English Football League team Port Vale’s Chief Executive, Perry Deakin is excited by the club’s new investment with Blue Sky International.

The club announced the deal on Tuesday which will see the American-based artificial surface supplier invest £5 million pounds into the club, over the next 12 months, with a further £3 million pounds of investment over the coming years.

Deakin said, “I am very excited; it is fabulous news for everybody at the club. We have worked long and hard in delivering this to the football club and now we just need to move on and reap the benefits of it.

“Blue Sky is a long established American company. They have been involved in the artificial surface business for over 40 years now and their CEO has remained the same during that period. They are involved not only in the sale and installation of artificial surfaces, but also the technology itself.

“In terms of where they are looking to develop and the benefits to them of being involved in the football club, they are looking for a base in the UK and a brand in the UK and fortunately for us, they have looked at Port Vale and seen that they can develop their own brand alongside ours.”

Deakin also confirmed that the changes to the Board of Directors that were announced prior to the investment are still scheduled to go ahead, and that Blue Sky will be seeking to nominate their own Board member in the near future.

“The club’s ex-Chairman (Bill Bratt) has announced his intention to step down from the Board, so we will be seeking an alternative Director to replace him. Also another Director, Glenn Oliver has announced his intention not to seek re-election; so once again there will be somebody nominated to replace Glenn. Blue Sky are investing cash in shares as part of the deal and they will be taking their maximum allowed shares by our articles.

“They would like some involvement on the Board of Directors, but we cannot guarantee them that because our articles clearly state that any new board member has to be voted on by the club’s shareholders. So we will be going through that process, but there will be a board member nominated by Blue Sky.”

Port Vale have also announced a new sponsorship agreement with AJP Group.

The deal sees the investment management company become the official back of the shirt sponsors for the next three years.

AJP Group’s name and logo will feature on the back of the first team’s home and away shirts.

Port Vale Sales Manager Chris Bedding said: “I am delighted to welcome AJP Group and Andrew Pritchard to the club.

“I am looking forward to a long and successful relationship with AJP Group and it is encouraging to see local as well as national companies continue to invest in the club.”

Quicken Loans Inc., the nation’s largest online retail mortgage lender, announced it will be the title sponsor of the inaugural 2011 Carrier Classic, a first-of-its-kind basketball game to be played on a U.S. aircraft carrier honoring service men and women on Veterans Day, November 11, 2011.

The 2011 Quicken Loans Carrier Classic, an NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball match up between the Michigan State Spartans and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, will tip-off the 2011 college basketball season.  The game will be played in front of 7,000 military personnel and spectators on the flight deck of the United States Navy Aircraft Carrier USS Carl Vinson, docked at Naval Base Coronado in the San Diego Harbor. ESPN will televise the event at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT).

Quicken Loans will partner with Morale Entertainment, the United States Navy, ESPN, Michigan State University and the University of North Carolina for this epic event.

Jay Farner, President of Quicken Loans, said: “We are extremely proud to be the title sponsor of the 2011 Quicken Loans Carrier Classic and to commemorate and honor the millions of American men and women who have valiantly served our country.”

“At Quicken Loans, it is our mission to provide an experience to our clients that is ‘Engineered to Amaze.’ Playing a basketball game on the United States Navy Aircraft Carrier USS Carl Vinson is truly amazing, which is why we are so excited to be a part of this historic game combining two powerhouse basketball programs, competing in an incredible environment, and providing national recognition for the amazing service of the active members of the military, veterans and their families.”

In 2011, Quicken Loans improved the financial situations of 10,832 active and retired military clients by providing assistance in purchasing or refinancing their homes.

Troops and veterans will be entertained and honored during this rematch of the 2009 NCAA Championship game. Hall of Fame basketball legends Magic Johnson of Michigan State University and Michael Jordan of the University of North Carolina will serve as honorary coaches for their respective alma maters.

Mike Whalen, Director of the Morale Entertainment Foundation, said: “We are excited that Quicken Loans has joined Morale Entertainment Foundation in honoring the service of the current members of the United States Armed Forces and in recognizing the service of the millions of veterans and their families who have gone before them.  Their participation as title sponsor will help make this inaugural 2011 Quicken Loans Carrier Classic a tremendous event.”

In honor of Veteran’s Day and millions of people who have served in the Armed Forces, Quicken Loans will also be making a donation to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, which provides financial, educational and other assistance to members of the Naval Services, family members and survivors.

The Arab Games Organising Committee (AGOC) announced a new sponsor in Amwaj Catering Services as a Diamond Category Sponsor to serve fans, sale athletes, and team officials during the Doha Arab 2011 Games.

AGOC chair, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, and Amwaj chief, Abdul Aziz Bin Ahmed Al Malki, signed the deal at the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) offices.

