Wonderful Pistachios has agreed a deal to sponsor the upcoming Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez fight on December 8 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Additionally, Wonderful Pistachios will debut their Get Crackin’commercial starring Pacquiao during Monday Night Football, as he “does it with a knockout punch.”

This will be the fourth time Pacquiao and Marquez square off in the ring, and this matchup is anticipated to draw millions of viewers. Also sure to draw some attention is the new Wonderful Pistachios commercial featuring Pacquiao. In the spot, Pacquiao is shown warming up on a speed bag, and once he goes in for the final knockout – pistachios burst out of the bag and at the screen as the announcer says, “Manny Pacquiao does it with a knockout punch.”

Wonderful Pistachios is also sponsoring 2012 Olympian, Jose Ramirez, the USA Boxing all-time record holder with 145 wins, 11 national titles and six consecutive USA gold medals. The 20-year-old lightweight boxer is making his professional boxing debut on December 8 as the undercard of the fourth meeting between Pacquiao and Marquez. Ramirez was born and raised in Avenal, CA, a rural agricultural community in the Central Valley and the same place where Wonderful Pistachios are grown. Paramount Farms, the parent company of Wonderful Pistachios, began sponsoring Ramirez so he could spend more time focused on school and training, and has continued their support through the Olympics, and this upcoming fight.

“As athletes, Manny Pacquiao and Jose Ramirez are the epitome of physical health, and as one of the lowest calorie, lowest fat nuts, Wonderful Pistachios are an excellent snack choice for competitors and fans alike,” said Mark Masten, vice president of global sales and marketing, Paramount Farms. “Sponsoring this fight is an opportunity for Wonderful Pistachios to reach the boxing community by having a presence at the main event, and with our consumers watching at home. It’s a knockout win for all!”

Rugby brand, Gilbert has extended it’s sponsorship of Emirates Western Force and RugbyWA for the 2013 Super Rugby season.

The new agreement will see Gilbert become the official and exclusive ball and equipment supplier across all representative levels of RugbyWA for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

Emirates Western Force Head Coach Michael Foley commented on the partnership: “Gilbert is synonymous with rugby and widely recognised as the number one football brand in the code.”

“We’ve set high standards as a team and one element essential to attaining those standards is ensuring we create the right type of training environment. We see Gilbert equipment as an integral part of any high performance program.”

“We’re pleased that all representative players throughout Western Australia will have access to Gilbert balls and equipment throughout the year which are important tools in their development as rugby players.”

Gilbert Brand Manager Jon Clarke said Gilbert, added: “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with RugbyWA and the Emirates Western Force,” he said. “With a new coaching staff and playing group in 2013, we’re confident that the Emirates Western Force is entering a strong period for the club and to be associated with that is really exciting.

“The fact that RugbyWA has chosen Gilbert as their exclusive equipment supplier is a testament to the performance of this new range of products, including tackle bags, hit shields and post pads.

“We can’t wait to see the Force training with Gilbert equipment this season and we’re looking forward to it playing a part in their success in 2013 and beyond.”

Gilbert’s partnerships with Rugby World Cup 2015, the Australian Rugby Union and SANZAR confirms Gilbert’s position as the brand of choice in the world of rugby union.

Toyota and Richmond International Raceway (RIR) have revealed a multi-year race partnership, story beginning with the April 26-27, 2013 doubleheader weekend at America’s Premier Short Track.

The weekend features the Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.

“This partnership allows us to align with a premium brand that has been supporting NASCAR for nearly a decade,” said RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. “These multi-year entitlements will allow Richmond International Raceway to continue delivering the high-quality events our fans have enjoyed for 60 years. To put on these NASCAR spectacles, we require two core ingredients: the fans and the sponsors – both of which drive our business and allow us to provide top-notch events.”

“Exclusive title sponsorship of the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Races at Richmond International Raceway provides Toyota with unique opportunities in terms of activation with fans and spectators throughout the weekend,” commented Keith Dahl, Toyota national manager-Engagement Marketing and Motorsports.

