The Hornets signed a deal with Diageo that "will put the team’s logo and trademark on purple Crown Royal bags across North Carolina," according to Jonathan McFadden of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. The multiyear deal "gives Diageo’s Crown Royal whiskey and Ciroc vodka brands access to the Hornets name and logo, which will start appearing on Crown Royal bags on Monday." The bags "will become available at select North Carolina liquor stores." Hornets Exec VP and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Pete Guelli said that Diageo "will have signage on the LED ribbon board that rings the arena, and signage courtside." The spirits company next month will "host a Hornets watch party ... and activate a Hoops for Heroes 'pop-a-shot' program that will give fans age 21 and older the chance to shoot baskets to raise money for U.S. military personnel." Guelli said that Time Warner Cable Arena also "will begin offering Ciroc and Crown Royal, primarily in the club and suite areas but not at concession stands." McFadden notes it will mark the arena's first deal with an alcoholic beverage company (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 3/20).
