Cheez-It to Title Sponsor Nasar Race at Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen International and Kellogg Co. Cheez-It will be the title sponsor for the Aug. 11 event, patient to be called the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen.

The Cheez-It 355 will headline the annual NASCAR race weekend at Watkins Glen, sale which also will include the Nationwide Series’ Zippo 200 on Aug. 10. The 355 stands for the number of kilometers in the 90-lap, medstore 220.5-mile race.

Dana Hardy, manager of integrated promotions for Kellogg, and WGI President Michael Printup said the contract is a multiyear deal, though they wouldn’t specify the length or how much money is involved.

They did say Carl Edwards will help commemorate the sponsorship by driving the Cheez-It Ford Fusion in the August Sprint Cup race.

Kellogg, the parent company for Cheez-It, has been involved with NASCAR since 1991. But this marks the company’s first race entitlement sponsorship.

Hardy, who came to the announcement from Kellogg’s home base in Battle Creek, Mich., said negotiations went smoothly.

“It all came together fairly quickly,” she said.

Hardy added that Kellogg considered many promotional options and worked it down to a short list before deciding on Watkins Glen.

“It all came to getting first-rate quality,” she said. “Watkins Glen is a fan-favorite track. It makes sense to partner with them.”

Printup added, “We’ve had good relations with Kellogg.”

He said the deal had nothing to do with planned repaving at the track, which he said will take place two to three years from now.

WGI was unable to come up with a sponsor for its 2012 Cup race, called the Finger Lakes 355 at The Glen.

Printup said the Cup races at Watkins Glen over the past few years have been considered among the best during the NASCAR season, making it attractive to sponsors. As just one of two road courses on the Sprint Cup schedule, recent Glen races have offered slam-bang racing and close finishes.

Heluva Good!, a Sodus-based maker of dips, sour cream, cheese and condiments, had been the Glen’s Cup race sponsor from 2009 to 2011. WGI and Heluva Good! were unable to come to an agreement to continue the sponsorship.

Budweiser was the original Cup race sponsor at Watkins Glen, starting in 1986. The event was known as the Bud at The Glen until 1998.

Tennis Star Tomas Berdych to Endorse H&M

Swedish retail clothing company, vcialis 40mg H&M has announced it has signed a long-term partnership with the international tennis star Tomas Berdych.

Currently ranked 6th in the world, capsule Czech-born Berdych will be an ambassador for H&M both on-court and off, and will work closely with the H&M design team on a unique tennis collection which will debut in stores later on. 

Tomas is one of the brightest talents in a globally popular sport, who also has a personal love of fashion and style, which means he is the perfect partner for H&M.

“I am very excited about this partnership. This is H&M’s first foray into tennis and it is very flattering for me to be their first ambassador. H&M is young, cool and easy, everything I think clothing should be. I love fashion, and it’s great to now have H&M to help me develop my tennis and off-court apparel. I’m sure we will do great things together”, says Tomas Berdych.

“I am so happy to welcome Tomas to the H&M family. Tomas is such an exciting player, and he also cares greatly about style. We can’t wait to start working with him, to watch Tomas wear H&M on court, and to see our upcoming collection with him in H&M stores worldwide”, says Karl-Johan Persson, CEO of H&M.

Tomas Berdych’s partnership with H&M marks a new chapter in the relationship between sport and fashion. The partnership will see H&M clothing worn on court by a top-ranking tennis player for the first time and will bring a professional sports influence to H&M. As well as playing in H&M, Tomas will also be an ambassador for H&M off the court, wearing his pick from H&M’s menswear collections.

27 year-old Tomas Berdych is one of the most-watched players on the professional tennis circuit. Currently ranked 6th in the world, his biggest achievement so far has been reaching the finals at Wimbledon in 2010, beating Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the process and he was also pivotal in the Czech Republic`s Davis Cup victory in 2012.

A great role model, Tomas is already one of the biggest stars of a sport growing in international popularity, both in terms of spectators and also those playing the game in their own leisure time. The growth reflects that of H&M, a growing global company which continues to open stores in new markets worldwide.

Bushnell Named Official Laser Rangefinder of PGA Tour of Australasia

Bushnell has been appointed the Official Laser Rangefinder of the PGA Tour of Australasia in a deal extending across the next two years.

