Munich 2018 switches Nordic Centre venue

The Munich 2018 Winter Olympic Games has announced that it is switching venues for the biathlon and cross-country skiing events, treat with Schwaiganger Ranch being named as the new site.

Munich 2018 CEO, Willy Bogner, said: “Our core concern is creating the best possible conditions for athletes. They must be able to experience the unique atmosphere of an Olympic Village, and at the same time have quick, easy access to the venues. The Schwaiganger Ranch complies with all the technical requirements from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Federations; it meets all the stringent environmental standards that we have imposed on ourselves, as well as offering a spectacularly beautiful natural setting with a wide range of slopes.

“With great skiing conditions and excellent transport infrastructure, it is the perfect place for winter sports fans to enjoy top class competition. In the Schwaiganger Ranch, we have found the ideal venue for our Nordic Centre.”

The Schwaiganger Ranch is also close to the Snow Village, which will host all the athletes competing in alpine and Nordic competitions.

Milwaukee to Host 2015 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships

Milwaukee in Wisconsin has been announced as the host of the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships on Aug. 8-9, and 2015.

The event first came to Milwaukee and the city’s Lake Michigan lakeshore in 2013, ed hosting a record field of nearly 4, viagra 000 athletes at the Milwaukee Art Museum and Discovery World. The economic impact of the 2013 event was nearly $5.8 million, and the event was also voted the Best Urban Triathlon in the 2013 Triathlon Business International Triathletes’ Choice Awards. In 2014, the event sold out with a registered field of 5,700 athletes vying for national titles and world championships spots in the Olympic-distance and sprint events on Aug. 9-10.

“The City of Milwaukee and our local organizing committee have been superb hosts over the past two years while helping us welcome record fields for this marquee race,” said Rob Urbach, USA Triathlon CEO. “The participant feedback for the venue and the entire event experience has been overwhelmingly positive, so we are thrilled to announce the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships — one of the sport’s largest events — will return to Milwaukee in 2015.”

“We are honored that USA Triathlon has decided to return to Milwaukee for an unprecedented third time in 2015,” said Paul Upchurch, President and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee. “Milwaukee’s lakefront has proved to be a spectacular venue for this event, which results in nearly $6 million in economic impact to the community. This amazing event would not be possible without the hard work of the entire community to ensure that the triathlon runs smoothly and the athletes have the best experience possible.”

The Aug. 8 Olympic-distance race features a 1,500-meter swim, 40-kilometer bike and 10-kilometer run, while the sprint race on Aug. 9 will showcase a 750m swim, 20k bike and 5k run. The races will serve as qualifiers for Team USA, the select group of amateur triathletes who represent the U.S. at International Triathlon Union World Championship events.

The 2015 Age Group Nationals in Milwaukee will serve as the sole event qualifier for Team USA for the 2016 ITU Age Group World Championships, with location for that event still to be determined.

Hyundai Reveal Marketing Campaign for 2014 FIFA World Cup

Automobile manufacturer Hyundai has kicked off their marketing for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a complete 360˚ integrated marketing platform.

Two all-new in-game 30-second spots featuring the redesigned 2015 Sonata will join digital, social, CRM, and retail executions engaging and inspiring audiences.  

The spots will air on ESPN and Univision as part of Hyundai’s exclusive whistle-to-whistle automotive advertising sponsorship of the World Cup series broadcasts on the networks.  2014 marks Hyundai’s fourth consecutive year since 2002 as the official vehicle sponsor of the World Cup.

This year’s creative theme celebrating fan passion is a nod to what being a true fan really means.  Hyundai’s ranking as No. 1 in customer loyalty for the fifth consecutive year, according to research consultancy, Brand Keys, served as the creative inspiration.  The all-new spots highlight the emotional love of the game and aim to inspire fans with two simple words – “#BecauseFutbol.”  Creative was developed by Hyundai’s agency of record, INNOCEAN USA.

“Boom,” a 30-second spot, celebrates fan passion as a powerful force shedding light on the world-wide phenomenon of baby booms. 

“Avoidance,” a 30-second spot, follows a man on his emotional journey home to watch a game he’s recorded.  He goes to great lengths to avoid spoilers throughout the day, only to be foiled by an unexpected source. 

“Soccer fans are more than just supporters of the game – they are die hard, loyal fanatics for their teams and countries,” said Steve Shannon, vice president, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America.  “As the industry leader in customer loyalty, Hyundai knows a thing or two about passion. This year’s World Cup campaign shows what being a ‘true’ fan really means; and how for 30 days people come together, lives change, emotions rise and unexpected moments happen.”

