British Cycling Renew FIAT Sponsorship

British Cycling have announced today that they have extended their partnership with FIAT Group Automobiles UK for car manufacturer to sponsor the 2013 National Track Championships in Manchester later this month.

As well as being the main partner for the five-day championships, the biggest domestic track event on the UK calendar, FIAT will also present the 2013 British Cycling Sprint Championships on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September. Among the favourites for the men’s title are Olympic Sprint Champion Jason Kenny and his London 2012 Team Sprint teammate and fellow gold medallist, Philip Hindes. In the women’s competition, London Olympian Jess Varnish and newly crowned Junior World Champion Dannielle Khan are among those likely to be challenging for the gold medal.

FIAT’s support of the National Track Championships further endorses their support for cycling as one of British Cycling’s long-standing partners and an Official Vehicle Supplier to the Great Britain Cycling Team.

Commenting on the announcement, Brane Bosancic, Corporate Marketing Manager FIAT Group Automobiles UK, said: “FIAT’s blend of style, sportiness and environmental-friendliness fits perfectly with British Cycling’s healthy, fun and competitive outlook and we are delighted to extend our partnership with this inspirational organisation.  Supporting an event such as the 2013 National Track Championships not only strengthens our relationship further, it also gives us the opportunity to present our new FIAT 500L Trekking to the active and energetic  audience it was designed specifically for.”

British Cycling Cycle Sport & Membership Director, Jonny Clay, added: “The British Cycling National Track Championships now features some of the biggest names in the sport with Olympic and World Champions going head-to-head. The support of FIAT, a global brand, demonstrates how the profile of this event has grown in recent years. We look forward to working with FIAT to make this the best championships to date.”

Carl’s Jr Becomes Official Burger of the Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns have announced today an exclusive multi-year partnership with Carl’s Jr. franchise owner Frontier Star CJ, medic LLC.

The deal will bring a new Carl’s Jr. location to downtown Phoenix and designate Carl’s Jr. as the Official Burger of the Phoenix Suns.

The new agreement includes the build-out of a full-service Carl’s Jr. restaurant adjacent to the main entrance at US Airways Center. The restaurant will be open to the public and is scheduled to open near the beginning of the 2013-14 Suns regular season. This new location will offer downtown Phoenix a quick-service restaurant in an area where few others exist. The interior will feature a contemporary decor and allow direct access to select Suns merchandise.

“We are proud and blessed to be partnering with the Phoenix Suns; an organization that like Carl’s Jr., ed strives to bond Arizonans together with an experience they can’t receive anywhere else, viagra ” said Jason LeVecke, CEO of Frontier Star CJ, LLC. “We are extremely excited to open a new location in the heart of downtown Phoenix, and plan to work every day to make our partnership with the Suns the most successful in all of sports.”

In addition to the full-service restaurant, guests at US Airways Center will enjoy a Carl’s Jr. concession option while attending games and events at the venue. Carl’s Jr. will be located outside Section 109 on the lower-level concourse.

The Suns and Phoenix Mercury will also introduce a unique “Carl’s Jr. Foul Shot” promotion that will encourage fans to make noise when visiting players step to the free throw line. If the player misses two consecutive free throws during the same free throw trip, all fans in attendance will receive a voucher for a three-piece Hand Breaded Chicken Tenders entrée upon exiting the arena. The promotion is limited to one “Carl’s Jr. Foul Shot” per game.

“Like the Suns, Carl’s Jr. prides itself on providing its customers with a first-class product and experience,” said Jason Rowley, Phoenix Suns President. “Knowing that we share the same goals, we are thrilled to bring them to downtown Phoenix, where millions of visitors each year will have an opportunity to enjoy the Carl’s Jr. brand.”

The agreement also includes an in-game timeout promotion and a variety of in-arena signage, as well as broadcast, digital and social media exposure. As part of a 360-degree approach to the new deal, the partnership grants the Carl’s Jr. franchise additional exposure during Phoenix Mercury games, as well as in the downtown Legends Entertainment District which features large format static/digital signage, video boards and custom-built advertising messaging.

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Sale Sharks Extends MBNA Partnership

Aviva Premiership Rugby team Sale Sharks has renewed their partnership with leading UK credit card provider MBNA in a new two-year Principal Partnership.

The Chester-based lender signed a three-year contract with Sale Sharks in 2011. With one year remaining, the two partners have moved to strengthen their agreement with a fresh deal lasting until the end of the 2015/16 season. 

As part of the contract extension, the MBNA brand will remain on Sale Sharks’ home and away kit and MBNA will also continue its sponsorship of the Main Stand at Sale Sharks’ AJ Bell Stadium near Manchester. 

The announcement was exclusively revealed to thousands of Sale Sharks fans before the club’s home fixture against Newcastle Falcons on Friday. 

