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.”

Red Bull Sign First Tennis Ambassador Victoria Azarenka

Energy drink company, Red Bull have signed Women’s World no. 1 tennis player Victoria Azarenka as their new brand ambassador.

Lagardère Unlimited, which manages Azarenka, announced a multiyear endorsement deal with Red Bull, making her the first tennis player signed by the beverage company.

Azarenka commented, ‘”I am really excited to be part of the Red Bull family. I’ve always enjoyed the product and admired how they have worked with their athletes.”

Drew LeMesurier, director of talent marketing for Lagardère’s tennis division, commented: ““She has a certain swagger about her [that is] consistent with the Red Bull culture.”

Other athletes who endorse Red Bull include NBA players Blake Griffin, Rajon Rondo and Deron Williams, MLB players Tim Lincecum and Jimmy Rollins, and NFL players Reggie Bush and DeMarcus Ware.

Carlsberg Joins Barclays Premier League as Official Beer Partner

International brewery, order Carlsberg has signed a three year contract to become the official beer partner of the Barclays Premier League until 2016 replacing Budweiser.

Tom Moradpour, bronchi vice president of the Carlsberg Brand, treatment said: “At a time when we are fully committed to growing the Carlsberg brand, it is fantastic to be associated with such an iconic football property as the Premier League.

“The Carlsberg brand has a long association with football and we are delighted that this partnership with the Premier League provides us with another platform with which to connect with consumers and football fans around the world and drive greater engagement with the Carlsberg brand.

“This new partnership significantly strengthens our existing portfolio and we look forward to activating this sponsorship through innovative and imaginative campaigns across all our markets.”

The partnership will see Carlsberg receive use of official designations; marks and imagery; match-day access and hospitality; and content for online and social media channels.

Premier League chief executive, Richard Scudamore, added: “We are extremely pleased that Carlsberg has chosen to invest in the Premier League and, from next season, become the League’s official beer partner.

“The Premier League is well known and well followed in the UK and internationally and that makes Carlsberg – one of the most renowned breweries in the world – an excellent partner for us.

“The commitment and investment from commercial partners like Carlsberg is very important in helping us to continue to put on a high quality football competition that is enjoyed by fans at home and abroad.”

Puma Named Official Fan Supplier of 2013 Africa Cup of Nations

Sports retail giant, Puma have announced its partnership with the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa 2013 to become the Official Fan Supplier.

This partnership will see the first merchandise developed and distributed before the first fixture between South Africa and Cape Verde on the 19 January and will continue throughout the tournament.

As the official Fan Supplier, Puma has the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and distribute sport and sportlifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories carrying the logos of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa 2013. In addition, the deal with CAF also includes exclusive rights for PUMA to operate retail stores, vending stands and kiosks including those in the stadium, for the sale of Puma’s Orange Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa 2013 Official Fan Merchandise.

Puma has partnered with Totalsports to execute the retail side of the operation in South Africa during the tournament. Totalsports will operate and manage the Official Fanshops during the tournament and will also be the exclusive distributor of Puma’s Orange Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa 2013 Official Fan Merchandise, selling a comprehensive range of the product in their stores across the country. The partnership will be supported by a dedicated in-store marketing program, celebrating the Orange Africa Cup of Nations being held in South Africa.

Brett Bellinger, Marketing Director for Puma South Africa commented; “This partnership with CAF’s major Competition is very positive for the brand, we’re very pleased to be able to work together with CAF to provide African football fans in both South Africa and those visiting for the tournament, an opportunity to show their support and purchase Official Fan Merchandise.”

Totalsports stores that will be stocking Puma’s Orange Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa 2013 Official Fan Merchandise include Sandton and Carlton stores in Johannesburg, West Street and Gateway stores in Durban, Greenacres and Govan Mbeki stores in Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit Plaza and Ilanga Mall stores in Nelspruit, Rustenburg Plaza and Rustenburg CBD stores in Rustenburg, and the V&A Waterfront store in Cape Town.

Discussing the partnership with Totalsports, Bellinger continued: “As one of the leading sporting goods retailers in South Africa, Totalsports is well situated to operate the retail side of this partnership, and we’re excited to be working together with them for this project.”

Puma will also place Orange Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa 2013 Official Fan Merchandise kiosks at the stadiums in Soweto, Mbombela, Rustenburg, Durban and PE where PUMA’s Orange Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa 2013Official Fan Merchandise can be purchased.

Puma has a strong heritage with African football that stretches back almost two decades and has grown progressively over the years. Since 1998, PUMA has had an association with the continent, investing in grassroots projects, player relationships and African Federation partnerships.

Featherlite Remains Official Trailer of NASCAR

Iowa-based company, Featherlite Trailers revealed on Monday that it has renewed it’s partnership with Nascar.

The six-year extension ensures that Featherlite Trailers will be the Official Trailer of NASCAR through 2018. Entering its 13th year as an Official Partner, Featherlite Trailers built its first race car transporter for owner Richard Childress 20 years ago, dating its relationship with the sport back to 1993.  

Currently, Featherlite Trailers plays a vital role in facilitating high-quality NASCAR race events each weekend. Ninety percent of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series teams rely on Featherlite transporters to move vital race equipment to every event. Additionally, approximately 10 transporters manufactured by Featherlite Trailers serve as official office and meeting spaces for NASCAR race officials and personnel each weekend across the country.

“Featherlite Trailers is pleased to extend our partnership with NASCAR,” said Terry Carlson, chief executive officer of Universal Trailer Holding Corp. “As a long-time NASCAR partner, Featherlite is committed to the sport and its fans, as well as providing world-class support and services to NASCAR and its race teams.”

In the second half of the 2012 NASCAR season, Featherlite Trailers introduced its newly redesigned custom “T1” NASCAR support and media trailer. The transporter, featuring larger and more efficient work spaces, is utilized by NASCAR broadcast partners at the track each weekend.

“The return of Featherlite Trailers benefits our entire industry, including our tracks, drivers, teams and partners,” said Jim O’Connell, NASCAR chief sales officer. “The extension of this 20-year relationship ensures that our sport will continue to have the most technologically advanced race transporters and meeting spaces, critical to facilitating high quality race events each weekend.”

Featherlite Trailers is a leading designer and manufacturer of aluminum trailers, including specialized 53-foot race car transporters and highly customized specialty trailers for virtually every business purpose.