In S.F., Aubrey Cohen noted the U.S. women's soccer team debuted new uniforms during their first FIFA World Cup game yesterday against North Korea, and critics believe that the new kit "looks like a nurse's uniform." Blogger Jennifer Doyle wrote, "This is quite simply the ugliest women's football jersey I have ever seen. It's central problem is the line someone has drawn down middle of the shirt -- a purely decorous gesture meant to create the impression that the USSF would like its women to play in an open necked blouse." Nike and U.S. Soccer indicated the jersey is "designed specifically for the female athlete, to enhance the range of motion and create a uniquely feminine silhouette" (SFGATE.com, 6/28).
PITCH PERFECT: MARKETING magazine's John Reynolds reports England's FA is "testing a novel marketing initiative, which will allow brands to showcase country-specific ads on football ground hoardings at England games." The technology, "called Digital Replacement Advertising, allows existing stadium advertising billboards to be digitally replaced in live TV broadcasts." DRA was tested during an England-Ghana game, and now "is to be tested at future international matches" (MARKETINGMAGAZINE.co.uk, 6/29).
THE AIR UP THERE: Audiovisual products provider Hannspree "has signed a deal to become an official partner of Michael Jordan Motorsports," which competes in the AMA Pro Superbike circuit. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Hannspree's activation includes "logos on bikes and track suits and Hannspree Windows 7-powered NetBooks, TV monitors and other products at MJM’s at-track garage and pit areas." A supporting sweepstakes at AMA Pro Road Racing events is "offering a Hannspree TV autographed by MJM Superbike riders Roger Hayden and Ben Bostrom." MJM also has sponsorship deals with Gatorade, Hanes, Upper Deck, the National Guard, Suzuki and Jordan Brand (THEBIGLEAD.com, 6/28).
ROUNDUP: Coca-Cola and Hy-Vee will make their first foray as NASCAR race sponsors at Iowa Speedway's Camping World Truck Series race on July 16, now called the Coca-Cola 200 presented by Hy-Vee. Both brands are sponsors of the track (THE DAILY)....U.S. figure skater Johnny Weir is the "new face of MAC Cosmetics" and will "star in the ad campaign for the 2011 holiday collection, Glitter and Ice." Weir is taking a break from competition "to oversee his nonskating ventures, including the MAC deal, his dress line and a reality show, 'Be Good Johnny Weir,' on the Sundance Channel" (N.Y. POST, 6/26).
