Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Club Charlotte Hounds has announced that Double Zero Restaurant Group (“Bad Dog American Pub”) has signed on as a new team sponsor.

With a great waterfront atmosphere, rx excellent waitstaff, unhealthy daily specials, viagra ed music, sports and plenty of late-night fun, Bad Dog American Pub has become one of the most popular places to be in the University area. Elements of the sponsorship include game day signage, print and website/social media, as well as a strong presence in THE KENNEL, a seating area carved out for vocal and passionate sports fans. Bad Dog will be offering pre-game food & drink specials, as well as transportation and tickets, for all seven (7) home games.

“We are excited to partner with one of the University area’s premiere hangouts. We love that they are constantly hosting events and the atmosphere and daily specials are amazing. Having Bad Dog in The Kennel on gameday definitely adds some excitement” said Wade Leaphart, Hounds Director of Sales and Marketing.

Jamey Cabell, Owner – Double Zero Restaurant Group, said: “The Hounds have proven themselves as fan favorites and will be a great parter. We want to help build the fan base and are excited to welcome another professional sports team to the Charlotte area, in addition to creating awareness and encouraging fans to visit us at Bad Dog American Pub and Eastfield Bar & Grill.”

by Ismail Uddin

Caterham F1 Team has announced a multi-year agreement with Visa as the team’s Hospitality and Experiential Marketing Partner.

The partnership will see the two brands collaborate on a series of innovative hospitality and marketing programmes that takes Visa cardholders into the heart of Formula One’s fastest developing team.

Tony Fernandes, Team Principal, Caterham F1 Team, said: “This is another major milestone for our team as it aligns us with one of the world’s most famous, trusted brands and gives us an opportunity to create some exciting new projects for our fans and Visa’s customers. The growth of our commercial partnership portfolio reflects our development as a team on track and it is a sign of our increasing strength that we have been able to attract a brand as prestigious as Visa.”

Stuart Tomlinson, Country Manager, Malaysia, Visa added: “Visa is pleased to sign on as a key partner of Caterham F1 Team. With Tan Sri Tony’s business savvy and flair, we believe the team will be a dynamic force to be reckoned with in the near future, and we are excited to be part of this. With this partnership, Visa looks forward to bringing our decades of experience in creating customer hospitality, loyalty and experiential programs for cardholders.”

by Ismail Uddin

Barclays Center, soon to be finished new home of the NBA’s New Jersey Nets, have formed a unique multifaceted partnership Long Island University Brooklyn (LIU), which includes athletics, education, community, and brand-building platforms.

Barclays Center, the world-class sports and entertainment venue scheduled to open on September 28, will be the home away from home for LIU’s men’s basketball team. The Blackbirds, who have advanced to the Division I NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship for the second consecutive year in which they will face Michigan State on Friday, will play a minimum of four home games each season at Barclays Center during the length of the agreement. LIU is already confirmed to participate in the Barclays Center Classic, presented by Sheets Brand Energy Strips, on November 9 and the BROOKLYN HOOPS Holiday Invitational on Dec. 22.

As part of the educational component of the alliance, Barclays Center will annually host five one-hour bi-weekly classes for students in the LIU sports journalism/management classes. The classes will feature Barclays Center and Nets Basketball executives serving as guest lecturers. In addition, at least five LIU students will annually receive internships with Barclays Center or Nets Basketball. Educating more than 11,000 students annually at its Brooklyn campus, LIU will hold commencement exercises in Barclays Center.

In conjunction with Barclays Center’s plans to be actively involved in public service throughout the borough, LIU will serve as the presenting partner of the Barclays Center Community Platform. Through this involvement, LIU will receive branding when the Community Platform is promoted during Barclays Center events via signage or through www.barclayscenter.com, radio, or print.

In addition, LIU students, staff, and faculty will receive discounts on tickets to select Barclays Center events.

“We are delighted to partner with Downtown Brooklyn’s newest jewel, Barclays Center,” said LIU Brooklyn Provost Gale Stevens Haynes. “Our collaboration will provide far-reaching opportunities not only for our students and campus community but for our neighboring communities as well. I look forward to a long and fruitful association with this dynamic new cultural and sports venue.”

Brett Yormark, Barclays Center CEO, added: “We are proud to align with our neighbor and such a respected and committed institution as LIU Brooklyn. LIU offers students from around the world an enriching education in the heart of the most exciting and diverse borough in New York. Barclays Center will join LIU in becoming a dynamic part of the community through education, sports, and entertainment.”

by Ismail Uddin

With the new F1 Season only days away, troche Lotus F1 Team has announced a three-year partnership with Microsoft which begins with immediate effect.

