand is going to be a fun, exciting area where fans can cheer on the Pelicans and feel like every game is in the middle of Mardi Gras season.”

“Whitney Bank is delighted to partner with the Pelicans,” said Whitney Bank President Joe Exnicios. “This team is in perfect alignment with our position to create economic opportunities for people and the communities we serve. The Pelicans, like the New Orleans Saints, will become a symbol of the strength of the Greater New Orleans area.”

Western Force Inks Haigh & Hastings Partnership

Super Rugby team Western Force has formed a partnership with new Perth-based timepiece company, thumb Haigh & Hastings.

The partnership reinforces the Western Australian club’s strategy on establishing relationships with locally-based businesses, continuing on from recent agreements with Clough, Navitas and 15 other locally-based organisations as part of the club’s front-of-jersey sponsorship initiative.

The agreement will see Haigh & Hastings secure the naming rights for the man-of-the-match award at Western Force home matches at the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium), with the winner to receive a timepiece from the Haigh & Hastings collection.

RugbyWA Partnerships Manager Daniel Scully says the strategy to partner with Western Australian organisations had proven successful in 2014.

“As a Western Australian club, we’re very pleased to be partnering with another Western Australian business like Haigh & Hastings,” he said. “As the team represents Western Australia in the toughest provincial competition in world rugby, we’re proud to have the support of our local business community.”

Haigh & Hastings CEO, Simon Haigh, says his organisation was excited about the partnership.

“Our goal is to present Australia and the world with high quality timepieces that are classic in design, built for daily wear, with a subtle and uniquely Australian flair,” he said.

“Our timepieces are designed for men that live on the edge, and there’s a natural synergy that exists between that and the physical and combative nature of rugby, and perpetuated by our Western Force players. We are very excited to be partnering with the Western Force as we both endeavour to be highly respected in our respective fields on an international stage.”

Great Railing to Title Sponsor ARCA Racing’s Weekend of Thunder

Great Railing has announced a partnership with New Jersey Motorsports Park that will see the southern New Jersey-based company become the title sponsor for the newly branded “Weekend of Thunder” and ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards’ 150-mile race at the Millville facility.

The weekend, ask which includes ARCA, unhealthy Trans-Am Series, Pirelli World Challenge, and Fidelity Power Systems Pro IT Series, takes place Saturday, May 31st to Sunday, June 1st, 2014. 

“I’ve been sponsoring ARCA cars for years,” said Mario Conlin, owner of Great Railing. “We thought it would be great to sponsor a race, to experience the thrill of it all. That’s what brought me to the decision. Great Railing looks forward to working with NJMP leading up to and into the race weekend.”

The event schedule will feature two races each for Trans-Am, World Challenge, and Pro IT, in addition to the ARCA Racing Series’ Great Railing 150 on Sunday afternoon, will be announced shortly.

“New Jersey Motorsports Park is very pleased to welcome Great Railing as a partner and to add this sponsorship to our Weekend of Thunder and ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards event this season,” said NJMP General Manager/COO Brad Scott. 

“Our staff is excited to putting on a great show for our fans featuring four great racing series over two exciting days at Thunderbolt Raceway.”

Ron Drager, president of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, was also happy to hear of the announcement.

“We’re thrilled to have Great Railing as part of this highly anticipated weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park,” Drager said. “The Thunderbolt Raceway road course is a highlight of our annual schedule, and we look forward to them being part of it.”

Samsung Announces Bayern Munich Partnership

Samsung Electronics has announced a new partnership with Champions League winners Bayern Munich, using its mobile messaging service ChatON to provide fans with a unique and engaging messaging experience around sports. 

Starting this week, ChatON users will have the opportunity to send in their questions to football legend and midfielder at Bayern Munich, Mario Götze.  

Samsung’s ChatON partnership with FC Bayern Munich offers football fans the opportunity to easily connect with each other, fully immersing themselves in the sport.  

Lee Epting, Vice President of Samsung Media Solution Centre Europe said: “We are delighted to partner with FC Bayern Munich and to support the fans’ experience. This is an important partnership for Samsung as we deliver on our ambitions to increase access to sports content for our customers. ChatON will offer customers an engaging experience around sports, something that they can expect to see more of in the future.”

Monster Becomes Official Energy Drink Partner of Bellator MMA

Mixed Martial Arts promotion Bellator MMA has announced a partnership with Monster Energy with the US beverage company signing a multi-year deal as “Official Energy Drink Partner” of Bellator.

Monster Energy will be strategically integrated throughout the Bellator live event experience. Monster will own highly visible inventory inside the Bellator cage and activate at various consumer touch points in-arena. In addition, Monster is extending their Monster Girl program with a marquee position in sponsoring the Bellator Girls.