Amwaj will be in charge of catering international cuisine for the athletes and the fans during the Games gathering 22 nations in Doha December 9 through the 23rd. They will also be in charge of the athletes’ village.

Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said: “Arab Games Doha 2011 is so much more than live sporting action, it’s a cultural celebration for everyone to enjoy at a perfect time of year. The Arab Games Organising Committee is collaborating with world-class partners to ensure the every element is of the highest possible standards, including the catering.”

“Partnering with Amwaj Catering Services, a 100% Qatari owned company with a sound reputation and expertise in the catering business, we are confident that the quality and service of food and drink at all outlets will enhance the overall games experience adding to the enjoyment of  spectators, athletes, officials, and guests.”

There will be 750 employees preparing at least 500,000 meals during the event.

With Doha now in the running for the Olympic Games of 2020 the pressure is on to produce a smooth seamless event.

Al Malki  added, “Amwaj understands the unique catering requirements of Arab Games Doha 2011, an event that requires unrivalled quality, variety and scale in catering services.

“Food and drink play a huge role in any Arab celebration, particularly one of this magnitude, and we aspire to deliver the best of our services for this event which is widely anticipated and attended by fans from all over the Arab word. Fans want and expect the very best from a national showpiece event such as the Arab Games with the hospitality and catering all part of the world-class entertainment on offer.”

The Arab Games will host 8,000 athletes to compete in over 30 sports coming from 22 Arab nations.

India Cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni may be struggling on the field but Dhoni off the field continues to be a marketer’s favourite by securing a deal to become the global ambassador of Gulf Oil.

Dhoni will now exclusively represent Hinduja Group company Gulf in the lubricants segment in India as well as in some of Gulf Oil’s markets worldwide. Gulf Oil also sponsors the Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni’s IPL team, of which he is also the skipper.

As part of it’s marketing activity, Gulf has released two TV commercials featuring CSK, which will shortly go on air. The commercials will spearhead a multi media campaign planned for various segments and geographies, to amplify Gulf’s brand salience and to meet its ambitious growth plans in the domestic market.

Ravi Chawla GOCL president-lubricants, said: “The brand will benefit from the tremendous credibility across various demographics and geographies that MSD enjoys.”

According to a company release, Gulf’s long association with motorsports, especially in the Le Mans 24 hrs endurance race, along with Aston Martin Racing, was another reason that excited Dhoni – known for his passion for cars and bikes – to get associated with the Gulf brand.

apoplectic helvetica, apoplectic sans-serif;”>The Buffalo Bills have added to their growing list of commercial acquisitions by securing a 2011 sponsorship agreement with Fichte, cheap Endl & Elmer Eyecare, one of Western New York’s largest ophthalmology practices.

The full-service ophthalmology practice has been designated as the “preferred LASIK doctors for the Buffalo Bills.”

The partnership involves branding opportunities in concert with a game day sponsorship of the Bills home opener versus the Oakland Raiders on September 18, 2011.

As part of the game day sponsorship, at half-time the Super Focus Fan Cam presented by Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare will shoot a high-definition, five-billion pixel panoramic image from the center of the field.  Fans will be asked to remain in their seats for the half-time photo.  The following day on the Bills Facebook page, Facebook.com/BuffaloBills, fans will be able to “step inside” the panoramic image and look around, zoom in to find themselves or friends, and tag their image to share with friends and family through social media.

In addition, Fichte, Endl & Elmer will sponsor the Phil Hansen Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony commemorative player card which will be given away to the first 50,000 fans that enter the Bills-Raiders game this Sunday.  The special ceremony will take place during halftime of the Bills-Raiders game.

Bruce Popko, Bills senior vice president of business development, said: “We are happy to connect the Bills brand with Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare and promote their well respected practice to our fans. As the preferred LASIK doctors for the Bills, we are pleased to partner with a local industry leading eye care company.”

Dr. Claus Fichte, Fichte,Endl & Elmer founding partner, said: “We are delighted to join the Buffalo Bills this season. The Bills are an important part of our community and we are proud to be a partner through our sponsorship.”

The Bills have also courted with two other companies in recent weeks. Bills secured a deal with Subway (click here to see) and the United States Air Force (click here to see).

 

Big Coal will be the principal sponsor of Saturday’s college game between University of Kentucky and University of Louisville in Lexington.

The Kentucky Coal Association has signed an $85, cough 000 pledge for its Friends of Coal Kentucky organization to be the “signature sponsor” of Saturday’s cross-state rivalry football game, university and association representatives said Wednesday. The deal also includes two other yet-to-be named UK sporting events during the 2011-12 academic year.

Bill Bissett, president of the coal association, said: “The idea behind Friends of Coal is a visual representation of the people who work in the industry or support the industry, and to have this potentially reach 70,000 (fans) in one sitting who are predominately Kentuckians is a good idea.

“The information presented throughout the game will be simply to raise awareness about Kentucky coal, and its direct connection to the economy of the commonwealth, as well as promote the (Friends of Coal) license plate.”