Microsoft Dynamics branding will feature prominently both on the Lotus F1 Team E20s and the drivers’ overalls when the team makes its 2012 race debut at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 18.

As part of the partnership, cialis Microsoft Dynamics solutions, which are designed to enable organizations to be more agile and globally competitive in today’s business environment, will be implemented at Lotus F1 Team’s Enstone, England, base to facilitate the team’s business transformation. For the duration of the agreement, Microsoft personnel will work directly with Lotus F1 Team to continuously transform and optimize operations towards a world class facility.

Patrick Louis, Chief Executive Officer Lotus F1 Team, said: “Lotus F1 Team is extremely proud to have attracted Microsoft Dynamics as a business and sponsorship partner. We are entering an exciting phase in the development of our business model as we move from our recent change management period to a ‘global business transformation’ process. Microsoft Dynamics will be a crucial enabler for our objectives. This association will help Lotus F1 Team to become comprehensively process and KPI driven, enabling our “smart” approach towards Formula 1.”

Hal Howard, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Research and Development, commeted: “In a business where every thousandth of a second matters, Microsoft is revved up about working with the Lotus F1 team to help drive efficiencies into their operations and make those seconds count. The Lotus F1 Team is a forward-looking and agile business, and Microsoft is thrilled to provide them with the technology that will help them transform into a Dynamic Business and win.”

Christian Pedersen, General Manager, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Product Marketing, added: “The Microsoft Dynamics team is equally proud to be named the official Business Transformation Partner of the Lotus F1 Team. We look forward to working together to optimize all aspects of their end-to-end operations including design, manufacturing, logistics, and retail through the use of Microsoft Dynamics business applications, enabling them to be even more competitive.”

by Ismail Uddin

The Organizing Committee of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and Toys”R”Us today announced a $1 million commitment from the Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund, asthma making Toys”R”Us the first Founding Partner of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games.

In addition to its Founding Partner status, stomach Toys”R”Us will be the Presenting Sponsor of the Young AthletesTM Festival, a first-of-its-kind feature at a Special Olympics USA Games event.

The Toys”R”Us Young Athletes Festival will provide opportunities for children, ages 2-7, and their families to take part in the Special Olympics Young Athletes program, Healthy Athletes activities and family seminars geared toward the future stars of Special Olympics.

“Toys”R”Us signing as the first Founding Partner of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games continues their on-going support of our movement,” said Timothy Shriver, Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics. “Their vision and leadership in the area of inclusive play will only add to the unity that these National Games will create throughout New Jersey and the nation.”

Kathleen Waugh, Chairman, Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund, added: “As a New Jersey-based organization with a long-standing commitment to children of all abilities, we are tremendously proud to partner with Special Olympics as they bring the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games to our home state for the first time. We look forward to deepening our enduring relationship with Special Olympics in welcoming athletes to New Jersey and enriching their overall experience at the first-ever Young Athletes Festival.”  

The 2014 Special Olympics USA Games will take place at sporting venues throughout New Jersey, June 14 through June 21. More than 3,500 Special Olympics athletes from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will compete in 17 sports. An estimated 10,000 volunteers as well as 50,000 additional spectators will be in attendance.

The Toys”R”Us-sponsored Young Athletes Festival will build on the Young Athletes program, an inclusive, innovative play program for children with and without special needs that develops critical early cognitive, social and motor skills and introduces kids to the world of sports. In addition to the Young Athletes Festival, youth-centered and educational events will be held in conjunction with the Games, rallying young leaders from across the country to raise awareness and call for action amongst their peers in support of the Special Olympics movement by promoting acceptance and respect for people with intellectual disabilities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Toys”R”Us as our first Founding Partner,” added TJ Nelligan, Chairman & CEO of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games Organizing Committee. “Toys”R”Us has embraced a dimension of these Games that will introduce children and their families to the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program, and through their unprecedented support, change the lives of these future athletes and their families for many years to come.”

For 38 years, Toys”R”Us, Inc. has been based in New Jersey and today has more than 4,500 employees statewide across 45 stores, regional offices, the corporate headquarters and the company’s largest retail distribution center in the country. 

