Tinsue to Supply the Floor for Table Tennis Event at Rio 2016

The International Table Tennis Federation’s marketing arm, TMS International has announced Tinsue as the official sports-floor supplier for the table tennis event at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

This comes after the recent announcement in February that Tinsue will be the official sports-floor supplier to the table tennis event at the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games.

It will be the second Olympic Games in a row that the world’s best table tennis players will play on Tinsue sports-floor, as they had also supplied the floor at London 2012.

“We are happy to have this opportunity to again cooperate with the ITTF,” said Tinsue CEO Mr Zhang Zhen.

“We first started our relationship in 2009 at the World Team Cup, and it is our great honour to continue helping the ITTF host successful events, such as London 2012,” added Mr Zhang.

The agreement, which is made up of a substantial cash component and value-in-kind equipment, also includes the 2014-2016 World Tour Grand Finals, the 2015 World Team Cup and the Continental events in Latin America, Oceania, Africa and North America until 2016.

Following the agreement, ITTF President Mr. Adham Sharara stated: “The ITTF is extremely pleased that it could renew its agreement with Tinsue as the official sports-floor supplier to the table tennis event at Rio 2016. The 2012 London Games were the debut for Tinsue and the sports-floor received a great reception from all players.”

“I am very pleased that Tinsue is also sponsoring our continental events. This proves that Tinsue is not only interested in selling product, but also very interested in the development of our sport,” concluded Mr. Sharara.

Anders Thunstrom, Managing Director of TMS International, added: “We have been able to find a win-win situation with Tinsue and to extend the partnership until 2016, strengthening the relationship between us for ITTF World Title events.”

London 2012 was the first major table tennis event with a sky blue floor, and the ITTF will again work with Tinsue and the ROCOG to create a memorable floor colour for Rio 2016.

Sherwin-Williams Expands NASCAR Deal to Official Automotive Paint Partner

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes have been named the The Official Automotive Paint of NASCAR in a new multi-year partnership beginning next year.

The announcement complements recent news that in May, 2013, The Sherwin-Williams Company signed a multi-year partnership designating the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies as the ‘Official Paint of NASCAR.’

By adding the ‘Official Paint of NASCAR’ sponsorship in the automotive coatings category, Sherwin-Williams’ Automotive Finishes division further expands its visibility as one of the leading product innovators and servicers to the collision repair and original equipment industries. 

Adam Chafe, Vice President Marketing, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes said: “Since 2000, some of the biggest names in racing have trusted their race car finishes to Sherwin-Williams. We’re extremely excited and honored to become the ‘Official Automotive Paint of NASCAR.’ In fact, more than a dozen NASCAR teams currently use Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes. We aim to help teams cross the finish line and ensure that their cars and sponsors always look good on the track; that also holds true with every repair and repaint our customers provide.”

Horizon to Sponsor BK Racing at Phoenix International Raceway

David Reutimann and the No. 83 BK Racing team will have a different look on his red and white Toyota Camry for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with Horizon Corporation returning as an associate sponsor.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will return to Phoenix International Raceway November 8 – 10 and Horizon have sponsored BK Racing cars since the team’s inception last year.

Horizon is the only full-service distributor specializing in irrigation systems, landscape products, outdoor equipment, and specialty items like lighting, ponds, BBQs, pavers and misters. Horizon currently has 60 retail locations nationwide. 

“We are very excited to be part of the NASCAR family,” said Mary Martinez, Director of Marketing for Horizon. “We know a lot of our customers are NASCAR fans and this is a great opportunity to showcase the Horizon brand.” 

“Horizon has been a tremendous partner for BK Racing these past two seasons,” said team owner Ron Devine. “We hope to make the Horizon name even more familiar with the NASCAR faithful with this full primary scheme.” 

“It’s very exciting to showcase a local company on my car,” explained Reutimann. Hopefully we can make their first primary sponsorship a memorable one.” 

NHL Extends Ticketing Deal with Ticketmaster

The National Hockey League (NHL) have renewed their multiyear ticketing agreement with Ticketmaster, a Live Nation Entertainment company.

The new deal includes enhanced ticketing options and greater convenience for hockey fans. New this season, select NHL games will offer Ticketmaster’s new TM+ beta feature, enabling fans to see unsold tickets from the teams alongside tickets being resold by fans. These select TM+ events feature interactive, color-coded seat maps that display all available tickets for upcoming games. TM+ is a Ticketmaster beta enhancement that provides more ticket options to fans in a safe, convenient place.

The NHL selected Ticketmaster as the exclusive ticketing provider for all League events including the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, 2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series, 2014 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic, 2015 NHL All-Star Game, and NHL Awards. Ticketmaster also provides primary ticket services, including advance and onsite single game ticket sales, season ticketing, and group ticketing for 25 NHL teams, as well as NHL Ticket Exchange, the Official Ticket Exchange of the NHL.