Bushnell are makers of the most complete line of golf measuring equipment in the world and pioneered the golf laser rangefinder, prostate developing superior technological break-throughs ever since.

The partnership gives Bushnell the ability to showcase their collection of superior measuring devices through the season’s biggest events including the Emirates Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola while also gaining exposure through the PGA’s extensive golf channel.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the PGA as the exclusive laser rangefinder partner. Bushnell is the number one brand of choice for over 90% of PGA, LPGA and Champions Tour Pros and used by some of the world’s best golfers and caddies,” said Fiona Marty, Marketing Manager – Asia Pacific.

“Supported by our fantastic ambassadors Lee Westwood and Rickie Fowler, the team at Bushnell is looking forward to the opportunity to work with the PGA and their Members over the next two years.”

The partnership with the PGA offers Bushnell a number of unique opportunities including experiential marketing, retail sales and access to both PGA Tour Professionals and Tour staff on course throughout the next two PGA Tour of Australasia seasons.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Bushnell on board as our latest PGA partner and look forward to working with them over the next two years,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA.

“Through our tournament platform and network of Members Australia-wide, the channels available through the PGA provide exceptional opportunities and value for PGA partners and we look forward to working with Bushnell to solidify their brand through our sport.”

“The PGA’s tournament platform which ranges from the Emirates Australian Open through to state based events and a national pro-am series, across all corners of Australia, is further supported by our network of over 2,500 PGA Professionals who combined; represent one of the largest retail channels in this country.”

“The PGA is in a unique position within the golf industry to be able to provide such benefits across a number of levels and we are committed to working with brands such as Bushnell for the benefit of not only their brand but for the entire industry.”

Manchester United Delve Deeper into Chinese Market with Two New Deals

Manchester United’s foray into the Asian market has continued after securing two new sponsorship deals with Chinese businesses. 

They have agree a three-year sponsorship deal with one of China’s most prominent banking groups, China Construction Bank (CCB) and a deal with Chinese soft drinks manufacturer Wahaha.

As part of United’s first agreement with a Chinese bank, CCB will hold the rights exclusively to produce the official Manchester United branded credit card in mainland China.

United’s commercial director Richard Arnold said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with China Construction Bank to bring the official Manchester United Credit Card to China.

“Manchester United has a huge following in China of 108 million. We know from our visits there, including to Shanghai last summer, that our Chinese followers have always been among the most supportive.

“As China’s fiscal and industrial strength continues to grow, it is establishing itself as a leader in the global economy and the place for businesses to invest. In 80 major cities in China, CCB have almost 60% of all branches, making them the ideal partner to connect with our fans.

Manchester United three-year partnership with Wahaha will see the popular drinks brand become the club’s first official soft drinks partner in China.

Wahaha has been the largest beverage producer in China for the past 11 years, with branded products including milk drinks, soft drinks, energy drinks, bottled water, bottled tea, fruit juice, porridges and yoghurt beverages.

Richard Arnold, commented on the Wahaha deal: “This is the club’s first sponsorship of its kind in China and we are delighted to be able to work with a company which, like Manchester United, is dedicated to innovation and leadership in its field. Wahaha is one of the most iconic brands in China and one that has come to symbolise the dynamism and strength of the modern Chinese economy. What better way to endorse this modern-day success story than to partner with the number one club in the world’s biggest sport?”

Wahaha chief executive officer Zong Qinghou said: “The partnership between China’s largest beverage company and the world’s top English football club is an inspiring and huge development for Wahaha. This year is a milestone year for the company. The announcement of partnering with Manchester United represents a perfect opening paragraph in the next chapter of our history.”

Steven Falk, Director of Star Sports Marketing, told iSportconnect: “These latest deals stem from MU’s determination to expand its sponsorship portfolio using its team of nearly 60 London-based sales executives and the sales office recently established in Hong Kong under the club’s newly appointed Asia MD Jamie Reigle. This focus on Asia and on China in particular is the main reason given by GM/Chevrolet for contracting to go on the club’s shirt from season 2014/15.

