Verizon To Have Large Sponsorship Presence At "Lombardi" Run

New NFL sponsor Verizon is dialing up some retro NFL equity with a sponsorship of the Broadway play "Lombardi," which premieres at Circle in the Square Theater on Thursday. Verizon will have its logo associated on the red carpet; have the ability to sample products at the opening night party; underwrite talk back nights with the cast after two performances; offer discounted tickets to subscribers; have tickets for use in other promotions; and stage autograph signings at Verizon stores with David Maraniss, who wrote the biography of Pro Football HOFer Vince Lombardi upon which the play is based. Two days before the premiere, producer Tony Ponturo described himself as "anxious, but not nervous." The guest list for Thursday is packed with football luminaries, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Giants Owners John Mara and Jonathan Tisch; Vikings Owner Zygi Wilf; former Packers who played for Lombardi, including Paul Hornung and Jerry Kramer; and current Packers President & CEO Mark Murphy.