Warwickshire County Cricket Club has confirmed USN as its first official Sports Nutrition & Supplements Partner for the 2013 season.

Based in Bromsgrove, buy USN is one of the leading providers of bodybuilding, weight loss, high protein and endurance supplements, and will supply its range of products to the Bears throughout their upcoming defence of the LV= County Championship.

Chris Armstrong, Fitness and Conditioning Coach at Warwickshire CCC, said: “Sports nutrition is a constantly evolving industry in elite sport, where we’re always looking at new products and player diets that can give us a competitive advantage over our rivals.

“USN is one of the market leading firms in sports nutrition, and by signing our first official partnership we can ensure that members of the Warwickshire squad will always have access to the best sports products and supplements available. We look forward to working with them.”

The official partnership with Warwickshire CCC secures USN branding on the non-leading arm of the Bears’ new Friends Life t20 shirt as well as hospitality packages for matches at Edgbaston.

Karl Bickley, Events Manager and Athlete Liaison at USN, said: “USN already has agreements in place with Sale Sharks and Birmingham City FC, so the opportunity to extend our ambassadorship into cricket with the LV= County Champions is the perfect fit.

“The Warwickshire coaching team’s ethos of leaving no stone unturned in their preparation has made them a dominant force in English cricket, and we’re sure that they’ll see great benefits and enjoy using our product range in the 2013 season.”

Time Warner Cable announced today a multi-year sponsorship agreement with the University of Kentucky’s athletic program involving their Men’s Basketball and Football teams.

Under the agreement, apoplectic Time Warner Cable will serve as an Official Sponsor of University of Kentucky Athletics across its core video, high speed data, Wi-Fi and home phone products and services, holding strong in-game presence with courtside signage as well as video and LED Ribbon Board.

Time Warner Cable customers in Kentucky will have a chance to enjoy unique customer appreciation experiences such as the opportunity to attend Coach Stoops’ or Coach Calipari’s call-in shows, special Time Warner Cable VIP events at the stadium, and other great experiences.

“We’re excited to partner with one of the most respected and sought after college athletic programs in the country. Our partnership comes at the heels of the Wildcats 2012 National Championship and it is sure to bring our customers in Kentucky unique opportunities to stay close to the teams and enjoy the action on the field and on the court,” said Jeffrey A. Hirsch, EVP, Chief Marketing Officer, Residential Services of Time Warner Cable. “The University of Kentucky’s athletic program is well positioned to deliver exciting moments for our college sports fans.”

IMG College, the multi-media rights partner of University of Kentucky, brokered the sponsorship, including the creative use of the school’s intellectual property and the unique experiences which will be provided.

The partnership will encompass promotional efforts across all media platforms including Radio spots during each football and basketball game broadcast and TV spots during select basketball game broadcasts; print ads in the football and men’s basketball yearbook and playbook; and digital presence on the University of Kentucky Athletics website.

StubHub, drugs the world’s largest ticket marketplace, rx entered into an agreement with AEG in which the San Francisco-based company will become the new naming rights partner of The Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

Effective June 1, 2013, the 125-acre multi-sport facility will become ‘StubHub Center,’ which represents the first-ever naming rights partnership for the ticketing company and leading consumer brand.

Just as StubHub has utilized technological innovation to revolutionize the ticketing industry, StubHub will do the same in transforming the live event experience at StubHub Center, with a focus on providing several ‘fan-friendly’ activation components at the facility. In addition, the long term multi-year agreement will provide StubHub on-site assets including prominent, permanent signage of two giant digital freeway marquee signs as well as throughout the entire 125-acre facility, on-site interactive fan experience activities, integration into the official venue website and LA Galaxy team marketing assets. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“As leaders in the ticketing industry, providing the highest levels of customer satisfaction and as an increasingly popular consumer brand, this partnership is groundbreaking for our company. We look forward to the relationship with millions of fans at StubHub Center,” said Danielle Maged, Global Head of Partnerships and Business Development at StubHub. “At StubHub, we have an unyielding focus on the fan experience and with our partners at AEG, we intend for StubHub Center to be the embodiment of that focus as we work to create one of the most fan friendly stadiums in the world.”

