Gatorade signs three major cycling deals

Sports drink Gatorade has signed three new sponsorship deals with Team Sky, pills British Cycling and Sky Ride, signalling its intent to dominate British cycling.

The PepsiCo brand has signed deals with each of the three initiatives until December 2013.

Gatorade will be supplying drinks to Sky Ride, a mass participation cycling event run by Sky and British Cyling which aims to get over one million people cycling on a regular basis every month.

The three deals signed has positioned Gatorade as a major sponsor from the grassroots level of the sport through to the professional level with Team Sky.

 

Milton Keynes Director Andrew Cullen Joins Football League Board

Milton Keynes Dons Executive Director Andrew Cullen has been elected by League 1 clubs to serve on the Board of The Football League.

Cullen will represent the division along with Notts County Chief Executive James Rodwell, asthma who was elected to the Board last year. 

They will serve alongside Chairman Greg Clarke; Chief Executive Shaun Harvey; Independent Non-Executive Directors Richard Bowker and Debbie Jevans; Championship Directors Andy Ambler (Millwall), medic Keith Lamb (Middlesbrough) and Karl Oyston (Blackpool); and League 2 Director Ian Lenagan (Oxford United). 

The Chairman of The Football League Greg Clarke said: “I’m delighted to welcome Andrew to the Board of The Football League. The experience and knowledge he has gained during the past six seasons at Milton Keynes Dons and, vcialis 40mg before that, 11 seasons at Norwich City will make him a great addition. 

“Andrew also brings with him a considerable amount of commercial and marketing expertise and chaired the League’s Revenue & Attendance Working Group between 2006 and 2008. I very much look forward to working with him.” 

Andrew Cullen, Executive Director of Milton Keynes Dons and Football League Board member, said: “I am proud to be elected to the Board of The Football League by our fellow League 1 clubs. I acknowledge that the role is a privilege and has important responsibilities, and I will work hard to ensure that League 1 is both respected and properly represented, as well as making a positive contribution to the Football League on behalf of all our 72 clubs.”

Glasgow to Host 2018 European Championships

Glasgow has been chosen as the host city for the 2018 European Swimming Championships.

Scotland will stage the championships for the first time, which includes swimming, diving, synchronised swimming and open-water competitions.

The success of this year’s Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, was a huge factor in the city being successful with their bid. 

“Organising that event at such a high level is a kind of guarantee for us for 2018,” said European Aquatics Federation president Paolo Barelli. 

“Everyone had the chance to watch the outstanding success of the Commonwealth Games.”

Berlin is currently hosting the 32nd European Championships, while London will stage the 2016 event. 

Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Sport Shona Robison said: “This is a hugely important event, which will give us the opportunity to further the profile of swimming in Scotland. 

“Scotland is the perfect stage for events and we have already demonstrated that we have the world-class professional facilities needed for an event such as this with the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Strathclyde Country Park and Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool as part of the Commonwealth Games.” 

The dates for the Glasgow 2018 event are yet to be announced.

Rugby World Cup 2015 Organisers Delay Ticket Sale after Ticketmaster Issues

Organisers of the 2015 Rugby World Cup have delayed Friday’s scheduled launch of the “rugby community” sale of tickets for next year’s event in England until May 29.

England Rugby 2015 said Thursday they were responding to a “request” from online ticket distributor Ticketmaster which came just two days after the firm’s equivalent website for this July’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was shut down, as well as an accompanying phone line, with ticket sales for the multi-sport event suspended.

“Tournament organisers, England Rugby 2015, today (Thursday) announce that the Rugby Community Ticket Sale for Rugby World Cup 2015 will now launch on Thursday May 29 at 1pm,” said a statement.

England Rugby 2015 explained the delay had come about “following a request today (Thursday) from Ticketmaster for more time to test the online ticketing system they are providing to ensure that rugby fans have the best possible experience when booking tickets”.

Officials are trying to make sure committed rugby supporters, such as club members, have the chance to buy tickets ahead of the general sale starting on September 12.

The statement added the delay would give rugby clubs more time to register their members on the system for the 500,000 tickets available.

The ticket program has been moved from May 29 to July 2, while the September 12-29 dates for the general sale of up to a million tickets remain unaltered.

{jcomments on}

Comcast Buys Time Warner Cable

Time Warner Cable, which hosts a number of sports channels, has been bought by rival Comcast in a $45.2bn deal.

Comcast, which owns the NBC broadcast network and the Universal film studio, offered $158.82-a-share to take over Time Warner Cable (TWC), which owns movie channel HBO and Time Magazine.

Speaking to CNBC, Brian Roberts added: “The deal is pro-competitive, it’s pro-consumer. We going to be able to bring better products, faster internet, more channels, on demand TV everywhere, on a national local platform that’s really special,” he claimed.

