MLS Franchises Agree New Partnerships

Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise FC Dallas have announced that Budweiser has become the official domestic beer partner of the side and their home, Pizza Hut Park.

Under the terms of the agreement, the stadium’s beer garden will be renamed the Budweiser Beer Garden with drink specials at every FC Dallas game. In addition, there will also be a fan-selected text-vote for the Budweiser Man of the Match after every game.

The new agreement will also see Budweiser become the associate sponsor of the Rio Grande Plate derby between FC Dallas and Mexican side Tigres, the second leg of which will be played at Pizza Hut Park on September 3.

Nick Vander Linden, Budweiser geographic marketing manager for North Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico, stated: “The Budweiser team is excited to announce our new partnership with FC Dallas. We are extremely proud of the club and look forward to building a relationship with the growing number of soccer fans through a sport and a team they are truly passionate about.”

Matt McInnis, FC Dallas vice president of business development and partnership marketing, added: “We’re looking forward to developing our FC Dallas partnership with Budweiser this year and for many years to come. There are several great opportunities that can be maximized at Pizza Hut Park but, more importantly, throughout the market at various retail outlets that allow us to grow both of our businesses.”

In other news, Wells Fargo has become the newest partner of Dallas’ MLS rivals the San Jose Earthquakes. Its sponsorship of San Jose makes the bank the presenting partner for two home games, including Saturday’s July 2 fixture versus the New York Red Bulls and the game against Portland Timbers FC on August 6.

As part of the deal, the banking behemoth will support a host of community soccer initiatives including Goals for Education, Soccer Mom of the Match and the Earthquakes 4v4 tournaments.

Earthquakes president David Kaval said in a statement: “They are a wonderful organisation to work with. Any time you can partner with a local organization that is looking to give back to the local community it’s a win-win for all involved.”