Marketplace Roundup

In Augusta, LaTina Emerson notes The Masters is the “first stop for the new Mercedes-Benz Performance Center, a mobile golf tour presented by the PGA of America.” Two large Mercedes Sprinter vans “will travel across the country this year to major golf tournaments, events and dealerships, carrying high-tech golf teaching technology to help golfers improve their putting and swing mechanics.” Mercedes-Benz Department Manager of National Brand PR Adam Paige said that the performance centers “have a 3-D television where visitors can play” EA Sports’ "Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters" on Sony PlayStation 3 and “a large screen TV with touch screen technology that allows customers to build their own custom Mercedes” (AUGUSTA CHRONICLE, 4/6).

ROOKIE RIDE: In Indianapolis, Curt Cavin reported Newman/Haas Racing has signed James Hinchcliffe to “his first Izod IndyCar Series ride." Hinchcliffe "will compete at 15 of the remaining 16 races" this season. Hinchcliffe’s car “will be sponsored by Eric Sprott, who owns Sprott Inc., an independent asset company based in Toronto, which is Hinchcliffe’s hometown.” Hinchcliffe joins Oriol Servia on Newman/Haas Racing driver roster (INDYSTAR.com, 4/5).

LOCKDOWN: The Red Sox announced that ADT will become the official security provider at Fenway Park. The agreement includes the installation of IP-based cameras and other security equipment throughout the ballpark, as well as the installation of a large clock featuring the company's logo above the right field bleachers (ADT).

MAKING HIS PITCH: WORLD FOOTBALL INSIDER's Matthew Grayson reported Real Madrid MF Mesut Özil has signed a $5.6M a year "renewal through 2015 with Nike." He will "star alongside fellow Nike ambassadors Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in a series of upcoming advertisements to air worldwide" (WORLDFOOTBALLINSIDER.com 4/1).