DHL Named Logistics Provider of Formula E Championship

Global logistics provider DHL has today announced a multi-year global partnership with the FIA Formula E Championship, health the world’s first fully-electric car racing series beginning in September 2014.

The new Championship features single-seater open-wheel cars powered exclusively by electric energy. The announcement was made in conjunction with the unveiling ceremony of the official Spark-Renault SRT_01E Formula E car at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (IAA) on September 10, stuff 2013. As the logistics supplier and a Founding Partner of Formula E, asthma DHL was responsible for the transportation of the car from Paris to Frankfurt. 

“The FIA Formula E Championship is much more than just another motorsport series,” said Ken Allen, CEO of DHL Express. “It provides a global platform for promoting sustainability and the future of mobility, addressing one of the world’s most pressing challenges. As a pioneer in developing environmentally friendly logistics solutions, DHL is committed to the same future as Formula E. With our global sustainability program GoGreen, we have already started to integrate e-mobility into our business. Now, we are proud to be embarking on this journey of further discovery and innovation together with the FIA Formula E Championship.”

 DHL will provide the FIA Formula E Championship with an extensive range of logistics services, incorporating the most efficient and green technology and processes available today. For ten race locations worldwide, DHL will ensure that all racing cars, spare parts and lithium-ion batteries are delivered safely and on time. 

“We are delighted to have found such an experienced and reliable partner for our logistics needs as DHL,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Championship promoters Formula E Holdings. “DHL’s long-term cooperation with regards to other motorsport championships has proved fruitful for both sides and delivered exceptional value. Additionally, DHL has already gathered comprehensive knowledge and experience in e-mobility and city logistics, which makes this partnership a perfect fit.” 

Agag added: “The logistics side of our Championship presents a great opportunity to showcase how to transport 40 cars and all associated elements while minimizing the carbon footprint of the operation. The strategy is not just offsetting. First, we will look at minimizing the emissions, and whatever is left, we will offset in order to be a carbon neutral Championship. Today we become a GoGreen Championship.”

Chicago Bears Reveal Sponsor Lineup for the New Season with Major Additions

The Chicago Bears have revealed their sponsorship lineup for the new season with a number of new corporate partners and renewed partnerships.

Joining the NFL franchise for the new season are Ford, Microsoft, State Farm, Cancer Center Treatments of America, Red Robin, Sherwin-Williams, Tempur-Pedic, Bridgestone and Hillshire Brands as new partners, while renewing 95 percent of their corporate relationships from 2012.

The Chicago Bears have also renewed their partnership with MillerCoors as a Hall of Fame Partner, renewing and expanding their partnership in 2013. Hall of Fame partners represent the highest commitment level to the Chicago Bears.

MillerCoors and the Bears agreed to an exclusive, multi-year extension that continues their designation as “Official Beer of the Chicago Bears.” The Hall of Fame partnership includes the previously announced entitlement of the new Miller Lite Loft at Soldier Field. MillerCoors will also continue as the title partner of draft assets such as the Miller Lite Bears Draft Party and ChicagoBears.com’s Miller Lite Draft Central. They will also be the title partner of the Miller Lite Bears Ultimate Tailgate and the Back to Football Week Miller Lite Bears Kick-Off Concert.    

MillerCoors is one of eight Hall of Fame partners of the Chicago Bears joining: Chase (presenting partner), Comcast, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, MasterCard, United Airlines, University of Phoenix and Verizon.

Additionally, the Bears have added Ford as the “Official Car and Truck of the Chicago Bears.” Ford will sponsor the new interactive “Pick-em” contest on ChicagoBears.com, ChicagoBears.com digital assets, gameday signage and activation, media assets, Vamos Bears Hispanic platform, and hospitality assets.

Jewel-Osco has renewed as “Official Partners” of the Bears and is now the “Official Grocery Store of the Chicago Bears.” Jewel-Osco is the associate partner of the Chicago Bears Kids Club and Comcast Bears Family Fest and will be the title sponsor of the 25th annual Coat Drive.

