The LPGA Monday announced that Kia Motors America has been designated the official automotive partner of the LPGA. Kia will also serve as the official tournament vehicle of eight LPGA events, and the title sponsor of the Kia Performance Awards, which will be presented at the ’12 CME Group Titleholders. Michelle Wei is Kia’s official golf ambassador (LPGA).
TRAVEL AGENT: The ATP and the state of Rio de Janeiro Saturday announced a two-year agreement for Rio de Janeiro to become the official tourism destination of the ATP World Tour. The state will be the new presenting partner of ATP World Tour Uncovered -- the Tour’s weekly 30-minute magazine television show. As part of the agreement, Rio de Janeiro becomes a platinum level sponsor of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 in London, beginning this year (ATP Tour).
CHANGING UNIFORMS: In San Jose, Mark Emmons notes the Stanford football team Saturday “will be clad in sleek jerseys and pants of a deeper red and black matte helmets -- courtesy of Nike.” Stanford is the latest school “to join the redesign craze that has transformed football.” The team “didn’t like an early Nike design that too closely resembled the 49ers’ colors and also nixed a Heisman Trophy logo on the palms of the gloves.” Stanford preferred “a block ‘S’ to what was ostensibly an homage to the 1970 Heisman winner Jim Plunkett.” The team’s senior leaders “approved the final uniform that will be used” in the team's game against Notre Dame (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 11/23).
FASHION MISHAP: In Grand Rapids, Sue Thoms noted Victoria’s Secret created a Michigan State T-shirt “complete with Spartan logo and the word ‘pink’ on the back” as part of their PINK Collegiate Collection. However, the front reads “Spartans: Hail to the victors,” which is the Univ. of Michigan fight song. Thoms notes the shirt “disappeared from the Victoria’s Secret website almost as soon as it went up” (MLIVE.com, 11/19).