“We’ve enjoyed a very close partnership with Sale Sharks over the past two seasons and we’re delighted to announce the extension of this into 2016,” said Ian O’Doherty (pictured left), Chief Executive of MBNA. “We are two organisations with our roots firmly established in the Northwest of England, and this is another special milestone for us.” 

Sale Sharks Director of Rugby, Steve Diamond (pictured right), added: “We’re delighted to have the backing of a blue chip company like MBNA; it is a business that has backed us to the hilt over recent years. We have a special relationship – as it says around our ground “Together, we are a team” – and we are pleased to be able to continue this for many years to come.”

Zurich Insurance Group Becomes Official Presenting Partner of Swiss Ice Hockey Cup

Zurich Insurance Group has been named the Official Presenting Partner of the Swiss Ice Hockey Cup.

The partnership agreement was concluded with InfrontRingier Sports & Entertainment Switzerland and will run until 2017. The national competition will be re-launched by the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation together with its marketing partner in September 2014.

From the round of 16 onwards, the Zurich logo will be featured in the center circle of the ice rink along with further exposure achieved through banner advertising, branded helmets, jerseys, socks and goalie gloves for all National League A, National League B and Regio League teams that qualified for this stage of the competition.

Joachim Masur, CEO of Zurich Switzerland, said: “With the Swiss Ice Hockey Cup, we are taking the opportunity to mark and connect with a promising project right from the start. Here, lower-ranked teams play against major ones – I’m curious which teams will manage to put the greatest pressure onto the big stars. The Cup will definitely bring us unique sporting moments.”

Florian Kohler, CEO of Swiss Ice Hockey, commented: “We are pleased that through the commitment of Zurich, the Swiss Ice Hockey Cup has a strong partner by its side. We are confident that by working with one of the leading Swiss brands, the fans and their surroundings will be reached more effectively and the positioning of ice hockey in Switzerland will be strengthened.”

In addition to the Presenting Partner package, InfrontRingier is marketing six other sponsorship opportunities centrally across the entire Swiss Ice Hockey Cup. For the first time in the history of Swiss ice hockey, sponsors can benefit from an exclusive national presence through one of the most popular sports in the country. The new top sponsors will benefit from exclusive and consistent team and stadium branding at all Cup matches from the round of 16 to the final.

UFC Champion Jon Jones Inks Gatorade Endorsement

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones has become the first MMA fighter to ink a new endorsement deal with Gatorade.

Jones joins the likes of Michael Jordan, generic Peyton Manning, generic Usain Bolt and Serena Williams to ink an endorsement with the company.

“It’s great that a company like Gatorade sees the value that their products bring to MMA athletes,” Jones said. “They’re one of the biggest brands in sports worldwide, and I am honored to have their support moving forward.

“It does not get any better than Gatorade when it comes to fueling your body, during training and competition.”

The sponsorship deal is the latest move that shows mixed martial arts has become a serious player in the sporting world.

Bones agent added Malki Kawa: “This is a historic day for UFC competitors. Gatorade is one of the most recognized brands in the world. Jon has earned this relationship through hard work, determination, and pure dominance inside the Octagon.”

Jones became the youngest UFC champion at just 23 in 2011 and will become the all-time UFC wins leader in the light heavyweight division if he is successful in his title defense against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 on Saturday night in Toronto.

Nascar’s Tommy Baldwin Racing Signs New Associate Sponsor

Tommy Baldwin Racing has announced C&C Audio, apoplectic Video, click and Appliances has joined the NASCAR team as associate sponsor on the No. 36 Chevy of JJ Yeley for a four race span.

Founded in 1975 by Roger and M.A. “Chic” LeBlanc, shop C&C started out as a small appliance store. Over the years, they expanded to add audio and video to their business. 

Owner Roger LeBlanc commented on the sponsorship with TBR, “Our first partnership with TBR and JJ Yeley was in 2012, we are very excited to have the opportunity to team up with them again.” 

In addition to their four race sponsorship, C&C is giving away two tickets to the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. The giveaway will include two hot passes, hotel accommodations for two nights and round-trip transportation to and from the track. The winner will also have a meet and greet with Owner Tommy Baldwin and driver JJ Yeley.

Under Armour Sponsors Baltimore Marathon

Under Armour has signed a multi-year deal with Corrigan Sports Enterprises Inc., which organizes the Baltimore Marathon also known as the Baltimore Running Festival, to be the official race-themed apparel and footwear provider.

That deal includes the performance shirts that participants in each of the running festival’s events — the marathon, half-marathon, 5K, relay and kids run run. Race participants have received Under Armour shirts since 2003. This year’s race is scheduled for Oct. 12.

Corrigan Sports President Lee Corrigan said in a statement that Under Armour’s involvement had “strongly contributed to the global interest in Charm City’s premier running event.”

“Runners treasure our race shirts, and because of our decade-long partnership with Under Armour we’ve been fortunate to provide our athletes with the best shirt in the industry,” Corrigan said.