The “Proud Partner” category includes renewed or new relationships with the following partners:

o   CDW – A multi-year renewal after a new partnership in 2012, CDW will be the “Bears Gamenight Live” headline sponsor. They will also have stadium signage and media and hospitality assets.

o   Chicago Tribune – A multi-year renewal, the Chicago Tribune will be the headline sponsor of the “Inside the Bears Rookie Mini Camp” video series on ChicagoBears.com and associate partner of the Miller Lite Ultimate Tailgate. They will also have stadium signage and hospitality.

o   GEICO – A multi-year renewal that includes stadium signage, including tunnel banners, and hospitality. 

o   Hyatt – A renewed deal that will includes stadium signage and hospitality.  

o   McDonald’s – A renewed deal that includes the exclusive sponsorship of the Chicago Bears Drumline, in-stadium signage, TV and radio assets, and hospitality.

o   Sports Authority – A multi-year renewal, Sports Authority is the headline sponsor of the “Bears All Access” radio show. They will also have media assets, a video board feature and hospitality at Soldier Field.

o   Tempur-Pedic – A new deal that makes Tempur-Pedic the “Proud Mattress Provider of the Chicago Bears.” The deal includes the Bears/Tempur-Pedic Room Makeover Consumer Sweepstakes and media, digital, and hospitality assets.

o   WM. Meyers Movers – A multi-year renewal, WM Meyers Movers will continue to be the “Proud Moving and Storage Provider to the Chicago Bears,” supporting the annual Bears Coat Drive, digital assets and having stadium signage.

Other partners of the Bears include:

o   Advocate Health Care – A renewed deal, Advocate Health Care will be the headline sponsor of “Gameday Live” on Fox 32 Chicago.

o   Apple Vacations – Apple Vacations will continue its sponsorship of the yearly “Vacation with the Bears” trip which takes place in March. They also have digital, media and in-stadium assets.

o   BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois –  A renewed deal that includes sponsorship of the BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois Family of the Game video board feature, a feature on Comcast SportNet Chicago’s “Postgame Live” show.

o   Bridgestone – New partnership extending NFL relationship including a fan promotion planned for November.

o   The Boeing Company – A multi-year renewal that includes the military recognition video board feature honoring a serviceman/woman each game.  The deal also includes the sponsorship of the Salute to Service veteran’s day game including re-enlistment ceremony and Purple Heart ceremony.

o   Cancer Treatments Centers of America – A brand new deal that includes sponsorship of the Bears vs. Vikings “Know Your Stats” game on September 15, promoting prostate cancer awareness.

o   Dairy Management Inc. – A multi-year renewal that includes sponsorship of the “Fuel up to Play 60” platform and hospitality assets.

o   E&J Gallo – E&J Gallo will be the associate partner of the Meijer Bears Football 101 event as a part of a multi-year renewal. They will also have products available for purchase in the suites at Soldier Field and have hospitality assets.

o   FedEx – A multi-year renewal that contains stadium signage, digital and hospitality assets.

o   Frito-Lay – A multi-year renewal that includes stadium signage, consumer promotions, and hospitality assets.

o   Giordano’s – Will continue the sale of their products in the suites and United Club at Soldier Field as a part of a multi-year renewal.

o   Hillshire Brands – A new deal that includes gameday signage, radio assets and hospitality.

o   Illinois Pork Producers – A multi-year renewal, Illinois Pork Producers will continue the sales of their products at Soldier Field and sampling opportunities at Bears events.

o   Illinois Army National Guard – Will continue their integration in high school outreach as sponsor of the “”High School All Stars” program, High School Coach of the Week and honoring all IHSA state champions.

o   Jimmy John’s – Jimmy John’s will be the headline partner of the new “Inside the Bears” TV program on Fox 32 Chicago as part of a multi-year renewal. They will also present the “Freaky Fast Kickoff Return” video board feature and gameday activation.

o   Microsoft – As a new partnership, Microsoft receives stadium signage, radio assets, digital assets and hospitality.  Microsoft’s Surface tablet is also the “Official Tablet of the National Football League.”

o   Papa Charlie’s – Will continue the sale of their products at Soldier Field along with media and hospitality assets as a part of a multi-year renewal.

o   Red Robin – As a new partner, Red Robin will sponsor the “Tavern Double Takeaway Tuesday” promotion: For each home game the Bears get a defensive takeaway fans will be able to receive a “buy-one, get-one-free” Tavern Double.

o   Sherwin-Williams – A new partner in 2013, Sherwin-Williams will have stadium signage, media and hospitality assets at Soldier Field.

o   State Farm – A new partnership including a “It Pays to Double Check” 1st Down Measurement feature in game.

o   Symetra – As a part of a renewed partnership, Symetra will sponsor the “Heroes in the Classroom” community relations program honoring local teachers at Bears home games.

