Globe Life Acquire Naming Rights to Texas Rangers’ Ballpark in Arlington

Major League Baseball franchise Texas Rangers have announced their Ballpark in Arlington is now called Globe Life Park in Arlington after a naming rights deal was concluded.

The Rangers announced a naming rights deal for their park at a news conference on Wednesday morning. Financial terms were not announced, but Joe Januszewski, the Rangers’ executive vice president of business partnerships & development, said it is among the best deals in history to be procured for the naming rights of a baseball facility.

“Looking at the deals done, I’d put us in the top two of any ballpark in baseball,” said Januszewski, who led a three-year search for a naming rights partner that really grew in earnest over the past six to eight months.

“This is another long-term sustainable cash flow that will enable us to be competitive in the long term,” Rangers co-owner Ray Davis said. “Your turnstile revenue is variable depending on how your team is doing on the field. But when you have long-term sustainable income over 10 years, you’re able to make better decisions.”

Davis said this deal will help the Rangers over the long term, but it is not expected to have a significant impact this winter.

“I think we already spent that [money],” Davis said.

The Globe Life and Accident Insurance Company provides life and health insurance nationwide, with executive offices based in Oklahoma City. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torchmark Corporation, which is based in McKinney, Texas, north of Dallas. The company has approximately 3.9 million policy holders representing over $60 billion in insurance.

“We’re honored to partner with the Texas Rangers, and we’re excited to see the Globe Life name on this beautiful facility,” Globe Life president Bill Leavell said.

In addition to the naming rights, Globe Life is also planning to make a substantial commitment to local youth baseball and softball programs through a grant partnership program with the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation.

“That was one of the significant pros of this deal,” Januszewski said. “These folks made it clear this was not an advertising ploy, but they wanted to be ingrained in the community. The revenue is important, but also important is the quality of people and the quality of the company. To that end, it was important to have someone who shares our values of our Foundation and the efforts in the community.”

The new name is expected to be included around the park by Opening Day. Part of the deal was to retain the city of Arlington within the name.

“Arlington has been an excellent partner, and we are in Arlington,” Davis said. “We wanted to honor that. There has been 20 years of history here, we don’t want to forget our history.”

Globe Life Park was opened as the Ballpark in Arlington in 1994. In 2004, the name was changed to Ameriquest Field in Arlington, but that only lasted three years. The official name was changed to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in ’07 after Ameriquest Mortgage was shut down during the country-wide financial crisis.

The Rangers were one of 10 clubs that had not sold the rights to the name of their ballpark until the new deal was announced. The remaining nine are Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Dodger Stadium, Fenway Park, Marlins Park, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Kauffman Stadium, Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium and Nationals Park.

Black Dragon Tools Joins Leavine Family Racing as Associate Sponsor

Leavine Family Racing (LFR) have announced a one-year partnership with Black Dragon Tools as a full-season associate sponsor of the No. 95 Ford driven by Michael McDowell in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. 

“At Black Dragon Tools, we take pride in being at the leading edge of industry innovation,” Ben Thompson, founder and chief operations officer of Black Dragon Tools, said. “We could not be more proud to partner with Bob Leavine and Leavine Family Racing for 2014. Leavine has put together an amazing team. Michael McDowell is an exciting driver and crew chief Wally Rogers is an experienced and innovative racing veteran.”

Under the new partnership, Black Dragon Tools has already outfitted Leavine Family Racing’s garage and pit box with their latest tools. The Concord, N.C.-based team will also use the company’s electronic testers as well as other various hand tools at the team facilities and trackside.

“Black Dragon Tools will have a direct and positive impact on Leavine Family Racing,” Jeremy Lange, vice president of marketing and partnerships at Leavine Family Racing said. “This is the kind of partner that is helping us to be a better team and to compete on and off the track.”

The partnership will kick off at Daytona International Speedway in February of 2014 when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series opens the season with the 2.5-mile tri-oval.

MLL’s Chesapeake Bayhawks Announce Wreckless Apparel Partnership

Major League Lacrosse (MLL) team Chesapeake Bayhawks have announced a new partnership with Wreckless Apparel Group.

The Bayhawks are well known in MLLfor being the franchise with the most MLL Championship wins, drugs having won five since the start of the league in 2001, generic as well as earning an outstanding four division titles. The team has also won more games than any franchise in the MLL thus far.

Wreckless Apparel Group’s partnership with the Bayhawks will take place in Maryland, the team’s hometown. Wreckless will be sponsoring the team and will play a large part in upcoming games. 

