In Milwaukee, Joe Taschler notes Southwest Airlines' status as a major sponsor of the Packers includes “in-stadium digital branding and the Southwest Deck at the Tundra Tailgate Zone at Lambeau Field. Packers DE Jerel Worthy and LB Brad Jones “worked alongside Southwest employees at Mitchell International on Tuesday, loading baggage and greeting passengers as part of the airline's partnership with the team.” Southwest execs said that as the company “solidifies its place as the dominant carrier at Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport, the airline is seeking to embrace the culture of the state and region.” Southwest Airlines Partnership Marketing Dir Patty Herbeck said that becoming a major sponsor of the Packers is “part of that.” Southwest and its wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways “operate about 50 flights a day from Milwaukee” (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 11/14).
KICK THE TIRES: MAQUINADOESPORTE’s Erich Beting reported Bridgestone "in the coming weeks will be named the new title sponsor of the Copa Libertadores," which is South America's most prestigious club soccer competition. Bridgestone and CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American soccer, are "in the final stages" of negotiating a four-year, US$80M deal. Bridgestone would replace Banco Santander as title sponsor (MAQUINADOESPORTE.com.br, 11/12).
TAKE YOUR VITAMINS: T’Wolves F Kevin Love, U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn, Raiders RB Darren McFadden, Rockies LF Carlos Gonzalez, skateboarder Tom Schaar, Avalanche D Erik Johnson and U.S. women’s national soccer team MF Tobin Heath launched Playmaker Nutrition, a children’s nutritional company and vitamin brand. The company will be dedicated to encouraging kids and teens to become health conscious, productive members of their communities (Playmaker Nutrition).