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Oxford United Reveal Partnerships with Four Pillars & Sports Interactive

English League Two club Oxford United have secured two new commercial deals for the new season.

Independent hotel group, Four Pillars Hotels, has extended their partnership with the team as Official Hotel Partner while the U’s have also teamed up with gaming company, Sports Interactive.

Sports Interactive, who is the maker of Football Manager, will sponsor United’s Yellow Player, an onsite video player providing match highlights and pre/post match interviews.

Chris Williams, the club’s Communications Manager said: “It is great to be working with Sports Interactive. We have worked very hard to provide interesting and varied content in Yellow Player and being linked with a dynamic company with a passion for the game will be a major help. There will be new look titles and backdrops and we have already had a little bit of fun asking the players Football Manager related questions. We look forward to building the partnership over the rest of the season.”

Miles Jacobson, Studio Director for Sports Interactive added: “We get approached by a lot of football clubs at all levels of the game, to the point where it takes something special to catch our eye and prompt us to give our support. The work that Oxford United have done with the SpecialEffect charity – and in particular with Charlotte Nott – made it very easy for us to say yes to this proposal. We’re looking forward to what should be an excellent season.”

Four Pillars Hotels is also maintaining its partnership with Oxford United Football Club for a third season as Official Hotel Partner.

Chris Green, Group Marketing Manager at Four Pillars Hotels, said: “We place great importance on supporting our local community and are very proud to continue our partnership with Oxford United.  Our hotels are great places to meet and share in the excitement of supporting our local team, so we look forward to welcoming friends old and new to Four Pillars Hotels during the coming season.” 

Tony Davison, Commercial Director of Oxford United added: “We are delighted that Four Pillars Hotels have decided to once again continue with their sponsorship for a third year.    As a local company with strong community values, they are a great partner for OUFC and we value their continued support.” 

Dennis Rodman Secures Paddy Power Sponsorship for North Korean Basketball Invitational

Former NBA Star Dennis Rodman has agreed a partnership with Irish betting firm, Paddy Power to create the Paddy Power Dennis Rodman Invitational an international basketball event taking place in the North Korean capital Pyongyang in January 2014, with the official support and backing of the DPRK government and leader, Kim Jong-un.

The event will match the North Korean national basketball team against an All-Star selection put together by Rodman in conjunction with key stakeholders from the world of basketball. A second match will also be played in June 2014 between both sides in Europe.

In what looks set to be both diplomatic and sports history in the making, Rodman made the announcement at a press conference in New York saying, “Kim loves basketball, and he’s interested in building trust and understanding through sport and cultural exchanges. I know in time Americans will see I’m just trying to help us all get along and see eye to eye through basketball, and with my friendship with Kim I know this will happen. I am certain that the Paddy Power Dennis Rodman Invitational will move things along in the right direction.”

Paddy Power of Paddy Power said, “We’ve been working with Dennis on this historic project since February. The scale and ambition of the project got us really excited and we are proud to be supporting Dennis to help him realise his dream. We’ll be working hard over the coming months to make the Paddy Power Dennis Rodman Invitational a world class event and look forward to announcing more details soon.”

EA Sports Signs Clint Dempsey to Endorsement Deal

Electronic Arts Inc. has announced a multi-year endorsement deal with the captain of the US National Team, adiposity Clint Dempsey.

The partnership will see the former Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham star Dempsey become an EA SPORTS Football Ambassador. He will become an important cornerstone of marketing and advertising campaigns in North America. Dempsey, viagra attacking midfielder and member of the Seattle Sounders, doctor will make his FIFA franchise debut in the FIFA 14 GameStop commercial airing nationally starting today.