“Ticketmaster is committed to providing fans the safest, most secure and convenient ticket-buying experience,” said Jared Smith, North American President, Ticketmaster. “By expanding our partnership with the NHL, we are giving hockey fans more ticketing choices, added convenience and a level of security that no other resale marketplace can match.”

“We’re proud to extend our partnership with Ticketmaster to ensure a first-class ticket-buying experience for fans,” said Keith Wachtel, the NHL’s Executive Vice President, Global Partnerships. “The NHL Ticket Exchange is the best place for fans to buy and sell authentic hockey tickets, and with TM+, will ensure we are providing the most comprehensive view of available tickets for sale by the Clubs alongside those tickets made available for sale by fans and other resellers.

Ticketmaster is the official resale partner of the NFL, NBA, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the US Open, the UFC and many major metropolitan venues including MetLife Stadium, Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, the Prudential Center, and the Nassau Coliseum.

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SPAR Extends European Athletics Sponsorship

European Athletics have renewed their partnership with SPAR International until 2016. 

SPAR International, the world’s largest organisation of independent food retailers, has been the principal sponsor of European Athletics since 1996.

As part of the new deal SPAR will sponsor the Amsterdam 2016 European Athletics Championships and European Cross Country Championships 2016. As part of their existing contract they will sponsor Zurich 2014 European Athletics Championships, Prague 2015 European Athletics Indoor Championships, SPAR European Cross Country Championships (Belgrade 2013, Samokov 2014, Paray-le-Monial 2015) and European Athletics Team Championships (Braunschweig 2014, Cheboksary 2015).

Hansjörg Wirz, President of European Athletics, said, “We are very pleased that SPAR will continue as our main partner through till the end of 2016. The support that they have shown athletics over the years has been of immense importance to us.

“With the invaluable contribution of SPAR, we will continue to work hard to reach an even stronger position for athletics in Europe.”

Christian Milz, Director General of European Athletics, also welcomed the news of the contract extension: “The added value that SPAR brings to promoting athletics in Europe thanks to its thousands of shops is of huge importance to us.

“We are particularly pleased to be coming to the ‘home’ of SPAR in 2016 when the European Athletics Championships are hosted in Amsterdam, the location of SPAR’s headquarters.”

Dr. Gordon Campbell, SPAR International Managing Director, said, “European Athletics events are a great platform for building the SPAR brand worldwide. We are very much looking forward to the next European Athletics Championships in Zurich in 2014 and then Amsterdam in 2016.

“Through our partnership with European Athletics, the SPAR brand is closely aligned with dynamic people competing at the pinnacle of their sporting careers on the continent. This, combined with our support of national and local sporting events, makes our partnership with European Athletics the perfect fit.”

Celebrity Cruises Becomes Official Cruise Line of New York Rangers

Celebrity Cruises has inked a marketing deal to become the Official Cruise Line of the New York Rangers.

The affiliation will give Blueshirt fans access to exclusive offers from Celebrity Cruises, including the first-ever Rangers Legends Cruise. In addition, Celebrity Cruises will have a prominent presence at the completely transformed Madison Square Garden during Rangers games.

As part of the new marketing partnership, Celebrity will be featured on in-Arena dasherboards at The Garden that also will be visible to Rangers fans viewing at home on MSG Network. In addition, Celebrity Cruises will have integration on the Rangers’ team websites; on GardenVision, the new state-of-the-art center-hung multimedia display; as well as on-ice branding and digital signage during the Rangers Legends Cruise shooting contests.

“Celebrity Cruises is widely known for excellence and modern luxury, which makes us an ideal fit with the New York Rangers and Madison Square Garden,” said Michael Bayley, president & CEO of Celebrity. “The team is a premium franchise with an enormous fan-base; and Madison Square Garden attracts loyal, passionate and affluent fans and families,” he continued.  “Rangers’ games at Madison Square Garden take place in one of our most important markets and represent an unrivaled opportunity to uniquely connect with fans and attendees.”

“We are always looking to work with our partners to provide unique experiences for our fans,” said Ryan O’Hara, president, content distribution and sales, The Madison Square Garden Company. “The Rangers have one of the most passionate and loyal fan bases in sports, and we are excited to partner with Celebrity Cruises, the world’s top-rated premium cruise line, to offer our Blueshirt faithful the unique and thrilling opportunity to go on a cruise with several Rangers legends.”

 

Canadian Pacific Title Sponsors Canadian Women’s Open

Canadian Pacific has secured title sponsorship rights to the Canadian Women’s Open for a three-year period.

The newly-named Canadian Pacific Women’s Open will be held at the London Hunt and Country Club in London, Ontario from August 21-24, 2014. The event, which has been a staple on the LPGA Tour for many years, will make its return to the city of London for the first time since 2006.

“On behalf of Golf Canada, the LPGA Tour and Canadian golf fans from coast to coast, I want to thank Canadian Pacific, and especially CEO Hunter Harrison, for aligning their respected brand with our National Women’s Open Golf Championship,” said Golf Canada CEO Scott Simmons. “This is an exciting day as we welcome a storied institution in Canadian Pacific as a proud partner in Canadian golf.”