Matter Selected as Agency of Record for 2015 PGA Championship

Sports agency Matter, Inc., has been selected as the Agency of Record for the 2015 PGA Championship, which will be played Aug. 10-16, 2015, at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis.

The scope of work includes strategic planning, media relations management, social media activation, counsel on tournament hospitality and assistance in brokering regional partnerships.

“The PGA of America was looking for a partner with a strong presence in the Midwest and experience across numerous platforms, as well as significant experience in the golf industry,” said Jason Mengel, Championship Director of the 2015 PGA Championship. “Matter, Inc., showcased a great depth of experience in all areas, highlighted by their integral role in helping make the 2012 Ryder Cup a success for The PGA of America.”

The account will be led by Matter, Inc.’s Chicago office, which previously served as the Agency of Record account team for the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah (Ill.) Country Club.

“We look forward to leveraging our demonstrated experience, strong relationships and true passion for the golf industry to help make the 2015 PGA Championship a successful and memorable event for fans, players and media alike,” said Steve Maliszewski, senior vice president in Matter, Inc.’s Chicago office. “MATTER has always taken great pride in helping The PGA of America further its mission to grow golf, and we are excited to help tell the championship’s ‘This Is Major’ story.”

The 2015 PGA Championship will be the third PGA Championship hosted by Kohler Co. and held on the Straits Course at Whistling Straits. 

Milwall Chairman Looks to Stay at The Den Despite Council Redevelopment Plans

John Berylson, chairman of English Championship club Milwall, is adamant the club’s long-term future is at The Den despite the council’s redevelopment plans.

A statement on the Championship club’s website said Berylson was “shocked and appalled” at Lewisham Council’s decision to sell off to a property developer the freehold of three areas around the stadium.

Millwall say their own plans for the sites – two of which are currently occupied by the club’s car park and community centre – have not even been considered.

Despite that, Berylson told the club website: “I have made our position clear to Lewisham Council.

“I am hopeful that we can have positive dialogue with them going forward so that our interests and that of the Community Trust will be recognised and protected.

“I am determined that Millwall will continue to have a very bright future and will be playing football at The Den for many generations to come.”

JTG Daugherty Racing Sign Richard Childress Racing Technical Partnership

JTG Daugherty Racing team officials announced a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) that will include receiving ECR Engines and engineering services during the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season with driver AJ Allmendinger behind the wheel of the No. 47 entry.

“We certainly appreciate all the support that TRD (Toyota Racing Development) has provided to JTG Daugherty Racing for five years and we are great fans of their business model, shop ” JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter said.

“As a single-car team, anesthetist we feel that aligning directly with a successful multi-car organization like Richard Childress Racing is what will work best for us in 2014.”

After nearly 15 years of success in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, JTG Daugherty Racing ventured into the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with driver Marcos Ambrose at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July of 2008. Ambrose went on to score the team’s career-best finish with second-place at Watkins Glen International on August 10, 2009.

Sports Marketing Surveys Partner with Swedish Golf Federation

Sports Marketing Surveys Inc has signed a partnership with Swedish Golf Federation (SGF) for the research body to be the preferred research supplier of Swedish Golf’s governing body.

The innovative relationship between SMS INC. and SGF will enable the two entities, vcialis 40mg to better understand the dynamics of the Swedish and Scandinavian Golf Market. It will allow SMS INC. to explore the lifestyle, price purchase behaviour and equipment considerations amongst Swedish golfers which will enable decisions to be taken to help grow and enhance golf in the region.

“This arrangement with SMS INC. as our preferred supplier will allow the Swedish Golf Federation to continue to grow and improve our service to golf in Sweden, medic | as well as offer further expertise and value, based on SMS INC.’s experience, to our existing and new clients and sponsors,” said Bo Bengtsson, Deputy General Secretary of the SGF.

John Bushell, MD of SMS INC. added “We are very excited about this relationship, and recognize the mutual value to both parties and to the industry. It will greatly enhance our research offering, and complements the existing relationships we already have in place with the respective national federations such as that with FFG in France, Golf.de in Germany, and Golf.dk in Denmark.”

Michael Dahl, Sports Marketing Surveys, Sports Business Manager based in Sweden confirmed, “We have agreed an ongoing plan of research, and will be launching programmes immediately looking at everything from media & lifestyle behaviour, to a lapsed golfer study. We are delighted to build on the relations with have with the SGF, and become the preferred research supplier. I am certain that they will reap the rewards of our expertise, and in turn we will be able to develop our cooperation further.”

NBA Launches First-Ever International Marketing Campaign

The National Basketball Association (NBA) have stepped on new ground today by launching a new marketing campaign for the first time targeting international fans.

