Under Armour Founder, Chair & CEO Kevin Plank yesterday in Denver debuted the company's new "Under Armour Makes You Better" spot alongside U.S. skiers Lindsey Vonn and Bobby Brown, and Canadian snowboarder Dominique Maltais. The ad is co-branded with Dick's Sporting Goods, narrated by Plank, and features athletes including Vonn, Brown, speedskater Shani Davis, NFL Panthers QB Cam Newton, golfer Jordan Spieth, members of the U.S. bobsled team and "Duck Dynasty" cast member Willie Robertson. The spot marks the newest iteration of UA's "I Will" campaign, and it will air during the Patriots-Panthers "MNF" game Monday. It will continue to run on-air and in digital platforms including ESPN.com and NFL.com (
UA).
AMERICAN BORN: In Portland, Seth Prince noted Oregon State Univ. yesterday unveiled its new Nike Air Native N7 men's basketball uniforms, and Nike indicated that all proceeds from the unis, which are "sold through Native American community centers and tribes, are given back to youth sport and physical activity programs in Native communities across North America through the N7 Fund." Other college teams wearing the jerseys include FSU, Nevada and New Mexico (Portland OREGONIAN, 11/13).
IN MY DEPARTMENT: Belk Chair & CEO Tim Belk on Nov. 4 announced that the company has "signed a six-year contract to continue as the Charlotte college football bowl game’s title sponsor." In Charlotte, Erik Spanberg noted since Belk became title sponsor in '11, "big-name pre-game concerts have been added, and the payout for schools has increased." Belk is "doubling its charitable contribution tied to the game, promising $150,000 in grants to Charlotte schools." Six schools will receive $25,000 each (CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL, 11/8 issue).
RIGGO'S WORLD: In DC, Lindsay Applebaum reported Pro Football HOFer John Riggins has "apparently opened up an online shop full of 44-inspired gear." The store "offers Riggo’s Rangers hoodies, No. 44 jerseys and autographed photos, among other stuff, and promises that [a] 'portion of the proceeds benefit the Riggo’s Rangers foundation.'" Applebaum wrote her favorite offering may be a mug that has, "Humble and Fearless Always" printed on it followed by Riggins' signature. Applebaum: "Because what says humble more than selling a mug with your signature and a quote about being humble on it?" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 11/12).
