Miller Lite has agreed to a two-year deal with ESPN/ABC
Sports that "sources value at almost" $60M to become the
"first-ever presenting sponsor" of ESPN's "NFL PrimeTime"
series, according to Langdon Brockinton of the
SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL. Last year, "NFL PrimeTime" averaged
a 4.08 ESPN Nielsen rating. The multimedia package includes
NFL ad time, as well as presence on ABC Sports, ESPN, ESPN2,
ESPN News, ESPN Classic. ESPN.com and ESPN Magazine. Miller
Brewing Group Dir of Media & Event Marketing Steve Buerger
said the company is looking for "high-profile" properties,
and added the sponsorship takes place "at a time of year
which is critical to us, given that we are an NFL beer
sponsor and also the official beer sponsor of the Super
Bowl" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 8/21 issue).
WIRED: In Miami, Cynthia Corzo reports that Verizon
Wireless has become the new official wireless sponsor of Pro
Player Stadium during the 2000-02 seasons of the Dolphins
and Marlins. Stadium signage, PA announcements and other
exposure are part of the deal. Verizon will also donate
4,500 Dolphins tickets to the Miami Chapter of the Boys &
Girls Clubs of America (MIAMI HERALD, 8/21).
MARATHON MEN: Houston-based Compaq Computer formally
announced a three-year deal to title sponsor the Houston
Marathon. The Compaq Houston Marathon, is expected to draw
7,000 runners, 5,000 volunteers and about 250,000 spectators
(THE DAILY). In Houston, Scott Kaiser noted that Methodist
Health Care did not renew its title deal after a four-year
partnership (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/19).