Corrigan announced in August that Under Armour would not be the race’s title sponsor this year. A spokeswoman for Corrigan Sports said a new title sponsor is still being sought.

Under Armour executives said they pulled their title sponsorship so that they could spend their money on other sports projects in the city, such as the recently-renovated Easterwood Park basketball court.

In a statement, Under Armour Senior Vice President Matt Mirchin said the company’s goal was “to make all athletes better” and that the Baltimore Running Festival still fit neatly into that mission.

“The Baltimore Running Festival is a premier running event and we are committed to creating a memorable experience for every participant, whether they are from Baltimore or visiting for the first time,” Mirchin said. “We want runners to put on their race shirt and remember what a great time they had in our hometown.”

British Touring Car Championship Extends Dunlop Partnership

Dunlop have renewed their deal as Official Tyre Supplier of the MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

This extends the exclusive supplier partnership that began in 2003, although Dunlop has been actively involved in all eras of the championship since the BTCC began in 1958.

The new agreement is a multi-year contract and Dunlop will continue to supply all teams with their range, which includes Sport Maxx Soft, Medium and Hard compounds and BluResponse Wet tyres

“The BTCC is one of the most prestigious and important championships in Europe. We are delighted to be re-appointed as Official Tyre Supplier. The introduction of the Dunlop Sport Maxx Soft option tyre has introduced a new strategic variable, and shows our continued commitment to innovating in this Championship, following the introduction of RFID tyre tagging in 2009 and the development of the New Generation Touring Car tyre in 2010,” stated James Bailey, Motorsport Communications and Marketing Director, Dunlop Europe.

Alan Gow commented: “Dunlop have been our tyre-supplier since 2003 – and certainly wouldn’t still be today unless they were a responsive, enthusiastic manufacturer of the highest quality race tyres. Our partnership has been incredibly close and mutually rewarding….to be honest, the BTCC just wouldn’t feel the same without the great team at Dunlop Motorsport supporting us and we are delighted to extend our partnership further.”

Grace Research Becomes First Charity Shirt Sponsor of Coventry City

Coventry City FC have agreed a partnership with medical charity the Grace Research Fund to sponsor the English League One club’s shirts.

The new deal will see the fund’s logo feature on the Sky Blues’ shirts for the next three months. It is the first time Coventry has had a charity as its shirt sponsor.

The Grace Research Fund raises money and awareness for medical research into premature birth and neonatal care.

The research is conducted at University Hospital in Coventry, Warwick Hospital and Nuneaton’s George Eliot Hospital, as well as the two local universities.

The deal was organised through CBRE, the global property firm advising the Club on its proposed relocation. The Grace Fund is the nominated charity of the firm’s office in the Midlands.

Tynan Scope, corporate sales manager for Coventry City FC, said: “The Grace Research Fund is a local charity benefiting local people – specifically, premature babies and their parents. The charity has raised over £100,000 since it was established and we hope this will give it a further boost in profile for the great work it does.”

Dr Andy Coe, consultant paediatrician at University Hospital, said: “This is the first time we have had our name on a football kit and having the shirt sponsorship will help to raise our profile throughout the region and beyond. We are very grateful to all involved for this opportunity.”

CBRE has also agreed to sponsor the Club’s Youth Academy for 12 months.

USA Hockey Star Paige Selenski to Endorse Hockey Sticks for Longstreth

Longstreth, anabolics a sporting goods company specializing in women’s field hockey, pilule lacrosse and softball, has agreed to sponsor USA National Women’s Field Hockey Forward, Paige Selenski to endorse the GRYPHON line of hockey sticks.

A native of Shavertown, PA, Selenski has held a Forward position on the USA Women’s Field Hockey team for the last four years while attending the University of Virginia. S

Selenski is a nationally acclaimed field hockey player with numerous honors including being a three-time First Team All-American, a two-time member of the NCAA All-Tournament Team, the All Time ACC leader in career points, and 2008 USA National Team Rookie of the Year. In 2012, Paige represented the United States at the London Olympics and in 2011, she was part of the Gold Medal winning squad at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

“I am very honored to be joining the Longstreth family. Longstreth has been a longtime supporter of our sport and I hope to help them grow field hockey to new heights in the U.S. ahead of Rio 2016,” said Selenski.

“I am tremendously excited for Longstreth and Gryphon in particular,” said Jana Withrow, Field Hockey Manager at Longstreth. “Paige will be playing with the Gryphon Tour, a top international stick, as she begins preparations for her run up to the 2016 Olympic Games. Paige is very skillful with lots of speed. She is an exciting player to watch with the ability to finish and score goals.” Longstreth selects players for sponsorship who exemplify the same image, character and passion about field hockey that Longstreth strives to represent.

Just about 30-miles northwest of Philadelphia, Longstreth supplies uniforms, equipment, footwear, and training gear for a