drugs helvetica, order sans-serif;”>Sears Travel have announced a two-year sponsorship agreement with the Canadian Football League, making the company the official travel provider of the CFL and the 99th Grey Cup.

Promotion of the sponsorship will consist of appearances with Michael “Pinball” Clemons, contests, player appearances and in-stadium branding.

Peter Kalen, Senior Vice-President, Sears Financial and Home Services, Sears Canada, said: “We’re very excited about this new venture. The CFL has always been about bringing Canadians together, which aligns directly with Sears Travel and its celebration of leisure activity, especially when shared with family.” 

The sponsorship kicked off with a public event on Saturday, September 10 at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto, featuring CFL Hall of Famer Michael “Pinball” Clemons. Fans received autographed cards and signed up for a chance to win a trip for two to the sold-out 99th Grey Cup in Vancouver taking place November 27th, 2011. 

Mark Cohon, CFL Commissioner, said: “The CFL prides itself on being a family-oriented league that brings Canadians together from coast-to-coast. Partnering with Sears Travel, a company who shares these similar brand attributes, is a natural fit that we hope will also help bring our fans together throughout the remainder of the season, playoffs and the 99th Grey Cup in Vancouver.”

Throughout the sponsorship Sears Travel will hold various consumer contests including the trip for two to the 99th Grey Cup Championship. Beginning September 6, through to October 3, 2011, fans can enter in-store or online for a chance to win a trip to this year’s 99th Grey Cup. The package will include two return flights to the host city; three nights double accommodation, two official Grey Cup clothing packages, two tickets to Grey Cup Festival events and of course, two tickets to the Championship game.  A similar contest will be held later for the 100th Grey Cup to be held in Toronto in 2012.

In addition, during five playoff games, beginning with the semi-finals, fans will have a chance to enter to win a trip to the Caribbean.

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games have acquired their second tier two sponsor in the form of Search Consultancy, ampoule a recruitment company.

As part of its sponsorship, doctor the Glasgow based team will be responsible for recruiting people to fill 1,044 jobs ahead of the Games – with the roles ranging from event management to technical sporting support. 

David Grevemberg, chief executive, Glasgow 2014, said: “We have 1,044 days until the opening ceremony and I am delighted to announce that Search has officially become part of our Glasgow 2014 family to recruit 1,044 jobs for the organising committee.

“Search’s ethos is founded on finding the best of Scottish talent across a range of sectors, and as we will be recruiting so many people in a short period of time we need that all-important local knowledge to deliver the skilled workforce to stage an outstanding Games in three years’ time.”

Jon Doig, Commonwealth Games Scotland chief executive, added: “From our extensive experience of the Commonwealth Games, it is vital that the organisers appoint the right people to the right roles at the right time. Quality, experienced staff operating to the highest professional standards gives the participating teams the confidence that their needs are being met and that the Games will be a success’.

Golf’s Australian Open has been given a boost after Emirates was announced as its title sponsor for the next three years.

The Australian Open is set to soar to even greater heights with the announcement that Emirates will partner with the championship as the new naming rights sponsor for the next three years in an agreement with event promoters World Sport Group.

The sponsorship further deepens Emirates’ commitment to golf and sport Australia-wide. In addition to the Emirates Australian Open, Emirates is the Official Airline for 18 other golf tournaments worldwide including the Australian PGA Championship.

“Emirates has enhanced our partnership with the Australian Open, one of the world’s oldest national golf opens, in conjunction with our continued support of the Australian market,” said Barry Brown, Emirates’ Vice President Australasia.

“Since joining as the Official Airline of the Australian Open in 2009, Emirates has been an integral part of the success of Golf Australia and the growth of the championship, and we look forward to the future of the event as well as the promotion of the game of golf in New South Wales and Australia.”

“We anticipate this year’s event will be one of the biggest ever, with a first class field of players competing to have their name inscribed on the Stonehaven Cup – alongside golfing greats such as Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Tom Watson and Peter Thomson,” added Brown.

Stephen Pitt, Golf Australia CEO, said: “This is wonderful news for the Australian Open. Emirates is well known for being one of the world’s premium airlines and a leading supporter of golf tournaments across the globe. The reputation of the Emirates Australian Open is built on winners from all over the world who are among the finest players in history and we’re very proud to welcome a major partner who also shares that commitment to excellence in everything they do,” Pitt added.

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris welcomed the news of Emirates coming on board as naming rights sponsor of the Australian Open.

“Emirates’ support is a strong endorsement and takes the event to a new level. This year there is an outstanding line-up of players coming to Sydney including Tiger Woods, Geoff Ogilvy, Adam Scott, Presidents Cup captains Greg Norman and Fred Couples, Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson.

“The NSW Government through Destination NSW is pleased to support the Emirates Australian Open which is a key international sports event on the NSW Events Calendar. There is no doubt our city is synonymous with the Emirates Australian Open, having hosted the inaugural championship in 1904, on 35 occasions overall and continuously since 2006,” he said.

Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA Tour of Australasia, added: “Emirates has been a supporter of Australian golf for a number of years and we are thrilled to see their involvement grow to such a level for the Australian Open. This year’s Emirates Australian Open is sure to be a pinnacle event on this year’s Tour schedule and we look forward to working with them into the future,” said Thorburn.

The 2011 Emirates Australian Open championship will be played at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney from 10th to 13th November.

National Football League (NFL) team Buffalo Bills announced a new partnership with Subway, the world’s largest restaurant franchise.

With almost 35,000 locations in 98 countries, including more than 1,200 across the state of New York, the Subway restaurant chain is the world’s largest restaurant franchise, in terms of number of locations.

As part of the agreement, Subway will receive spots on the Bills All-Access Television show, preseason television ads, print collateral and Bills website advertising.  In addition, a Subway coupon in the Bills complimentary Game Day program will provide fans with a free six-inch sub (with the purchase of a drink) if the team scores 20 or more points at home games at Ralph Wilson Stadium.  If the Bills do not score 20 or more points, Subway will still provide a free cookie to fans.

Bruce Popko, Buffalo Bills senior vice president of business development, said: “Our partnership with Subway leverages the strength of both brands, and provides fun opportunities for Bills fans to engage with Subway. The team scoring promotion that provides Bills fans with either a complimentary sub or cookie is a winning combination for both the Bills and Subway.”

Michael Lewkowicz, Subway Buffalo Franchisees’ Board Chair, said: “This is a very exciting time for two great franchises, Subway and the Buffalo Bills, to work together to give Western New York a winning team.”

This comes less than a week after establishing a connection with the military for the Bills. To see this news click here

American Honda Motor Co. has extended its deal with the National Hockey League (NHL) to be its official automotive partner in the U.S until 2014.

Honda has officially been partnered with the league since 2008, advice a deal that also included Canada. The league said it is actively seeking an automotive partner for Canada, viagra sale which may or may not happen before the 2011-12 season begins.

Honda also has naming rights to the Honda Center, sick home of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks.

The car company said it plans to increase spending and marketing activation with the league, in particular with the NHL’s jewel events.

The three-year agreement includes returning participation and activations at NHL events such as the NHL Winter Classic and NHL All-Star Weekend, with increased presence around NHL Awards and NHL Draft.

Honda will return as the presenting sponsor for the NHL SuperSkills event and NHL All-Star MVP Award for the next two NHL All-Star Weekends that are held in the U.S., through which Honda will receive exposure via in-ice placements, dasherboard branding, in-arena spots, and presence at the accompanying fan festivals, according to the company and the league.

Tom Peyton, Honda Brand Manager, said in a statement: “With the considerable growth and popularity of hockey and the improved and robust media offerings in the last couple of years, the NHL continues to provide us with broader media buy options and greater exposure platforms. This partnership continues to be a great fit for Honda as we share a similar and attractive demographic with the NHL – young, affluent and educated.”

Keith Wachtel, NHL svp-integrated sales, added: “Honda has been a great partner for the NHL supporting hockey at every level and we look forward to continuing to align ourselves with a leader in the automotive industry. The NHL will continue to work with Honda to develop unique media and event platforms that will expand the reach of our game and connect with the most loyal and passionate fan base in sports.”

Queens Park Rangers (QPR) football club have signed a major sponsorship deal with Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia.

Malaysia Airlines will sponsor QPR’s home shirt for the next two seasons, whilst AirAsia will be visible on the R’s away and third kits for the same period.

Speaking to www.qpr.co.uk, QPR CEO Philip Beard was delighted with the news of the new deal, commenting: “This is a unique and exciting venture for the Football Club. Attracting two major Asian companies to come on board shows the global appeal QPR has as a brand.

“We are extremely positive about building a thriving relationship with both businesses in a bid to broaden our exposure in Southeast Asia and further afield. This is a remarkable deal for the Club and brings further positive news following a highly successful few weeks since the takeover was finalised.”

This comes three weeks after iSportconnect reported Air Asia director Tony Fernandes and associates had taken over the club and his influence would have helped secure this sponsorship.

The new home shirt, with the Malaysia Airlines logo, will make its debut in tonight’s live Sky Sport’s game against Newcastle United at Loftus Road.

Mohammed Rashdan Yusof, Malaysia Airlines’ Executive Director, said: “Malaysia Airlines, or more commonly known by our acronym MAS, is elated to be associated with QPR’s ascendancy to the Premier League. Our sponsorship of the home jersey of QPR, together with Air Asia’s sponsorship of the away jersey, is a first for the Premier League. It also celebrates MAS’s recent collaboration framework with Air Asia.

“This sponsorship enables MAS to reinforce its global full-service presence and premium franchise via football fans and lovers from all over Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Australia and all the four corners of the world. This sponsorship is the first major initiative of our new brand and marketing strategy, that would see important advertising money spent on boosting our top line. This is a key component in our drive to regain global market share, profitability and pride for the people of MAS.”

Kathleen Tan, AirAsia’s Regional Head of Commercial, added: “We are absolutely thrilled with this partnership with QPR. This is a timely and significant relationship between two brands which are keen in taking on any challenges for the taste of success.