The campaign titled “One Game One Love” will tip off in conjunction with NBA Global Games, buy one of the most comprehensive schedules of international games in the league’s history.

The season-long campaign is designed to communicate the shared love for the game from country to country and across different cultures.  It will include a series of six television commercials, denture print and online advertisements, there and integration in NBA international events. 

The “One Game One Love” television commercials will debut for international fans in each of the eight cities across five continents hosting games as part of NBA Global Games beginning on Oct. 5 in Istanbul.  The preseason Global Games will feature the Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards. Following the in-arena debut, the spots will begin airing on television in 43 countries and territories and in 10 languages at the tip-off of the 2013-14 season on Oct. 29 and throughout the season.

The spot opens on a sequence of NBA players and fans going through their pregame rituals as the anticipation builds to a crescendo. Finally a basketball is heaved up for the opening tip-off and viewers are reminded, “It’s the NBA. And it’s for all of us. One Game One Love.” 

During NBA Global Games 2013, players on each of the participating eight teams will wear special “One Game One Love” shooting shirts during all eight of the preseason games. 

“One Game One Love” will also be integrated into the NBA’s international events, which include two regular-season games in London and Mexico City, NBA 3X, the league’s global grassroots event which combines an exciting 3-on-3 competition with authentic NBA entertainment and basketball activities, Basketball without Borders, the global basketball development program run in partnership with FIBA (International Basketball Federation) that uses sport to create positive social change. The NBA will host more than 125 events in 67 cities and 27 countries in 2013.

The eight preseason games as part of NBA Global Games will include the first-ever NBA preseason games to be held in Brazil and the Philippines, and in the cities of Bilbao, Spain and Manchester, U.K.  It will also include games in Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, and Istanbul.  At the conclusion of the 2013-14 season, the NBA will have staged 148 games (regular-season and preseason) in 20 countries and territories across Europe, the Americas and Asia since 1978.

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Sauber F1 Ink New Ferrari Powertrain Deal

Sauber F1 have renewed their technical partnership with Ferrari which will see them use the Italian team’s complete new powertrain from 2014, generic including engine, denture gearbox and ERS.

The agreement means Ferrari will supply two teams next season, and Marussia being the second. Ferrari’s other current customer, Toro Rosso, are moving to Renault power for 2014.

“We are pleased to extend our technical partnership with Ferrari taking Sauber into the new era of engines that starts in 2014,” said Sauber team principal, Monisha Kaltenborn. “Ferrari has been a long standing partner of the team, first from 1997 to 2005 and then again from 2010 onwards.

“We are proud to extend our relationship with such a prestigious and renowned brand and look forward to entering the 2014 season with a strong and reliable partner like Ferrari.”

The announcement means 10 of the Formula 1 teams have confirmed their engine contracts for the first year of the new regulations. Lotus are only team yet to confirm a deal but are expected to resign with Renault. The teams are to switch to V6 turbo engines in 2014.

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Bangladesh 2014 ICC World Twenty20 Unveils New Logo

The logo for the 2014 ICC World Twenty20, viagra which is set to take place in Bangladesh, has been unveiled in Dhaka, one year before the launch of the tournament 

For the first time, 16 men’s teams will compete for the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh 2014 alongside eight women’s teams who include for the first time the hosts. The event will run from 16 March to 6 April 2014 and is scheduled to be played in four cities in Bangladesh – Mirpur, Chittagong, Sylhet and Cox’s Bazar.

The spectacular night featured popular Bangladesh artists Lubna Marium and her team Shadhona, singers Habib and Nancy as well as magician Jewel Aich and sand artist Kaushik Bose performing infront of a packed audience of more than 500 specially invited guests.

The logo uses the colours of the Bangladesh flag with splashes of blue which representsBangladesh’s iconic waterways.

The T is made up of cricket stumps and the 0 in the T20 represents the cricket ball complete with Bangladeshi green seam while the white in the design lends an energetic, friendly and youthful feel to the logo.

Designed in Australia by design company WiteKite who also designed the ICC Cricket World Cup logo in 2011, the ICC World Twenty20 2012 Sri Lanka mark and the distinctive logo for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2013 India.

ICC Vice President AHM Mustafa Kamal said: “The evening captured the sounds and colours of this beautiful country with a distinctively Bangladeshi logo and memorable launch event. I know that the BCB will work tirelessly in the next 12 months to ensure they help deliver a tournament that ICC, BCB, world cricket and the people of Bangladesh can be proud to be associated with.

“We have now less than 12 months to go to the start of the ICC World Twenty20 2014 and in that time I am certain that the excitement will build to fever pitch and the demand for tickets will outstrip even that of the wonderfully successful ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in which Bangladesh was a joint host with India and Sri Lanka.”