StubHub’s partnership with a major sports facility represents the first-ever ticketing company to add its name to a public venue. The industry’s leading online ticket marketplace started in 2000, and through global partnerships with more than 100 sports properties and brands, including AEG, ESPN, Barclays Premier League Football teams, as well as numerous teams in MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL and now MLS, StubHub has quickly become one of the country’s leading entertainment brands. It has also partnered with primary ticketing companies AXS, Paciolan and Tickets.com. Its singular focus on fans and customer service has accelerated its adoption as a trusted brand about which consumers feel passionate.

“We are pleased to have this opportunity to expand our global partnership with StubHub,” said Shervin Mirhashemi, President, AEG Global Partnerships. “We have always had great respect and admiration for StubHub and their industry leading sponsorship activation in recent years and, it’s because of their tremendous success throughout North America and their dedication to creating great customer service experiences for guests that truly makes this such an important deal for AEG and the millions of fans that will be exposed to this partnership in the coming years.”

“We welcome this new and exciting partnership with StubHub, an organization that, like us, emphasizes the highest level of customer services and fan experiences,” said Katie Pandolfo, General Manager of the AEG Facilities’ managed venue that will transition to StubHub Center this June. “We look forward to working with StubHub to design new programs and activation elements that will provide an even higher level of fan engagement and experience.”

World Snooker has announced Dafabet as title sponsor of the Players Tour Championship Grand Finals in Ireland. 

The Dafabet Players Tour Championship Grand Finals will run from March 12 to 17 at the Bailey Allen Hall in Galway. 

Star players including Judd Trump, Mark Selby, John Higgins, Ding Junhui, Neil Robertson and home favourite Ken Doherty will be competing for the £100,000 top prize. 

The Grand Finals are the culmination of the PTC series, which has comprised 13 events across the globe this season. 

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Dafabet as they are sponsoring a snooker event for the first time and we hope it will be the beginning of a long association. The exposure they will receive through television coverage of this event across the world will be vast. 

“The players have been to China, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria and the UK for the PTC series and now the leading 32 players are through to Galway to do battle for the trophy. It’s going to be a sensational six days of top class snooker.”

American Pistachio Growers, a non-profit voluntary trade association representing more than 540 American pistachio growers, has announced that professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones will join the APG athlete ambassador team, claiming American-grown pistachios as his “Official Snack.”

Jeremy is the newest addition to an ambassador lineup that includes the U.S.A. Men’s and Women’s Water Polo teams and Miss California. 

“We are thrilled to have Jeremy on board,” says Judy Hirigoyen, Director, Global Marketing for APG. “With protein, antioxidants, healthy fats, and much more, pistachios are the ideal fuel for a healthy, balanced and active lifestyle. Jeremy truly represents the Power of Pistachios.” 

Jeremy Jones is one of the world’s premier big mountain snowboarders and founder of Jones Snowboards and Protect Our Winters, a non-profit climate change advocacy group. He has been featured in a number of award-winning snow sports films, including Deeper (2010) and Further (2012), which document his efforts to access remote backcountry terrain. He was recently named one of National Geographic Adventure’s 2013 Adventurers of the Year, and one of the 50 Most Influential People in Action Sports by ESPN. 

“Without proper nutrition, I would not be able to continue to push the limits of what’s possible,” says Jeremy. “Pistachios are an important part of my diet that allow me to stay fueled and recover quickly after intense physical exertion. I’m really pleased to support the growers of a food I love so much.” 

The APG ambassador team will represent the organization internationally to promote proper nutrition through the organization’s global Power of Pistachios campaign.

Suncorp Bank has extended its partnership with the annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon, sale which is on the 6 – 7 July, anabolics with the renewed sponsorship to include naming rights of the 5.7km Challenge for 2013 and 2014.

Suncorp Bank Regional General Manager for the Gold Coast, vcialis 40mg Michael Hall, said the organisation was proud to continue its association with the Gold Coast Airport Marathon as a major sponsor for the next two years.

“Suncorp Bank is very proud to announce the renewal of our partnership with the Gold Coast Airport Marathon in 2013,” said Mr Hall.

“The new partnership will see Suncorp Bank continue as a major sponsor of the 2013 and 2014 events – and naming rights partner of the Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge.”

Mr Hall encouraged Suncorp Bank staff and customers to take part in the event and said he was looking forward to seeing his team assist thousands of participants in various areas over the weekend.