“Our logo on QPR’s away shirt does not only symbolise our energetic partnership, but also a joint-representation of the hard work and challenges that we went through – for AirAsia to be the world’s best low cost airline for three consecutive years and QPR to make a comeback into top-flight football for the first time in 15 years.

“This is a very meaningful moment for all of us, and we are very excited to jointly associate ourselves with a Club like QPR, as they have a remarkable history in English football and their unrelenting spirit reflects our own Asian endeavour for success.

“Collaboratively, AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines can certainly build a very strong following for the QPR brand in a very passionate football audience in Asia.”

To see the QPR takeover news click here.

World Champions Red Bull will continue their partnership with engine supplier Renault until 2016.

Red Bull switched to Renault from Ferrari for 2007 and took the constructors’ and drivers’ titles last year. They are on the brink of winning a second consecutive double this season.

As part of the new deal, Red Bull and Renault will work together on new technology for the 1.6-litre V6 turbo engines F1 will use from 2014.

Renault Sport F1 managing director Jean-Francois Caubet said that partnership would help with the development of the new units, which he said were “a huge undertaking”.

These engines will replace the current 2.4-litre normally aspirated V8s.

The partnership between the two companies also includes a sponsorship deal with Infiniti, the luxury brand of Japanese car company Nissan, which is 35% owned by Renault.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said: “Renault Sport F1 has been a contributing factor to the on-going success of the Red Bull Racing-Renault partnership. Together we have so far achieved 22 wins, 32 pole positions, 1130.5 world championship points and two world championships.”

NFL team Minnesota Vikings have secured a three-year marketing sponsorship deal with tequila company Familia Camarena Tequila.

Terms of the marketing partnership include rights to the Minnesota Vikings logos, as well as in-stadium brand exposure during all Vikings regular season home games.

Steve LaCroix, Vikings Vice President of Sales & Marketing, said: “The Minnesota Vikings welcome Familia Camarena Tequila to our valued roster of corporate partners. As with all of our partners, our commitment is to develop a marketing program that optimizes their brand exposure at Mall of America Field.

“Camarena Tequila’s partnership with the Vikings is an integral part of our marketing strategy focused on continued consumer trial and awareness of Camarena Tequila,” said Gerard Thoukis, Director of Marketing for Camarena. “We look forward to a great inaugural season with this well-respected organization.”

Less than two years old, Familia Camarena Tequila’s professional sports marketing strategy has followed suit with the brand’s more than double-digit growth since its inception in 2010. Announcement of Familia Camarena Tequila’s partnership with the Vikings coincides with sponsorship agreements with six Major League Baseball clubs, two National Basketball Association teams and three additional National Football League teams this year.

The Indian Davis Cup team have been given a boost for their upcoming World Group play-off away tie against Japan by announcing telecom service provider Aircel as their new sponsor for the match.

The Aircel India Davis Cup team comprising Mahesh Bhupathi, Somdev Devvarman, Rohan Bopanna and S.P. Misra (non-playing captain) will face Japan in Tokyo from 16 September as the two Asian nations strive to re-enter the elite World Group.

Anil Khanna, secretary general, All India Tennis Association, said: “Aircel’s association with AITA is bound to enthuse tremendous energy to the Indian Davis Cup team.”

Gurdeep Singh, chief operating officer of Aircel, said, “It is our passion to associate and encourage sport at all levels and inspire the youth to actively participate and put India on the World Map.

Aircel’s engagement with sport is already well documented through its title sponsorship of the Professional Golf Tour of India, as well as its being a key sponsor of the Chennai Super Kings IPL team.

Old Style Beer, on tap at Wrigley Field since 1950, will remain available to Chicago Cubs fans intil 2013 under a deal between the team and brand owner Pabst Brewing Company the Cubs announced.

Old Style is a fine example of a lighter American lager. It’s now part of the Pabst Brewing Company, a private firm that holds right to many of America’s iconic beer brands, including Pabst Blue Ribbon, Lone Star, Schlitz, Ballantine, Falstaff and Stroh’s beers. Sadly, the firm now retains few connections to the Upper Midwest: its headquarters was moved to Los Angeles earlier this year and its beers are brewed under contract by Miller Brewing.

The agreement to keep Old Style at Wrigley Field calls for updated signage throughout Wrigley Field, more engaging fan events and additional promotional opportunities next season.

Daren Metropoulos, co-owner of Pabst Brewing Company, said: “For more than six decades Cubs fans have been drinking Old Style beer at Wrigley Field and it has always been part of the game day experience at this legendary ballpark, It was important for us at Pabst Brewing Company to continue this long-standing tradition.

“Cubs fans have grown accustomed to enjoying a refreshing Old Style while catching Cubs baseball at Wrigley Field,” said Cubs owner and board member Todd Ricketts. “I’m excited as a fan of both organizations that the Old Style tradition at Wrigley Field will continue.

“The Old Style and Cubs partnership is one of the longest running in professional sports,” added Evan Metropoulos, co-owner of Pabst Brewing Company. “We’re extremely excited about continuing to support the community and the city’s cherished sports franchise.”