Upon learning about the partnership,Bayhawks star Brian Spallina said: “What an outstanding opportunity for both The Bayhawks and Wreckless Lacrosse aligning themselves. The Bayhawks are regarded as the number one franchise in the MLL, and Wreckless has made a splash big enough to gain national recognition. It’s always great when the best in their respective businesses come together to grow the nations greatest sport. I am extremely excited to see this partnership as I have been fortunate enough to be a part of these two amazing organizations.”

“We are on the verge to create more MLL partnerships with other teams in the league. We are very excited, as we have created a functional lifestyle of a lacrosse player from the east coast to the west coast. We are looking to mutually grow the game together,” said the Wreckless Apparel Group Team, in a press release. 

BetXchange Renew EFC AFRICA Partnership

BetXchange have expanded their partnership with MMA promotion EFC AFRICA by today announcing a one year, here headline partnership deal. 

“This is excellent news for African MMA, drugs ” said Cairo Howarth, prostate EFC AFRICA president. “BetXchange’s involvement with EFC AFRICA is a big part of what makes our sport so exciting. Fans love placing their bets at the venue, or adding spice to home viewing with a bet riding on the fight.” 

“BetXchange have been with us since the beginning,” he added. “We’ve grown together. To have them on board as title partner means a lot to our organisation.” 

The deal spans all 10 EFC AFRICA events scheduled for 2014.

“EFC AFRICA has established itself as one of the major sporting brands in Africa and we are proud to be associated with them,” said BetXchange representative Warren Michael Ho. “We will continue offering new and innovative bet types on EFC AFRICA fights as we pride ourselves on being the leading sports betting company in South Africa.” 

USOC Partners with Japanese Brand Airweave

The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) has announced today a partnership with airweave, the top-selling premium bedding topper in Japan that recently launched its product in the United States.

Through the sponsorship,airweave will support American athletes participating in the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, marking a pivotal moment for the category-leader as it continues its mission to provide users, performers and competitive athletes with the best quality sleep possible.

“It’s an honor to follow our recent launch in the United States with this new relationship with the U.S. Olympic Committee,” says Mr. Motokuni Takaoka, chief executive officer and president of airweave. “We are proud to accompany the country’s premier athletes on their journey to Sochi this February, offering them the peace of mind that comes from getting the quality sleep they need to be at the top of their game.”

As part of its sponsorship, airweave will supply portable DUAL MODE bedding toppers to participating U.S. athletes and coaches, as well as providing financial assistance to the USOC, which trains and funds the athletes and hopefuls for the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games. The airweave portable DUAL MODE topper is firm on one side and soft on the other, allowing the athletes to customize their sleeping surface to best fit their needs as they gear up for competition.

“As an organization, we are dedicated to helping our athletes achieve their full potential both on and off the field of play,” said Lisa Baird, USOC chief marketing officer. “To that end, we’re thrilled to welcome airweave to our great family of partners and thank them for their support of American athletes.”

Red Bull Racing Extends Geox Partnership for 2014 Season

Infiniti Red Bull Racing have renewed their partnership with Geox for 2014 season.

Continuing a relationship that begun in 2011, the Italian footwear manufacturer will this year supply the drivers and team personnel with high-tech breathable footwear featuring the patented Geox Net System sole, a new ultra-flexible, breathable and feather-light construction based on the company’s research in Formula One.

The Net Breathing system will also be rolled out across new retail collections for men and women.

“The continuation of our partnership with Geox is good news for the whole team,” said Infiniti Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner. “Aside from the very obvious benefits the drivers experience, Geox’s input is of great value across all our operations. Our engineers and mechanics spend long hours on their feet and often in punishing conditions, so making their work as comfortable as possible is very important.”

Geox President and founder Mario Moretti Polegato added: “After three years of success we are happy and proud to extend our partnership with Infiniti Red Bull Racing, and to provide the drivers and the team with our unique technology. This season we will keep on improving our breathable shoes, introducing new advances developed in cooperation with the team. 2014 is expected to be a challenging season and we are committed more than ever to support the team with our knowledge.”

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DNA Brands to Sponsor NASCAR’s Brian Brown in 2014 Sprint Cup Series

DNA Brands, Inc., maker of DNA Energy Drink, announced today that is has entered into an agreement with sprint car racing veteran #21 Brian Brown, as an associate sponsor for the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Car Series season. 

Brian, a 13 year veteran of sprint car racing, has racked up over 153 career wins and finished in the top 5 over 30 times last year. Sprint car racing is becoming one of the most rapidly growing forms of motorsports in the country, reaching over 30 million fans through ESPN 2 TV Packages as well as at 800 tracks covering 49 states.