“Clint Dempsey is an incredible talent on the field who exudes a palpable excitement and passion for the sport,” said Randy Chase, Sr. Director of North America Marketing for EA SPORTS. “His return to the United States marks a tremendous leap forward for soccer in the country and we are thrilled to partner with Clint on many projects that will continue to drive the exploding popularity of the sport in America.”

“Having been a longtime fan of the EA SPORTS FIFA franchise, I am thrilled to join the FIFA team,” said Dempsey. “The FIFA games have played an important role in bringing many new fans to soccer in the United States and it’s awesome to partner with the team to continue the great work they’ve already been doing.”

FIFA 14 will be available on Xbox 360 games and PlayStation3 computer entertainment system, PC and other platforms on September 24, 2013 in North America and September 27 worldwide. 

FC Koln Extends REWE Group Sponsorship

Bundesliga 2 team FC Koln has extended its partnership with German retail and tourism group REWE Group until the end of the 2014/15 season. 

“We believe firmly back in the future of FC. In recent months, ed the course has been set correctly:.. Teams and coaching staff have harmonized with returnees Patrick Helmes and further momentum comes into the Team Board of Directors and management to support the development of sport and there is a clear attitude. All of this has led us to the early extension to honor the steady work and to send a strong signal to club and all real fans,” said Alain Caparros, CEO of REWE Group.

FC manager Alex Wehrle said about the early renewal: “We are delighted that the REWE Group extended the commitment at the 1 FC Cologne prematurely. This is a clear sign of trust and cooperation, and a signal at the right time, for which we are very grateful. Premature contract extension gives us additional planning. We are working closely for many years and trust with the REWE Group and its Executive Board.”

Oates Acquire Naming Rights to Victorian Open

Oates, symptoms a Australian based cleaning and household products brand, has become the naming rights sponsor of the Victorian Open.

The agreement will see the PGA Tour of Australasia tournament be referred to as the “Oates Vic Open” for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 events.

The deal gives the Oates Vic Open a major boost six months out from the 2014 event, to be hosted for the second year at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links. Earlier this year, the tournament experienced its most successful event in twenty years with record spectator numbers and world class fields of male and female players.

Golf Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Simon Brookhouse applauded Oates for their commitment to the tournament and Victorian golf, and spoke about what it means for the event’s future.

“To have Oates come on board as our naming rights sponsor of the Oates Vic Open is a tremendous result for the event and puts us in a strong position to continue to grow. On behalf of Golf Victoria and our host venue Thirteenth Beach, I’d sincerely like to thank David Birch and the team at Oates for the commitment they’ve shown to our great tournament.

“We were absolutely delighted with the outcome of 2013 and the support the Greater Geelong region threw behind the event, as well as the strong contingency of Melbournians who made the trip down the highway to witness what was truly a magical event to be part of. With the support of Oates, we look forward to building on the success of earlier this year and making 2014 an even better experience for the players, spectators, sponsors, volunteers and media.”

David Birch, Chief Executive Officer at Oates added: “The success of the 2013 Championship including the impressive media coverage and huge public support made the decision to have the Oates brand as the naming sponsor an easy one to make.

“As a cleaning brand driven by innovation we are impressed with the innovative format of this event, and of the opportunity for golfing fans and families to get up close and personal with golfers from around the world in the terrific surroundings of Thirteenth Beach Golf Links. We look forward to working with Golf Victoria in the coming years promoting this outstanding event and the Oates brand.”

The Oates Vic Open will be played from 20-23 February, 2014.

AT&T Secure Pac-12 Conference Broadcast & Sponsorship Deal

American multinational telecommunications company AT&T has announced a partnership with collegiate athletic conference, cialis Pac-12.

As part of the deal, buy AT&T will carry three Pac-12 television networks and be the exclusive wireless sponsor for the Pac-12.

U-verse TV subscribers across the country will have access to the more than 700 remaining live Pac-12 events of the 2013-14 season on Pac-12 Networks. This includes 32 football games, medstore 250 men’s and women’s basketball games and hundreds of other sports, including baseball, soccer, gymnastics and more. Starting next year, Pac-12 Networks will increase its coverage to 850 events.