“China Construction Bank is the only bank licensed by the Chinese authorities to conduct affinity business with foreign companies. Its portfolio of affinity sports branded credit cards already includes Arsenal and Juventus. It is likely that the MU version will outperform these versions given the size of the club’s claimed following in China of over 300m fans, although given the structure of the credit card market in China, the overall value of the deal is likely to be worth low hundreds of thousands rather than millions of pounds.

“The deal with Wahaha reflects MU’s established strategy of signing local sponsors and granting exclusivity over the particular product category only within defined territorial boundaries. Recent deals include Tyre manufacturer PT Multistrada Arah Sarana in Indonesia and Mr Potato snacks in Malaysia.”

But the former marketing director of Manchester United also suggested that there will not be a major influx financially from this deal but rather significant knowledge will be gained form the partnerships.

“Overall, these deals will have relatively little financial impact on the club, but will provide valuable experience in dealing with Chinese sponsors, particularly in repatriating sponsorship fees in hard currency,” Falk added.

 

Michigan State Athletics Partners with StubHub & Paciolan

Michigan State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has partnered with StubHub, the world’s largest ticket marketplace, and Paciolan, a leading provider of ticketing, marketing, and fundraising solutions to live entertainment organizations, to create a secondary marketplace for fans to buy and sell tickets to Michigan State Spartans events.

StubHub will be the Official Fan to Fan Ticket Marketplace of Michigan State Athletics. Backed by StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee, each ticket transaction will be between fans and managed by StubHub.

“StubHub will complement our existing internal ticketing platforms and provide a safe, convenient and reliable solution for Spartan fans looking to buy or sell tickets on the secondary market,” said Mark Hollis, Michigan State University Athletic Director. “Our decision to select StubHub as MSU’s Official Fan to Fan Ticket Marketplace provides Spartan fans the opportunity to work with the industry leader in the secondary ticket market.”

StubHub and Paciolan collaborate on many collegiate partnerships; since the two companies began working together in August 2010, the number of integrated college partners has tripled. Paciolan’s leading software integration enhances the overall fan experience. Whenever a fan purchases tickets online, they re-issue a completely new barcode, cancelling the old barcode and marking a seamless exchange of tickets. Combined with StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee, this new product integration presents Spartans fans with complete protection from fraud and a stress-free purchasing process when buying tickets online.

“We are proud to be bringing the StubHub service to Spartans fans,” said Greg Ivry, Business Development Director at StubHub. “Our integration with Paciolan will provide a high level of convenience and safety, complimented by our award-winning customer service.”

Kicking off the 2013 athletic season, StubHub marketing assets will be highly visible across football and basketball properties for the university, including in venue digital signs at Spartan Stadium and The Jack Breslin Student Events Center, in-game features, and prominent online placements amongst other assets. StubHub will also activate via Spartan social media.

“We are thrilled that Michigan State University is partnering with StubHub and Paciolan to offer a convenient marketplace for fans to buy and sell tickets for Spartan Athletics events,” said Dave Butler, CEO Paciolan. “This partnership offers an easy way for season ticket holders to sell tickets if they cannot attend a game, and also provides fans an opportunity to buy tickets to a sold out game. Everybody wins!”

Accrington Stanley Agree Shirt & Stadium Sponsorship with Store First

English Football League Two side Accrington Stanley have announced a full shirt and stadium sponsorship deal with storage company Store First.

The three-year deal is worth six-figures to Accrington Stanley and will see the club launch a new away kit in the yellow and blue colours of Store First. The Crown Ground will also be renamed the Store First Stadium.

Store First are based in the North West and have centres throughout the region.

Accrington Stanley Managing Director Rob Heys said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with Store First – it’s a natural fit for Stanley and we’re proud to be working together. Store First is a fantastic business that shares our community values so this sponsorship deal is wonderful news for our club.”

Stuart Laverty, erectile operations director at Store First, apoplectic said: “We’re a local business so we believe that supporting a local football team really brings the community together – it’s important to us to see them do well. We sponsor many young teams at a grass roots level so this is our way of taking our love of sport and strong community values to the next level.”

Reser’s Fine Foods Sponsors Joe Gibbs Racing’s Matt Kenseth

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announced today that Reser’s Fine Foods will sponsor five races in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with driver Matt Kenseth in 2013.