Toyota has a rich history at Richmond International Raceway. The auto manufacturer has seven NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wins (Kyle Busch, four; Denny Hamlin, two; Clint Bowyer, one) and five NASCAR Nationwide Series top finishes (Kyle Busch, two; Denny Hamlin, two; Kurt Busch, one), and has served as the Official Pace Car at RIR.

Toyota made its NASCAR debut in 2004 when it became the first new engine manufacturer to compete full-time in one of NASCAR’s top three levels of competition in more than 50 years, when it entered the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In 2007, Toyota entered the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series by debuting the Camry in both series.

ZAMST, ambulance a leader in high-performance sports protective equipment, try have announced a worldwide endorsement deal with professional basketball star Stephen Curry.

Widely considered to be one of today’s best young basketball players, cough Curry has battled persistent ankle injuries over the past two seasons limiting his time on the basketball court.

“Stephen is a tremendous young talent whose rise to superstardom has been delayed due to unfortunate lingering ankle injuries,” said Bryan Smeltzer, general manager of ZAMST US. “Our product line was created to help players like Stephen stabilize their injury and provide them with both the physical and mental confidence to play without limitations. We look forward to providing Stephen the support product’s he needs to continue performing at an elite level, and watching him develop into one of the league’s premier point guards. Our Precision Engineered Support products protect and reinforce the elite athletes of the world, and we are proud to have Stephen on our team “.

ZAMST is a premier bracing and support company that has been providing elite athletes across the world with prevention and injury solutions since 1992. With a heritage in the medical field, the company has created its product line through a rigorous development process, which includes in-depth consultation with doctors, trainers and elite athletes to ensure high performance functionality.

After spending this past summer rehabbing his ankle, Curry was cleared to play full-contact basketball with the help of the ZAMST A2-DX ankle brace prior to the opening of pro basketball training camp in October. The A2-DX is built with unique EXO-Grid rigid guards which restrict both inversion and eversion, while x-straps provide enhanced anterior, lateral and medial stability of the ankle.

“Over the past two seasons, I’ve used a lot of different braces to help reinforce my right ankle,” said Curry. “The ZAMST A2-DX is the only product that has given me the full confidence to play without the fear of re-injuring my ankle.”

After a strong pre-season showing, Curry’s team extended his contract for an additional four years illustrating the confidence they have in his rehabilitated ankle. Curry has started every game of the 2012-13 pro basketball season thus far, playing more than 35 minutes per game. He is currently averaging over 17 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds.

Extending one of the longest-running sport sponsorships, unhealthy which began back in 1985, Speedo will remain an Official Sponsor of USA Swimming and the exclusive sponsor of the Speedo Junior Nationals and Speedo Champions Series through to 2020.

Speedo will also continue to be a non-exclusive sponsor in the Technical Products (swimsuit, swim caps and goggles) category and the Performance Apparel categories.

Under the new long-term deal, USA Swimming (USAS) will continue to offer Speedo prime areas to brand with the USAS logo; but USAS has moved away from dealing on an exclusive basis. This reflects a changing world where multiple platforms – from TV to web, print and social media – mean that exclusivity makes less sense.

USAS has opened up dialogue with other swimwear brands and other non-endemic industry players. USA Swimming will now offer non-exclusive base sponsorships in the Technical Products area. These include the use of the term ‘Official Sponsor’ of USA Swimming and the rights to use USA Swimming’s marks on the sponsor’s products in certain categories.

These categories are being or have been created within USA Swimming’s marketing structure. Areas open to brands include Technical Equipment (swimsuits, caps, goggles), Performance Apparel, Athletic Footwear, Training Aids, as well as Airlines, Lodging, Computer Technology and Rental Cars.

“USA Swimming’s relationship with Speedo USA is a vital part to our organization,” said Matt Farrell, USA Swimming Chief Marketing Officer. “Their support has been invaluable to our organization since its inception and we look forward to our continuing our relationship well into the future.”

“By working together, USA Swimming and Speedo have done so much to grow the sport of swimming,” Farrell added. “Our organization has more members than ever and we still haven’t seen the final numbers for our post-Olympic growth. We’re excited to continue the partnership with Speedo and we are confident that our combined efforts can continue to grow the sport here in the US.”