The 2014 Special Olympics USA Games will mark the third time a Special Olympics USA Summer Games has been held.

by Ismail Uddin

FA Cup lead sponsor, treat Budweiser, buy have continued their commitment to grassroots football by announcing a deal with Wembley FC that will see the iconic global beer brand sponsor the non-League football club.

The deal forms part of Budweiser’s long-term FA Cup commitment to grassroots football, championing clubs at all levels and bringing the romance and heritage of the tournament closer to the fans. Budweiser will be working closely with Wembley FC to bring forward infrastructure improvements to enhance the club and player facilities, including a clubhouse upgrade and provision of a team minibus.  

Other initiatives include the implementation of a new responsible drinking programme as well as promotion of the club in the wider Wembley community.  

Jason Warner, Global VP Budweiser, commented: “We believe that the best way to champion The FA Cup is to celebrate its uniqueness from the grassroots up. Wembley FC has an incredible heritage and story to tell. We look forward to helping fulfil their dreams.”

Budweiser’s continued support of local teams in The FA Cup follows on from last year’s success with the first-ever live streaming of a sporting event on Facebookwhich saw over 30,000 people worldwide view the Extra Preliminary Round match between Wembley FC and Ascot United.  This ambitious move will hopefully see the football underdogs’ FA Cup journey continue further than their First Qualifying Round exit in the 2011-12 season.

Iain Newell, Budweiser’s Marketing Director, said: “The sponsorship of Wembley FC is consistent with Budweiser’s commitment to the sport of football and our involvement with The FA Cup. The type of improvements with Wembley FC will showcase our intent of working with grassroots football in the UK. We have further exciting plans for a grant programme that other non-League clubs will benefit from. This is a joint initiative between Budweiser and The FA and more details will be announced in due course.”

Brian Gumm, Chairman of Wembley FC, added: “We’re not a big club but we have big ambitions. With Budweiser as our sponsor we now have a shot at making those dreams come true.”

by Ismail Uddin

Red Bull Racing have announced that the Japanese Premium Sake brand Joraku has become an official Team Supplier.

As a result of the multi-year agreement, viagra sale the Joraku brand will feature in all Red Bull Racing’s Partner listing areas throughout the 2012 season and beyond, as well as being available in Red Bull Racing’s hospitality areas.

Based in Japan, Joraku is owned by Hanshin Shuhan, a large food and beverage group that operates as an alcoholic beverage wholesaler. Hanshin hopes to use Formula One and Red Bull Racing’s success as an international platform to promote its successful Japanese sake and raise global awareness of its heritage and great taste. It’s the first Japanese sake producer to become an official Team Supplier.

Christian Horner commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Hanshin Suhan to the Team. A line-up of its premium sake, which is symbolic of Japanese history and tradition, will be served in Red Bull’s Energy Station throughout the season. We are very proud to be its partner and to help introduce the high quality product to an international audience.”

Mr Shusaku Higaki, CEO Hanshin Shuhan, added: “We are very proud to become an official Team Supplier of Red Bull Racing, the double Formula One World Champions in 2010 and 2011. We believe that Red Bull Racing and Hanshin Shuhan have common values in terms of entrepreneurship and commitment to improvement. With both companies inspiring one another this partnership will be a great opportunity for the global recognition of JORAKU.”

by Ismail Uddin

Sheets(TM) Brand, the creator and developer of Sheets(TM) dissolvable strips, today announced a sponsorship agreement to become the official Energy product of the 2012 Sony Ericsson Open.

The 28th edition of the Sony Ericsson Open will once again feature the top players in the world competing at the Crandon Park Tennis Center for one of the most prestigious titles in tennis. The tournament is owned and operated by IMG and will be held in Miami from March 19 until April 1.

Sheets(TM) Brand will offer tennis fans an exclusive preview of the brand’s new product which will be available nationwide in May, in addition to sampling their existing Energy Sheets(TM). Sheets(TM) Brand will also receive a sponsorship tent, in-stadium and grandstand court signage and stadium court promotions.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the 2012 Sony Ericsson Open, one of the premier tennis tournaments in the United States,” said Warren Struhl, Co-founder, PureBrands, LLC, owner of Sheets(TM) Brand. “Our new partnership allows us to support one of our key brand partners, Serena Williams, while we align Sheets(TM) Brand with the game of tennis for the first time.”