Monster has also expanded its athlete roster with the addition of MMA icon Quinton “Rampage” Jackson to their stable of sponsored athletes. The Monster logo will be featured prominently on Jackson’s fight gear as “Rampage” prepares for his February 28th Light Heavyweight Tournament debut.

“When sponsorship opportunities arise like the Monster Energy alliance, fighter involvement is paramount,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “Bellator’s talent connects with Monster’s brand identity and as this partnership continues to develop, you will see more Bellator fighters have the opportunity to be involved with the Monster Energy brand. This benefits our fighters both financially and from an exposure perspective. It really is a win-win for everyone involved.”

To complement the live event experience, Monster and Bellator will look to engage in a multi-faceted activation plan intended to build customer loyalty and drive tune-in of the Bellator broadcast on Spike.

“As Monster was looking to extend its sports platform and build equity within MMA, there was no other choice than to partner with Bellator,” said Cody Dresser, Director of Action Sports at Monster Energy. “From Bellator’s talent roster, national platform, global reach and the Bellator girls, the alignment was purely endemic. Couple Bellator’s strengths with the power, reach and digital prowess of the Monster brand, and the sky is truly the limit.”

“Monster Energy is a global brand that will have great impact throughout all aspects of Bellator live events and programming as our official energy drink partner,” Rebney said. “Monster Energy is seamlessly connected to the male demographic that consumes Bellator on a weekly basis. The synergy in both brands is dynamic and our fans will experience a unified integration between Monster Energy and Bellator beginning on February 28th and over the coming year.”

InstaForex Ups Marussia F1 Support by Becoming Official Partner for 2014

Marussia F1 have announced they have expanded their relationship with Russian Forex broker, InstaForex, which has traded up to Official Partner status for the 2014 season.

For InstaForex, which joined the team’s portfolio of Partners in 2013, the relationship is now a key element of the company’s marketing strategy, placing particular emphasis on key markets such as Russia and Malaysia and their associated Grand Prix events.

For 2014, the InstaForex brand mark will appear on the drivers’ racesuits, team apparel and within the team’s trackside environment and peripherals. There will be an enhanced presence for the Malaysia Grand Prix in March, and also the inaugural Russian Grand Prix, which takes place in Sochi in October.

Andy Webb, CEO, Marussia F1 Team: “It is always very pleasing to see one of our existing sponsors expanding their relationship with the Marussia F1 Team, underpinning one of our key strengths, which has been to retain valued partnerships. InstaForex are heavily involved in sports sponsorship and over the past 12 months they have added Formula 1 to that portfolio of interest and engagement, and reaped the benefit of collaboration with a team that is able to offer tailor-made solutions to satisfying marketing objectives.

“We are particularly pleased that we will be able to celebrate with InstaForex, a Russian company, the occasion of Russia’s first Grand Prix together later in the year. We are optimistic for the season ahead and look forward to sharing the experience of such an exciting and interesting period for the sport with existing and new partners.” 

Dmitriy Savchenko, Executive Director, InstaForex, added: “The cooperation with the Marussia F1 Team is a landmark strategic development for InstaForex. Our partnership has contributed greatly to meeting our organisational goals, such as brand awareness and increasing our global outreach. However, the main benefit from the relationship is something which can’t have ROI and can’t be measured financially – the opportunity to share the excitement and energy of Formula one with our clients and employees.”

OMP Racing Remains Official Supplier of Racewear for FIA

The FIA, the governing body for motorsport, has today announced an extension to its agreement with OMP Racing S.p.A., with the Italian motor sport company continuing as Official Supplier of Racewear to the federation in 2014 and 2015.

As part of the deal the company will be supplying technical racing clothing to FIA Officials and Safety Car Drivers across a range of the federation’s championships. This will include fireproof overalls, shoes, gloves and underwear, products that were researched and developed in the company’s manufacturing facility located in Ronco Scrivia, near Genoa (Italy).

Commenting on the agreement FIA President Jean Todt said: “The FIA is pleased to be able to continue its relationship with OMP for the supply of racewear to our personnel. Safety is always at the heart of the FIA’s motor sport mission and it is crucial that our event officials have access to equipment that meets the rigorous standards we set in this regard.

“OMP has been a leader in its field for over four decades and we are looking forward to working closely with the company in the coming years in order to further enhance safety and efficiency across our championships.”

Paolo Delprato, OMP C.E.O., added: “For some years the focus of our R&D department has been directed towards the development of leading products that blend performance, quality, comfort and safety. Therefore, being chosen by the FIA as official supplier is very satisfying, as it is a further demonstration of our competence.

The partnership includes OMP supplying the inaugural Formula E Championship.

“OMP is also very pleased that it is to be the exclusive supplier of FIA technical clothing for the Formula E electric single-seater championship, which, commencing in September 2014, will represent the biggest innovation in motor sport of the last few years,” Delprato added. “This is a real challenge for the future, and one in which OMP is delighted to take part.”

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