Through CP’s sponsorship, the event’s purse will be increased to $2.25 million, ranking in the top-four of largest purses on Tour.

“The Canadian Women’s Open and a partnership with Golf Canada and the LPGA Tour fits well with our brand, it will excite our customers and will leave a lasting charitable legacy in communities where we do business,” said Canadian Pacific CEO E. Hunter Harrison. “I am confident when I say we will take this great event to new heights and continue to preserve its status as the premier event on the LPGA Tour.”

“On behalf of the LPGA Tour, I would like to congratulate both Canadian Pacific and Golf Canada on today’s exciting news regarding the Canadian Women’s Open,” said Whan.  “For our players, this championship has become a must-play event and we look forward to working with Canadian Pacific to showcase the LPGA Tour to millions of golf fans in Canada, across North America and throughout the world.”

“We are delighted to be selected as the host venue for the inaugural Canadian Pacific Women’s Open,” said Wayne Dunn, President of London Hunt and Country Club. “Our golf course will once again provide a wonderful challenge to the stars of the LPGA Tour and we look forward to rallying with our members, 1,200 volunteers and the entire London community to deliver a world class showcase.”

Light Distribution to Sponsor Wigan Warriors

Super League and Challenge Cup champions Wigan Warriors have announced local company Light Distribution will become a shirt sponsor for the forthcoming season.

The agreement is for an undisclosed fee and is initially for one season with a further option for 2015.

The Light Distribution Ltd name will be displayed across the shoulders of the new Playing and Replica Home and Away shirts in 2014.

Speaking about the agreement Managing Director, Mark Albiston said: “We are thrilled as a Company to become a Shirt Sponsor with the Club. We are a family owned company and the whole Family are huge Wigan Warriors supporters having followed the team for many years. To see the Light Distribution Ltd name on the Champions’ Shirt will be a real honour. We wish Shaun Wane and the Club all the very best for 2014 and we will be behind the team all the way.”

Wigan Warriors Commercial Director Geoff Warburton added: “I would like to welcome Mark and his Company as an official shirt sponsor for 2014. The Albiston family have been close friends and loyal supporters of the Club for several years and we thank Light Distribution for their valued support. We look forward to welcoming them all to the DW Stadium in 2014.”

Mark’s Named Official Casual Wear Retailer of CFL

Mark’s, a Canadian apparel and footwear manufacturer, has announced a partnership with the Canadian Football League (CFL) to be the official casual wear retailer of the CFL throughout the playoffs and the 101st Grey Cup on November 24th in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Mark’s will help ensure that all CFL staff are game-ready by outfitting them with quality outerwear to protect them from the elements during the playoffs and Grey Cup.

“We are thrilled to partner with the CFL throughout the 2013 playoffs, culminating in the 101st Grey Cup in Regina,” said Harry Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Mark’s. “Both the CFL and Mark’s are brands with deep connections to Canadians and this partnership allows us to engage with fans in a unique and exciting way as well as showcase how Mark’s can enable Canadians to enjoy the biggest CFL game of the season.”

Mark’s will also gain rights to use the names and logos of CFL member clubs, CFL and Grey Cup logos, player images and trademarks, including official partner status. Additionally, Mark’s will receive unique branding opportunities on-site throughout the playoffs and Grey Cup, including on-field branding, digital exclusivity within category, direct-to-consumer opportunities and access to leaderboard and big box ads on various CFL media properties.

“We are proud and warmed to be welcoming a brand as authentically Canadian as Mark’s to our roster of partners for the playoffs and 101st Grey Cup in Regina,” said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon. “Mark’s is a perfect fit for our league. Not only because we are playing our first outdoor Grey Cup since 2010, but because we are two Canadian brands with rich histories and bright futures that will be further strengthened by this strategic partnership.”

Lonsdale Renews BAMMA Partnership

Mixed Martial Arts promotion, buy cialis BAMMA, has extended its partnership with sports apparel brand Lonsdale for 2014. 

Lonsdale extended its sporting heritage to Mixed Martial Arts when it first partnered with BAMMA for ‘BAMMA 5: Daley v Shirai’ in 2011. The partnership has seen many unforgettable British MMA bouts in the BAMMA cage, and Lonsdale has notably championed stars that have included Colin ‘Freakshow’ Fletcher and Tom ‘Kong’ Watson. Lonsdale has also become associated with the coveted BAMMA Lonsdale British title belts.

BAMMA’s Director, Ashley Bothwell said: “We are really pleased to continue a very successful relationship with Lonsdale. We are proud to be associated with the combination of boxing heritage, British culture and iconic style that only Lonsdale can bring. We value the support that Lonsdale has put behind the growth of MMA in the UK and we look forward to a really strong 2014 as we increase the number of our shows on a wider TV platform under this partnership.”