The surprise takeover comes after TWC rejected a $60bn offer from smaller rival Charter Communications as “grossly inadequate”. Charter had been pursuing for eight months.

The proposed deal, which will create a company with about 30m customers, is expected to face a regulatory investigation due to its dominance of the market. Comcast has about 22m video subscribers and TWC has about 12m, with a significant presence in New York. The companies said they were prepared to divest 3m TWC subscribers to help win approval of the deal.

The new company would tower over its closest video competitor, DirecTV, which has about 20m video customers. 

“The combination of Time Warner Cable and Comcast creates an exciting opportunity for our company, for our customers, and for our shareholders, Roberts said in a statement. “In addition to creating a world-class company, this is a compelling financial and strategic transaction for our shareholders. Also, it is our intention to expand our buyback program by an additional $10bn at the close of the transaction.”

Robert D Marcus, chairman and CEO of TWC, said: “This combination creates a company that delivers maximum value for our shareholders, enormous opportunities for our employees and a superior experience for our customers.

“Comcast and Time Warner Cable have been the leaders in all of the industry’s most important innovations of the last 25 years and this merger will accelerate the pace of that innovation. “

The new company will be led by Neil Smit, the current CEO and president of Comcast Cable Communications.

The potential deal follows Comcast’s $17bn acquisition of NBC Universal was completed in 2013.

{jcomments on}

Century 21 Activates USA Bobsled Sponsorship by Launching Winter Olympics Ads

Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, has launched its televised advertising campaign for theSochi  Winter Olympic Games and its sponsorship of the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Teams.

Throughout the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic games, the brand will debut and run three new 30-second spots, each with a focus on the relationship between the consumer and the CENTURY 21 agent.

“The TV commercials showcase the capabilities of CENTURY 21 sales professionals and the connection they develop with home-buying consumers in a light-hearted and entertaining manner,” said Bev Thorne, chief marketing officer, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “With these polar vortices gripping our nation in sub-freezing temperatures, these spots will also serve as a reminder to those watching the Games that the spring home-buying and selling season is right around the corner.”

Under the platform of “Based on a True Feeling,” the new series of CENTURY 21 commercials is part of a cohesive campaign that depicts how it feels to work with a CENTURY 21 agent. In the spots, clients liken the experience of working with CENTURY 21 agents to feeling like a rock star – with a cameo from 80’s hair band, L.A. Guns, being surrounded by puppies and relaxing in a Zen garden.

The “Based on a True Feeling” spots will air multiple times throughout the two weeks of the Olympics, with a focus on the timeslots of the Bobsled competitions, including a primetime spot on Feb. 18. Century 21 Real Estate LLC announced inSeptember 2013 that it is the official real estate company of the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (USBSF).  During the 2013-2014 World Cup season, a sled, wrapped in the C21 black and gold featuring the brand’s iconic logo, raced down the tracks of Calgary, Canada; Park City, Utah; Lake Placid, N.Y.; Winterberg, Germany; St. Moritz, Switzerland; Igls, Austria; and Koenigssee, Germany.

IndyCar’s Dragon Racing Joins Formula E’s Grid

IndyCar team Dragon Racing has unveiled their entry into the FIA Formula E Championship after signing a deal with series promoters Formula E Holdings to become the fourth team on the grid.

Dragon Racing is owned by media and publishing entrepreneur Jay Penske, ampoule with its headquarters based in Los Angeles – a city which has recently become the top market in the world for electric vehicles.  It now joins Andretti Autosport, Drayson Racing and China Racing as one of the 10 teams to be put forward to the FIA for final approval by its World Motor Sport Council.

“It’s an honour for Dragon Racing to have been selected as one of the founding teams in Formula E,” said Jay Penske, Owner and President of Dragon Racing. “Formula E symbolizes a vision for the future of motorsports and the automotive industry, while directly appealing to a new generation of global race fans. Formula E offers a tremendous opportunity for our many technology and media partners, and we look forward to its inevitable growth and ascendancy over the next decade.”

Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings, added: “We’re extremely happy to welcome Dragon Racing to the FIA Formula E Championship and are convinced that Jay Penske and the team will be a major contribution to our grid. Today’s announcement also brings an LA based team to the Championship. That has special significance as California has become the ‘land of electric cars’, an example that we want to spread to the rest of the world.

“With Dragon Racing lining up alongside fellow IndyCar giants Andretti Autosport, what’s apparent is the continued interest from the States Formula E is receiving from not only teams but also cities, with races taking place in Los Angeles and Miami. We still have more teams to announce over the coming weeks, with the full grid to be made public by the end of November.”

Dragon Racing first began in 2006 under the original banner of Luczo Dragon Racing founded by both Penske and Steve Luczo, Chairman and CEO of Seagate Technologies.