Concord-based ACN, viagra sale Inc. is the presenting sponsor of the Bronko Nagurski Football Award for the second consecutive year.

This prestigious award honors the top collegiate defensive football player in the country, health and is presented annually by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and the Football Writers Association of America, non-profit organizations committed to promoting sportsmanship through football in the Charlotte region.

The Bronko Nagurski Award banquet took place on December 3rd, 2012 and will air nationally December 7th at 4pm on the NFL Network. ACN chairman and co-founder Robert Stevanovski states that “ACN is proud to support the Charlotte Touchdown Club’s mission, and are excited to support broadcast of the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet on NFL Network again this year.”

National Rugby League’s Cronulla Sharks have agreed a one-year sponsorship dealwith Fitness First.

The new sponsorship arrangement with Fitness First – which has four gyms in the Sutherland Shire at Woolooware, Wanda Beach, Sylvania and Miranda – will see the Sharks NRL squad frequent the nearest gym at Woolooware, while it also includes exciting benefits for Sharks members.

Avenaim, the Area Sales Manager for Fitness First, saw positives and benefits for all in his company’s partnership with the Sharks, with Fitness First to work closely with the Cronulla Sharks to promote health and fitness throughout the Shire community.

“Fitness First is a leading name in health and fitness with a goal to educate and improve fitness in the community, so it made perfect sense that we should team up with another large community player with similar values,” Avenaim said. “The Cronulla Sharks are the perfect fit for us and we look forward to teaming up throughout 2013 to offer exciting health and fitness programs and incentives for residents and businesses in the Shire.”

While Geras, the Fitness First State Manager added: “We are very excited about the Fitness First /Cronulla Sharks partnership. Sharks members will be able to take advantage of our Fitness First offerings at Cronulla, Wanda, Miranda and Sylvania, whilst Fitness First members will benefit from Sharks incentives and game day promotions.

“Our facilities will also be available for the NRL squad to use as part of their training. It’s a great WIN-WIN and we look forward to working closely with The Sharks throughout 2013 and beyond.” 

Castleford Tigers has announced that Wish Communications will be the club’s new stadium sponsor for the 2013 season.

The business-to-business communications solutions company will have a branding presence within the stadium on its rooflines and perimeter advertising, in addition to its continued sponsorship of the hospitality suite.

The company name will also feature on the Tigers’ home and away shirts as part of the agreement.

The one-year deal, sees former sponsor PROBIZ replaced and the stadium renamed The Wish Communications Stadium.

Castleford Tigers Commercial Manager, Nick Fozzard said: “Wish Communications has been a sponsor since 2010 and we are delighted they have increased their sponsorship with us next season.”

Phil Butts, Sales Director at Wish Communications said: “We are really pleased to continue our support of the Tigers and raise our profile further as stadium sponsor for 2013. “It will be our third year with the club and we are proud to be one of its leading sponsors.”

The announcement comes as the Tigers nears the 2,500 membership mark.

Fozzard added, “With our main sponsors now confirmed and almost half of our target memberships achieved, we are making great strides towards where we need to be.

“Nevertheless, we maintain that 5,000 members are required to ensure the Tigers can return as a competitive force in 2013. There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to get us to this point and we hope those fans that haven’t yet signed up are starting to recognise our efforts.”

INDYCAR announced that Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka will be the major sponsor for the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series “Triple Crown,” featuring the Indianapolis 500, Pocono INDYCAR 400 and the MAVTV 500.

Known as the “Fuzzy’s Triple Crown,” the three-race oval track set will award a $1 million payout to any driver who can win all three prestigious events. A driver that wins two of the three races will be awarded a $250,000 bonus from Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka.

“Adding the Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka name to the Triple Crown further highlights an exciting and historic Indy car racing tradition that returns to the sport in 2013 after more than two decades,” said Jeff Belskus, CEO of INDYCAR. “This is a further statement about the potential that Fuzzy’s sees in our sportand the $1 million award makes the ‘Fuzzy’s Triple Crown’ another must-win prize, alongside the IZOD IndyCar Series Championship and the Indianapolis 500, for an IZOD IndyCar Series driver.”