“We couldn’t be happier than to have Brian as part of the DNA team this year. He not only is a winning athlete, but also the type of person we want to be associated with,” said Eric Fowler, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for DNA. Fowler added, “Brian understands what it takes to market a brand and his relationships on and off the track and will help DNA gain more visibility among the more than 30 million race fans throughout the country. With sprint car racing becoming one of the most rapidly growing forms of motorsports in the country, we believe that marketing to that audience will greatly help to secure retailers, increase distribution and attract a huge new customer base. We look forward to a great relationship, along with a great season this year with Brian,” concluded Fowler.

Brian Brown said: “I’m really excited to be associated with DNA Energy. In our line of work we always need a little extra pep in our step to assist in traveling to the next track, or between races. DNA Energy and coffee are awesome products, they taste great, and we are excited to be a part of their growing brand. Hopefully we can do our part to help them grow, and to reach our fans in the sprint car market and beyond.”

Bristol Academy Announces DAS as Main Sponsor

The Bristol Academy Women’s Football Club, which competes in the FA’s women’s Super League have announced a new sponsorship deal which sees Bristol-based legal expenses insurer, DAS UK become the club’s main sponsor for the 2014-2015 season.

The £50k one year deal, which is the largest financial shirt sponsorship for an independent club in the women’s game, will see the BAWFC players sporting the insurer’s logo on their shirts as they embark on their fourth campaign in the WSL and once again enter into the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Last year the club had the most successful season in its history, finishing runners up in the FA Cup Final against Arsenal and capping a superb league campaign by finishing second in the 2013 Women’s Super League (WSL).

Paul Asplin, CEO DAS UK Group said; “DAS has its headquarters in Bristol and whilst we employ over 700 staff nationally, the majority of our people are based in Bristol, so being involved in our local community is extremely important to us.  It is our pleasure to sponsor the Vixens and connect our brand to theirs and the rising popularity of women’s football.”

President of Bristol Academy WFC, Kevin Hamblin, said:  “We needed a sponsor befitting both the local and national appeal of the club.  DAS is a perfect fit and their sponsorship will enable us to develop the club and build on the success we have had.  We are delighted to have them on board.”

Glasgow 2014 Reinforces Security with Rapiscan Systems Appointment

Organisers of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games have appointed security screening company Rapiscan Systems Limited as their Official Security Screening Equipment Provider for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. 

Rapiscan provides state-of-the-art security equipment and services including x-ray machines and metal detection. During the Games, drugs Rapiscan provide and install all physical security screening equipment at Games venues. Rapiscan will also provide security scanning equipment at the Athletes’ Village. 

Rapiscan, which operates in over 100 countries worldwide, has supported major sporting events such as the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 

Glasgow 2014 Deputy Chief Executive, Ty Speer, said: “Keeping athletes, spectators and everyone involved with the Games safe and secure is of paramount importance at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. 

“Rapiscan has a strong track record in providing security scanning solutions for major companies and worldwide sporting events such as Olympic Games. We’re looking forward to working with Rapiscan to ensure a safe and secure environment during Glasgow 2014.” 

President of Rapsican Systems Ltd, Ajay Mehra, commented: “To be working alongside the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games organisers is a great honour for Rapiscan and demonstrates our leadership in the security screening solutions market. Our technology allows for both superior non-intrusive threat detection and extremely high throughput, meaning that visitors and baggage will be scanned effectively and efficiently and to the highest standard.

“Having worked to secure other high profile sporting events, such as the London 2012 Olympic Games, we have the knowledge and expertise required to not only ensure the security of the venues but to also enhance visitor satisfaction.”

Chicago Cubs Partners with Pizza Maker Giordano’s

The Chicago Cubs have entered into a three-year agreement with Giordano’s, making it the official and exclusive pizza purveyor of the Cubs and Wrigley Field.

“The opportunity to create an exciting and unique partnership with Giordano’s was important to us,” Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement.  “This partnership is going to further enhance the fan experience and deliver signature Chicago deep-dish pizza to Cubs fans all season long.”

Ricketts and Yorgo Koutsogiorgas, president and CEO of Giordano’s, announced the agreement Tuesday afternoon  at  Giordano’s flagship restaurant at 730 N. Rush St. in Chicago.

Beyond serving Giordano’s pizzas at Wrigley, the Cubs will host Giordano’s Day on June 20, distributing 10,000 Ernie Banks bobblehead dolls stamped with the restaurant chain’s logo.  Giordano’s will also receive rotating ads on existing LED screens in the ballpark and on the landmark marquee.

“We feel a real kinship with the Chicago Cubs,” Koutsogiorgas said in a statement. “Both Giordano’s and the Cubs are iconic Chicago brands, rooted in family and committed to serving the greater Chicago community.”