Lions, Huntington Bank Sign Five-Year, $2.4M Deal That Includes Ford Field Branding

The Lions and Huntington Bank have signed a five-year, $2.4M sponsorship deal that gives Huntington the naming rights to the club and suite levels of Ford Field, including signage at their entrances and exits. The deal will mark the first time the Lions have had a corporate sponsor for those levels. The branding will be in place for the team's home opener Sunday. Also, fans can obtain a Lions debit card with a Huntington Bank checking account (Lions). Lions President Tom Lewand said that the team has "spent $5 million going into this season on technology improvements at Ford Field, such as a redone control room for the video boards and sound system, and new point-of-sale equipment for concessions and retail." Money also was "spent on improvements to the club lounges" (CRAINSDETROIT.com, 9/3).

SOMETHING TO REMEMBER US BY: In Detroit, Steve Schrader noted throughout the season the Lions are "going to collect video contributions from fans -- clips that show their passion, memories, game-day rituals." The club will combine the videos with game highlights, and the "they will be used to make" a documentary called "The Season of Your Life." The videos will be posted at DetroitLions.com and "shown at games in Ford Field during the season." Lions Senior VP/Marketing & Partnerships Elizabeth Parkinson said that the "heavy lifting ... will be done by Bombo Sports & Entertainment." The Lions "hope to preview the eventual 90-minute documentary at next spring's draft party" (FREEP.com, 9/5). Bombo has "produced a similar movie" for the Eagles and "has done video work" for the NBA and EPL club Manchester United (CRAINSDETROIT.com, 9/4).