The “Fuzzy’s Triple Crown” will be contested at the world’s most prestigious racing facility, the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the 2.5-mile “tricky triangle” track, Pocono Raceway, and the 2-mile high-banked Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., as the three famed oval races renew the tradition of the popular “Triple Crown” from the 1970s and 1980s Indy car competition.

The 2013 “Fuzzy’s Triple Crown” events take place at Indianapolis May 26, Pocono July 7 and Fontana October 19. Indy car racing returns to Pocono Raceway for the first time since 1989.

“Imagine winning at Augusta, Oakmont and Pebble Beach in the same year,” said Indiana golf legend Fuzzy Zoeller, namesake of Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka and two-time major winner on the PGA Tour. “Now imagine doing it at 220 mph. Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka is honored to present the return of the INDYCAR Triple Crown for 2013.

“We’ve increased our involvement with INDYCAR every year and now we are really going to hit it long. It’s a return to tradition with the Triple Crown. It’s an opportunity for a driver to join Al Unser in accomplishing this amazing feat of winning three big oval races in the same season. And you thought making a six-foot putt for birdie was tough.”

Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka has been a popular entry into the IZOD IndyCar Series as its Official Vodka and the primary sponsor for Ed Carpenter Racing. Carpenter drives the No 20 Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka Chevrolet-powered car. Carpenter, the only team owner/driver in the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series, won the season finale MAVTV 500 at the Auto Club Speedway on Sept. 15.

The previous “Triple Crown” included 500-mile races at Indianapolis, Pocono and Ontario, Calif., from 1971- 1980 and from 1981-1989 at Indy, Pocono and Michigan. For a brief time, Phillip Morris sponsored the Marlboro Million for the Triple Crown.

Only one driver, Al Unser, has captured all three races in a single season, when the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner drove to victory in the Jim Hall-owned First National City Travelers Checks-sponsored car at Indy, Pocono and Ontario in 1978.

“To operate well all day and win one race in the Triple Crown is an achievement for a driver and a team,” said Unser. “To win a race of that distance you have to almost be perfect to beat the competition. To win all three, the circumstances for the team, crew and driver are almost impossible to achieve. But fortunately we did it and we’re in the record books and why people still ask me about the 1978 season today.

“I am happy to see the Triple Crown back. The Triple Crown is part of Indy car heritage, it’s good for the fans, it’s good for the teams, and good for the sponsors and it sure gives the drivers some long races to show off their skills.”

ASICS America Corporation and USA Field Hockey today announced the extension of a long-standing partnership agreement.

ASICS remains the Official Exclusive Sponsor of footwear, pills apparel and accessories through 2016. In 2009, symptoms ASICS became the largest corporate sponsor in USA Field Hockey history.

Over the past four years, field hockey has had a solid growth in participation. At the collegiate level, over 270 NCAA institutions run field hockey programs. On the international stage the U.S. Women’s Team had back-to-back appearances at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games while the U.S. Men’s Team recently advanced to the second round of a major international tournament.

“ASICS has been a great supporter in helping grow our National Teams over the last four years and we are excited to be continuing this partnership,” said Steve Locke, Executive Director of USA Field Hockey. “We share a vision to excel on the international stage and are proud to have our Men’s and Women’s National Teams outfitted and equipped in ASICS as we build to Rio 2016. ASICS will also be supporting our continued initiatives to grow the sport from the grassroots to the elite level.”

“We’ve had many successes in the past several years working with USA Field Hockey and are thrilled to be supporting them for another four years.  We are confident our ground breaking performance apparel and footwear will help the team continue to exceed its goals now and leading into Rio 2016,” said Laura Greatbanks, ASICS Marketing Manager.

As an official outfitter of the National Teams, ASICS designed the U.S. Women’s Olympic Field Hockey Team’s uniform which was ranked No. 4 on NBC Olympics list of the best dressed American teams at the 2012 Olympic Games.

In addition, ASICS has supplied apparel for USA Field Hockey Olympic Development events including the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Junior National Teams, National Futures Championship and Women’s National Championship.