Marketplace Roundup

In N.Y., Benjamin Hoffman notes Indianapolis "appears to be wrapped in Super Bowl vinyl," and nearly all of it is provided by Indianapolis-based Sport Graphics. The company's efforts include the "32-story image of the Vince Lombardi Trophy on the side of the JW Marriott to the signs on the sides of the moving walkways at the airport." Sports Graphics Owner & CEO Frank Hancock has “become the NFL’s go-to vendor for building decorations for the last two Super Bowls, and his team of 25 designers has transformed downtown Indianapolis.” The wraps, “made of a vinyl adhesive, can be placed almost anywhere” but many are “used for the practical purpose of covering the signs of competing advertisers” (N.Y. TIMES, 2/3).

REPRESENTING HOME: Golfer Yani Tseng has “reached a sponsorship deal with Taiwan Mobile Co.” The company said that Tseng will receive “a total of around US$1.5 million over two years” and will be “required to wear a cap with the company’s logo during competitions.” Tseng last May signed “a two-year endorsement agreement with Taishin Financial Holding Co., reportedly valued at US$1 million, and reached a US$2 million deal with PC vendor Acer Inc. earlier this month” (CNA, 2/1).

NOT A FAN: In Toronto, Kevin McGran wrote former NHLer Georges Laraque wrote a letter to Maple Leafs President & GM Brian Burke asking him “to reverse an organizational decision that saw the team endorse a limited-edition jacket, made by Canada Goose, trimmed with real coyote fur.” Laraque’s letter was sponsored by PETA. However, Burke said that the Leafs “won’t change their mind.” Real Sports Apparel at Air Canada Centre is “still advertising the jacket online, but an employee at the store said Thursday the jackets had sold out and there were no plans to order more” (TORONTO STAR, 2/2).

CONSISTENCY AT LAST: The Univ. of South Dakota has signed a deal with adidas for the company to become the school's official shoe and apparel provider. This will allow USD to achieve brand consistency and provide other growth opportunities. The deal marks the first time all USD athletic programs have been included in an all-encompassing apparel agreement (Univ. of South Dakota).