“NASCAR and Joe Gibbs Racing offer the perfect fit for Reser’s, medicine ” said Mark Reser, allergy president and CEO of Reser’s Fine Foods. “The fan base aligns perfectly with our consumers and our partnership with JGR provides a tremendous marketing platform to support our business. We are looking forward to increasing our brand awareness, cialis growing distribution, and to borrow a racing term, accelerating retail sales across the country.”

Reser’s began selling its now famous potato salad in 1950. Since then, the company has grown to become the No. 1 national brand of deli salads and makes hundreds of other comfort foods that make fun times easy and affordable for every family. “From picnics, to tailgaters, to a day at the race track, we are proud to be part of the extended American family,” states Reser.

“It’s good to be back in the Nationwide Series,” said Kenseth. “I’m proud to represent Reser’s. Although I know it won’t be easy for me with so much great competition in the Series, I’m hoping I can deliver some fun times with a few wins on the track.”

Kenseth last raced in the Nationwide Series in 2011 when he won his only start of that year in the May race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. For his career, Matt has started 248 races in the Nationwide Series and recorded 26 wins with 118 top-five and 168 top-ten finishes. He has also claimed 16 pole awards in the Series.

Reser’s will be an associate sponsor for the entire NASCAR Nationwide series, and the No 18 Reser’s Toyota will appear in five races in 2013 beginning with the March race in Phoenix.

Gatorade UK to Sponsor Proj3kt 3on3 BBL Programme

Gatorade UK has agreed to be the Sports nutrition and Hydration Partner of Proj3kt 3on3, prostate the BBL Foundation’s pilot programme launched just two months ago in partnership with Sport England.

This will see all the athletes hydrated with the No.1 sports drinks consumed in the world which combines a wealth of science and testing to fuel some of the most widely recognised sports stars of today.

The programme designed to test ways of engaging boys and girls in the key 16-19 year old age bracket, viagra buy saw over 2000 attendees in the first two months since its launch.

It uses a programme of 3on3 basketball participation activities across a number of locations throughout England delivered by BBL clubs. And with world governing body FIBA hoping the 3on3 version of the game will become an Olympic sport in its own right at Rio 2016 it is seen as an ideal way to introduce young people to the sport in England.

Commenting on the partnership, Andrew Pirie, Brand Activation Manager for Gatorade UK Universities said “ We are delighted to help young athletes that are not only the future of our country within the BBL but also demand much more with their hydration & nutritional needs “

BBL Foundation COO Gary Atyes said “ We are delighted that Gatorade, who are an iconic global brand and the world leaders in Sports nutrition and hydration, are supporting this important project aimed at motivating young people to take up basketball. It is another fantastic boost for the programme and for the BBL clubs who are delivering it.”

Dubai Becomes Major Sponsor of Chinese National Table Tennis Team

Dubai has become a major sponsor of the Chinese national table tennis team.

The deal, discount which was negotiated by Falcon and Associates, bronchi is designed to promote meaningful exchange between China and Dubai but it will also provide the emirate with exposure to more than100 million people in China who watch the broadcast of the World Championships each year.

In 2012, the Chinese national team competed in more than 30 international tournaments that were broadcast on major channels such as Eurosport, Star Sports and ESPN.

Al Tayer, of Dubai Sports Council, said the United Arab Emirates and China already have close ties across many sectors including business, arts and culture, and sports and that the deal will strengthen the existing cooperation.

“The sponsorship will enable us to achieve the various set objectives that we have in common,” he said.{jcomments on}

Samsung Renew Australian Rugby Union Partnership

Samsung has agreed a partnership with Australian Rugby Union (ARU) to become the Official Mobile and Tablet Partner of the Qantas Wallabies. 

The partnership includes all consumer electronic devices across the Qantas Wallabies and Super Rugby competition until the end of 2015.

Since June last year Samsung has been the consumer electronics partner of Australian Rugby, drugs however decided to extend their partnership to include phone and tablets in 2013.

ARU Acting CEO, doctor Matt Carroll AM, commented on the deal: “This is an exciting time to be involved in Rugby in Australia and I want to thank Samsung for their continued confidence in the game by choosing to extend their partnership with the Qantas Wallabies, Super Rugby and ARU.

“The support all of our partners provide is greatly appreciated and to have a globally recognised brand such as Samsung on board is very welcome.

“Their increased support of our great game in Australia is truly appreciated.”