AT&T will become the Pac-12’s technology provider for their telecommunications needs including wireless and wireline communications services. Other examples include Wi-Fi access, video and audio conferencing, mobile devices, and broadband access.

“Having the nation’s fastest and now most reliable wireless network and a new national distributor in our corner is a big win for the Pac-12 and Pac-12 Networks,” said Larry Scott, Pac-12 commissioner. “Together with AT&T, we’ll be able to give our Pac-12 fans the best, possible experience, and meet the fans’ ever-growing demand for Pac-12 content across all platforms.”

The Pac-12 Conference in the past has claimed an incredible 127 NCAA team titles since 1999-2000, including eight in 2012-13. Conference teams hold a total of 459 titles – 309 men’s and 150 women’s – which far surpasses any other collegiate conference.

“Pac-12 Networks is thrilled to join AT&T U-verse’s line-up,” said Pac-12 Networks President Lydia Murphy-Stephans. “Pac-12 fans nationwide now have another great option to access an unprecedented number of live quality Pac-12 sporting events, live interviews, studio shows, and other feature content.”

Chris Roy, Vice President, Government and Education, AT&T, added: “We are thrilled to become a technology provider and the exclusive wireless sponsor for such a storied Conference with a rich history of academic excellence and superior athletic achievement. Together with the Conference and the 12 universities, we look forward to redefining the experience for students, alumni and fans attending Pac-12 athletic events.”

Olympic Medallist Manteo Mitchell Endorses Incrediwear

Healthcare brand Incrediwear, a division of Star Nutrition, Inc. has announced they have signed an endorsement deal with United States Olympic sprinter Manteo Mitchell, who most recently won the Silver Medal in the London 2012 Olympics despite breaking his leg during his portion of the men’s 4×400 relay. 

Mitchell has been training with Incrediwear’s new TEC-3 calf sleeve, which the runner has credited with reducing his shin splint pain and improving his results on the track.

Like other Incrediwear products, the TEC-3 is woven with materials designed to increase blood flow when warmed by the body. This reduces pain, swelling and fatigue, while regulating temperature and wicking away moisture, resulting in improved performance and decreased recovery time.

“I’ve tried other sleeves and always seemed to have problems,” Mitchell says. “They would come off very easily, were difficult to adjust, or I felt like it was wearing me down. When I wear the Incrediwear TEC-3 sleeve, I don’t even know it’s there. But, I do know it’s working because I see it in my results. I have more energy, I’m less fatigued and I don’t have pain from shin splints anymore. Last year early in the season I ran a 32.7 in my 300-meter time trial. This year I was at 32.08 in April — and I wasn’t even in peak conditioning at that point in the season.”

Mitchell, one of the highest ranked sprinters in the world, rose to international prominence in the London 2012 Olympic Games when he famously broke his fibula 200 meters into his 400-meter leg of the men’s relay. He was able to continue and pass the baton, helping the United States win the Silver Medal.

“I’m so happy that I discovered the Incrediwear products,” Mitchell continues. “I’ve been wearing the TEC-3 in races, and that says a lot. Other runners keep coming up to me and asking what it is and if it works. I tell them, ‘absolutely it works!'”

M Club Spa Named Official Fitness Partner of Stoke City

English Premier League club Stoke City have announced M Club Spa and Fitness as their new Official Fitness Partner.

The initial two-year partnership will allow Mark Hughes’ players – as well as the Potters’ rising young stars – to use the first class facilities at M Club Spa and Fitness Newcastle.

City’s Head of Commercial Andrew Billingham said: “We are proud of our association with leading local brands, of which M Club Spa and Fitness is certainly one.

“M Club offers fantastic facilities which will be used by both our first team and Academy squads, including a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool.

“We also hope that our association with M Club could lead to potential benefits for our supporters, as well as help M Club grow and develop their membership.”

Mo Chaudry, Chairman of Waterworld and M Club Spa and Fitness, said: “Stoke City’s standing in the local community cannot be under-estimated and we’re hoping our association with them will help raise our profile.

“It’s an honour for us to have Stoke’s players using our facilities in Newcastle and we hope they will prove to be an inspiration for other people to consider their health, fitness and well-being.”

M Club own two of the largest lifestyle fitness clubs in North Staffordshire.