In Calgary, Maxwell & Martin write that "millions of
sponsorship dollars hang in the balance" for the city should
the proposed merger of Air Canada and Canadian Airlines go
through. The Flames, the Canadian Airlines Saddledome and
Spruce Meadows "could lose their sponsorship deals should
Canada emerge with one airline" (CALGARY SUN, 8/25)....CA-
based MET-Rx has signed a multi-year endorsement deal with
welterweight boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya. MET-Rx
becomes the "official nutritional provider" for De La Hoya
(MET-Rx)....MasterCard VP/U.S. Sponsorships & Events Jeff
Price, on MLB allowing Pete Rose to be involved with the
MasterCard-sponsored All Century Team: "It's a baseball
policy issue. MasterCard didn't get involved with it" (AP,
8/25)....OK-based Big Daddy's BBQ Sauces and the D'Backs
will sponsor the "Bullpen Buddies" program, which provides
children with an autograph signing session, tickets to a
game and a T-shirt (Big Daddy's)....In support of Wilson
Golf's Smart-Core ball release in September, DDB, Chicago,
will launch new TV and print creative, as well as POP
materials (BRANDWEEK, 8/23 issue).