“Since we came on board in 2011, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon has become one of the most popular events for our staff and customers here in South East Queensland,” said Mr Hall.

“The great thing about the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is that the program features events for all ages and abilities. Last year we had more than 250 staff participate in the event or volunteer over the weekend and many took the opportunity to enjoy a day out with their family and friends.

“This year we’re looking forward to another fantastic weekend. Our team will be out in force taking part in the events supporting participants through the Suncorp Bank Volunteer Program including helping out at the event information booths, left luggage tents and aid stations.”

Mr Hall said the Gold Coast Airport Marathon was a great opportunity to deliver the SunWise message and spend time with local Suncorp Bank employees and customers.

“As in previous years, we will also be taking the opportunity to spread the SunWise message by reminding racegoers to wear 30+ sunscreen, a hat and sun protective clothing while out in the Queensland sun.

Gold Coast Events General Manager Cameron Hart welcomed the renewed partnership between Suncorp Bank and the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

“Since 2011, Suncorp Bank has been a great supporter and major sponsor of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon and we’re thrilled to have them on board for another two years,” said Mr Hart.

“The 5.7km Challenge is about involving the community in physical activity and that is why Suncorp Bank is the perfect match for this race and the event as a whole.

“In addition, they will continue their pivotal role in supporting the event’s volunteer program, left luggage and information booths which are essential in the delivery of our event.

“We apply considerable resources to servicing all of our sponsorships to ensure our commercial partners are getting a return on their investment and we provide the benefits they are seeking.

“Suncorp Bank’s increased investment and the renewal of other sponsorships since the record-breaking 2012 event is a great reward for a lot of hard work.”

The 35th Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July 2013.

Continental Tire was named the exclusive tire supplier for the Prototype Challenge (PC) class in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón (ALMS) for the 2013 season.

Continental Tire will also become the presenting sponsor of the PC class with the official name being, pills “Prototype Challenge presented by Continental Tire”. Continental tires will debut in the PC class at the Continental Tire-sponsored, ALMS-sanctioned test, March 11-12 at Sebring.

“Continental Tire is honored to step up and help support the PC class in ALMS this year,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for Continental Tire. “Sports car racing continues to grow in the US, and we’re certainly eager to expand on our portfolio and showcase our technologies to such a dedicated audience. This is certainly a step toward the future of sports car racing for us.” 

“It’s always a tremendous day when we can welcome a new manufacturer into the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón,” said ALMS president and CEO Scott Atherton. “The platform we provide to manufacturers encourages technical advances – a goal we share with Continental Tire. Our PC teams and our customers will certainly benefit from this new partnership.”

Continental Tire’s technology-driven products, combined with their superior performance in the GRAND-AM Series, make them an excellent fit with ALMS. The PC class will use the same race-proven tire as the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype (DP) class. Continental Tire will provide full at-track support at all ALMS races in 2013. And, as part of the agreement, Continental Tire will receive logo placement on all PC cars (front, sides and rear). Continental Tire will also air commercial spots during the ALMS broadcasts on ABC, ESPN2 and SPEED.

Continental Tire will continue as the exclusive tire provider to the GRAND-AM Rolex Series as well as the title sponsor of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series.

After a successful first Porsche Carrera Cup Asia season together, illness Asia Racing Team and Team BetterLife have agreed to extend the partnership into 2013.

Team BetterLife is the racing arm of BetterLife Group. The company is perceived as the premium car specialists in the Beijing area and runs Porsche Centre Beijing Yizhuang, Porsche Centre Beijing Haidian and Porsche Centre Tianjin. 

Eddy Mok, General Manager of Porsche BetterLife Group, said: “Our relationship with Asia Racing Team has strengthened over the last year and I am very pleased to announce we have been able to extend that relationship in time for the 2013 season. In order to succeed on track you need the best technical support and Asia Racing Team proved to be the right choice .” 

Philippe Descombes, Team Manager of Asia Racing Team, added: “We are delighted and very proud that Betterlife have chosen to place their car and driver with us again in 2013. We’ve had the pleasure of having Wang Jian Wei as part of the team last year and we’ve seen him improving towards end of the season last year. Everybody knows this is a very competitive championship but we are ready for the challenge.”