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discount helvetica, sans-serif;”>Hyundai Motor America have instigated a sponsorship program that features vehicle and information displays during football games at 15 universities, including Ohio State, Texas and defending national champions Auburn.

Hyundai reached the agreement through IMG College, a division of the management and marketing agency IMG Worldwide. IMG College is the nation’s largest collegiate sports marketing company, acquiring and consolidating media rights for more than 200 schools over the last several years.

It’s the largest multiple U.S. sports sponsorship for Hyundai Motor America, which has headquarters in Costa Mesa, California, and is a subsidiary of South Korea-based Hyundai Motor Co.

Hyundai’s agreement comes two weeks after United Parcel Service Inc., the world’s biggest package-delivery company, added 68 schools to its sponsorship program through a partnership with IMG College.

Hyundai will bring vehicle and information displays to 64 football games this season at Ohio State, Texas and Auburn, along with Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Oregon, Pittsburgh, South Carolina and Virginia Tech. The company said it plans to add nine more IMG partner schools next season.

Hyundai will have on-campus and in-stadium displays, marketing and hospitality, in addition to on-field promotions.

 

Puma have signed a long-term sponsorship deal with Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero beginning with the side’s UEFA Champions League opener against Italian side SSC Napoli.

The Sportlifestyle brand said Manchester City’s record signing will be a central figure in Puma’s global marketing programmes in the coming years, and a key asset in the brand’s football communication. 

Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero, who will wear Puma’s speed line boots, said: “It is clear to me that Puma is a fantastic brand; they’ve made a great impression on me with their product designs, marketing plans and future intentions in football. I’ve been wearing the Puma v1.11 boots on pitch recently, they give me a real edge and the confidence to play to the very top of my ability.

“This is a great stage of my life that I’m in now, I’m excited to be starting this next phase of my career with Manchester City, and my new partnership with Puma is another step towards achieving my dreams.”



Christian Voigt, senior head of Global Sports Marketing at Puma, added: “We are delighted to add Sergio Aguero to our global sports marketing portfolio. Signing a player of his status and reputation is another important step in the implementation of our football strategy.  

“Sergio’s ability on the pitch makes him one of the most exciting strikers to watch in world football, and with his unfailing positive attitude I have no doubt he’ll go on to become a true legend of the game. He’s an exceptionally nice guy, a real pleasure to work with, and we’re thrilled to have him as a Puma player.”

The London 2012 Olympic Velodrome is at the centre of a tug of war from sponsors for the namings rights of the venue after the Olympics.

Westfield, due to its proximity to the velodrome and Sky because of its close associations with cycling, are said to be the front-runners in a bidding battle that has attracted substantial interest.

The naming rights for London 2012 venues are being put up for sale to ensure that the British public do not have to be charged premium prices to use the facilities after the Games.

The velodrome is widely considered to be one of the most attractive venues on the park and is currently in the running to win this year’s Stirling prize for the best European building that is built or designed in Britain, so the naming rights would no doubt be of interest to many companies looking for a sound investment.

Peter Tudor, director of venues at the Olympic Park Legacy Company, said: “The velodrome has the exposure, and the profile and there are discussions, encouraging ones at the moment.”

He told the London Assembly that the Manchester velodrome, built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, costs between £200,000 ($315,000) and £300,000 ($473,00) a year to run but that naming rights for the Olympic Park velodrome would “drive that figure down substantially” in terms of any cost to the public purse.

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Australian Rules Football Club, stomach Geelong Cats and Ford Australia have extended their team sponsorship agreement, arguably the longest continuous sports sponsorship in the world.

The motoring company’s President and CEO Bob Graziano announced the partnership extension at the Cats home ground, Skilled Stadium, when he entered the ground in the manufacturer’s first locally sold vehicle, the Model T Ford.

“When Ford began its Australian operations in Geelong to build the Model T in 1925, it also began a special relationship with the Geelong community and the Geelong Football Club which has been maintained to this day.” said Graziano.

Geelong Cats CEO, Brian Cook said, “We are excited to continue our partnership with the club and enter this next chapter, with the current generation of players, and a whole fan base behind them, to continue our partnership into 2016.”

Today, Ford is the club’s major sponsor and has been key in providing support to the club over the years.

Cook added: “There is no more enduring relationship and a greater team than Ford Motor Company and Geelong Cats. We have supported each other through good times and adverse times for 86 years and both Ford and the club are thrilled that this partnership will continue uninterrupted.” Cook said.

The Ford and Geelong Football Club relationship has gone beyond sports sponsorship over the last 86 years with many of Geelong’s premier players having worked for Ford in varying capacities during the years strengthening the partnerships between the two companies and community in Geelong as a whole.

“Ford remains committed to the Cats and the Geelong community.” Graziano said.