In Indianapolis, Anthony Schoettle reported there is "virtually no opt-out clause" in Verizon's new 10-year title sponsorship deal of the IndyCar Series, though there is "an option for a five-year extension." Verizon as part of the deal is "promising to run promotions in its -- and other -- retail outlets." Just Marketing Int'l Founder & CEO Zak Brown said, "Verizon is in this for the long haul. You’re going to start seeing their activation and promotions by the season opener in St. Petersburg and it’s only going to grow from there" (IBJ.com, 3/14). Also in Indianapolis, Curt Cavin wrote Verizon "has the ability to take IndyCar to places it's never dreamed of or couldn't afford" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 3/15).
SHOCK & AWE: Wichita State Alumni Association Membership Coordinator Stacy Shanahan said that the school's appearance in the Final Four last year, plus this year's undefeated run, "is contributing" to a surge in WSU license plate sales. In Wichita, John Stearns noted it became possible last March to acquire the plates "at county motor vehicle offices without first visiting the school for paperwork." Data shows that 272 WSU plates "have been sold in the first eight months of this fiscal year (July through February)," 93% more than the same eight months last fiscal year (BIZJOURNALS.com, 3/13).
BATTLE READY: Bristol Motor Speedway yesterday announced that the track has reached a deal with Food City in which the company will now be a presenting partner of the Battle at Bristol college football game between Tennessee and Virginia Tech in '16. The agreement fills one of the three major sponsorship opportunities for the game, while negotiations for one other presenting sponsorship and the title sponsorship are currently ongoing. Food City last month also extended its title sponsorship of BMS' spring NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for five years (BMS).
BETTER BLIMPS: The AP noted the next generation of the Goodyear blimp "is getting ready to take flight as the company moves toward replacing its old fleet of airships with a new trio." The helium-filled airship on Friday was unveiled and "is bigger, quicker and more maneuverable than earlier models" (AP, 3/15).