PGAs of Europe Adds Mercedes-Benz International Pro-Am to 2014 Schedule

The PGAs of Europe have announced they have added Mercedes-Benz International Pro-Am supported by Eastern Motors to its schedule of tournaments for 2014.

The event will be taking place from the 27th – 30th January 2014 at Al Ain Equestrian, ed Shooting & Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates. 

The Pro-Am joins the PGAs of Europe tournament schedule at a time of the year that also features the PGAs of Europe Fourball Championship and Kempinski “The Dome” Pro-Am.

“We are always looking to provide winter playing opportunities for PGA members from across our member countries when they may be lacking competitive opportunities at home,” said Chief Executive of the PGAs of Europe, Ian Randell. “Our thanks go to Gavin Chappell and his team at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club for hosting this new event at their fantastic facility that has a proven record of hosting professional events.”

Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, venue of the MENA Tour Championship finale for 2011, 2012 and 2013, will open its doors to professionals and amateurs from around the globe for the 4 day event consisting of a practice round on the Monday and then 54-holes of tournament golf. 

2013 Oval Ashes Test Becomes First to be Sold Out Before Christmas

Next summer’s Investec Ashes Test at the Kia Oval has sold out, making it the first Test in England to sell out before the previous Christmas.

The final game of five, which begins on Wednesday 21 August, has seen the 23,500 capacity reached for all five days.

Surrey members were first to have access to tickets, with a priority window from November 10 to December 9. Next were those chosen among 45,000 ballot entrants before those that had missed out in the ballot got their turn on Wednesday. Day five tickets were subsequently put on general release.

The only available tickets for the match are now through Kia Oval debentures, a range of hospitality packages or the ground’s Kennington Club. 

Tickets are still available for next year’s other internationals at the ground via kiaoval.com. They are two NatWest International T20s between England and New Zealand on June 25 and 27 plus five Champions Trophy games, including England versus Sri Lanka on June 13 and the first semi-final on June 19.

Surrey chief executive Richard Gould said: “Selling out these games so quickly really underlines the historic place the Kia Oval holds in the minds of cricket fans across the country.

“After seeing the Ashes created here in 1882 and staging memorable victories in 2005 and 2009, we are really looking forward to next year’s game and hopefully helping England celebrate a third consecutive win over Australia on home soil.

“As well as our Investec Ashes Test match, the ground is also staging seven other exciting international games next year – with U16 tickets for our two NatWest T20 internationals available for just £1 – so there should be plenty of opportunity for everyone wanting to experience the atmosphere of a big match at the Kia Oval to come down at some stage throughout the year.

“With so much international cricket and the unveiling of the magnificent new frontage to our historic members’ pavilion – creating a ‘front door’ for the ground that will be one of the finest in world cricket – 2013 will be a hugely exciting year for everyone connected with both Surrey County Cricket Club and the Kia Oval.”

NFL Players Association Calls Owners to End Officials Lockout

The NFL Players Association’s 12-member executive committee urged 32 team owners to end the league’s lockout of its veteran officials, claiming owners have failed in their responsibility to create a “safe” working environment.”

“We believe there is substantial evidence that you have failed in your obligation to provide as safe a working environment as possible,” the NFLPA wrote in the letter to 32 owners.

“Your decision to lock out officials with more than 1,500 years of collective NFLexperience has led to a deterioration of order, safety and integrity,” the letter said.

The letter is signed by the NFLPA’s 12-man executive committee headed by president and former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth and six current players, including NFPA vice presidents — New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, Green Bay Packers center Jeff Saturday and Browns tight end Benjamin Watson.

They cited “poor calls, missed calls and bad game management. But the combination of those deficiencies will only continue to jeopardize player health and safety and the integrity of the game that has taken decades to build.”

Talks between the league and NFLRA broke off again Wednesday after two days with a substantial gap remaining over issues including the continuance of a defined pension benefit fund the NFLRA wants to have continued for its veteranofficials.

League senior vice president Ray Anderson said the league has warned all clubs to refrain from criticizing the replacement officials.

A side judge assigned to last Sunday’s New Orleans Saints game, Brian Stropolo was removed by the league for posting his allegiance to the Saints — posting pictures of himself wearing Saints gear while tailgating during a preseason game on his personal Facebook page.

“Coaches and players have complained of numerous errors and failures including: erratic and missed calls on egregious holds and hits, increased skirmishes between players and confusion about game rules,” the players wrote. “Many replacements have lost control of games due to inexperience and unfamiliarity with players and rules.

“The headlines are embarrassing: A scab working a game despite having been on the payroll of one of the teams, another who was assigned to referee a team he publicly supported on Facebook, and one who is a professional poker player when you propose even more stringent player rules on gambling.”