Last year’s Sony Ericsson Open was one for the record books with over 316,000 people visiting the tournament during the event’s two weeks. With the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick, Andy Murray, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Caroline Wozniacki and Kim Clijsters on hand the Sony Ericsson Open always delivers the best tennis action imaginable.

by Ismail Uddin

Citi, see an official sponsor of the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, today announced its roster of ambassadors, comprised of two U.S. Olympic alumni and 11 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic qualifiers and hopefuls for the London 2012 Olympics.

“We are extremely proud to sponsor this inspiring group of Olympic and Paralympic athletes,” said Citi Chief Brand Officer Dermot Boden. “This U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Team sponsorship affirms Citi’s commitment to help people on their journey from ambition to achievement, whether buying a home, starting a business or even striving to win a gold medal. Meeting challenges and seizing opportunities for our clients, as our athletes do for the country, fuels Citi’s collective determination to be the best.”

The “Team Citi” athletes were selected because they exemplify an unwavering commitment to excellence and demonstrate what it is possible to achieve when you reach for a dream. This unique mix of talent was gathered by Citi to support an innovative and engaging program that will debut next month. Among them, they have 21 Olympic and Paralympic medals and represent a range of sports: swimming, soccer, tennis, triathlon, track & field (Olympic/Paralympic), gymnastics, and sitting volleyball. “Team Citi” includes:

Bob Bryan, 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, doubles tennis, Mike Bryan, 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, doubles tennis, Dominique Dawes, Three-time Olympian; Olympic gold (1996) and bronze (1992, 1996, 2000) medalist, gymnastics, Rowdy Gaines, Three-time Olympic gold medalist (1984), swimming, Cullen Jones, 2008 Olympic gold medalist, swimming, Gwen Jorgensen, 2012 U.S. Olympic Team qualifier, triathlon, Meb Keflezighi, 2012 U.S. Olympics Team qualifier; Two-time Olympian and 2004 Olympic silver medalist, track & field, Carlos Leon, 2008 Paralympian, track & field, Danell Leyva, 2012 Olympic hopeful, gymnastics, Amanda McGrory, 2008 Paralympic gold, silver and bronze medalist, track & field, Kari Miller, 2008 Paralympic silver medalist, sitting volleyball, Christie Rampone, Three-time Olympian; gold (2004, 2008) and silver (2000) medalist, Sanya Richards-Ross, Two-time Olympian: gold (2004, 2008) and bronze (2008) medalist, track & field.

Citi announced the sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams in the spring of 2011. Last July, one year before the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Citi kicked-off the Team USA Flag Tour to bring the excitement and pride of supporting Team USA to thousands of employees across the country. The tour has allowed employees at Citi sites the opportunity to hear directly from Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls about their Road to London.

by Ismail Uddin

Hollywood Park and Betfair US have entered into an agreement that is the first of its kind in horse racing. 

Under the five-year agreement Betfair, an online betting and gaming operator, received naming rights to the track which will be known as Betfair Hollywood Park. This is the first time a U.S. track has sold its naming rights.

“We realize that US racing, and California racing in particular, simply cannot continue on as it has,” said Jack Liebau, President of Hollywood Park Racing Association. “We need to look at the way we do everything in presenting our product to the public and not be afraid to embrace change, particularly if we are going to generate a younger fan base.

“We believe that partnering with Betfair to modernize the product will benefit California racing. Exchange wagering is another possibly transformative technological change for horse racing. However, it will only be introduced after a thorough consultation with our Horsemen and Horsewomen and, of course, its implementation is ultimately subject to the approval of the Thoroughbred Owners of California.”

In addition to the naming rights there will be upgrades to Hollywood Park’s simulcast signal with state-of-the-art graphics and TVG talent. TVG, a horse racing network, is a sister company to Betfair. Areas at the track will be created to be called “Betfair Lounge” and “Betfair Club.”

“We are deeply committed to changing US horse racing for the better and are delighted to find a partner in Hollywood Park Racing Association willing to take the bold step of trying to change every facet of the racing experience to appeal to a broader, younger audience,” said Stephen Burn, CEO of Betfair US and TVG. “horse racing is a wonderful sport, but it must embrace cultural change and utilize advancements in technology and presentation to survive and thrive just as other sports and entertainment industries have done. We hope this is the first of many examples of using the assets of technology companies, such as Betfair, to revitalize historic venues such as Betfair Hollywood Park.”

The track is home to the $500,000 Hollywood Gold Cup for older thoroughbreds. Hollywood Park’s spring/summer meet gets underway Thursday, April 26 through Sunday, July 15.

by Ismail Uddin