United Airlines Agree Multi-Year Deals with MLB Cubs & Dodgers

Major League Baseball (MLB) franchises the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers have secured multi-year deals with United Airlines to become the official airline of both teams.

2011 will be the airline’s first season of a multi-year, multi-faceted strategic partnership with the Dodgers, in which they will transport the team and staff to away games throughout the campaign.

The new partnership also sees United Airlines become the entitlement partner to the Dodgers Club suites and suite concourse at Dodger Stadium – a corridor of 35 luxury suites stretching from third base to the outer corner of right field.

Additionally, the airline will receive signage on the outfield wall and at home plate, features on team channel Dodgervision and other promotional opportunities.

Michael Young, chief revenue officer of the Dodgers, said: “The United team worked closely with the Dodgers to establish new branded entry signage that will greet fans as they enter in addition to United branded items within the club suites.”

The deal with the Cubs and the Chicago-based airline is a renewal of a relationship that began in 2004, for a further three years.

United Airlines remain as the official airline of the team and their home stadium Wrigley Field. However, as part of the extended partnership, Wrigley Field’s Stadium Club will be rebranded as the United Club, with a number of United-themed drinks and events on offer to patrons. United will also receive signage at the Cubs ballpark.

Wally Hayward, executive vice president, chief sales and marketing officer of the Chicago Cubs, said: “The Cubs have relied on United to fly our team across the country for years. We’re pleased to extend our partnership with United, a global company with local roots, and look forward to working together to deliver a world-class experience to our fans.”

Courtesy of a deal separate to their extended partnership with the Cubs, United has also secured naming rights to the rooftop sign outside Wrigley Field

Mark Bergsrud, senior vice president of marketing for United, added: “As Chicago’s hometown airline, we are thrilled to partner with the Cubs – a true Chicago icon. We look forward to being a part of the team experience, both in Chicago and at every away game, for both players and fans. We are excited to partner with a true Los Angeles icon in the Dodgers that is also a global brand. As the largest airline in the City of Angels, we are thrilled to be a part of the team experience – both in Los Angeles and at every away game – for both players and fans.”