The Union have filled "two major sponsorship categories" with the addition of local businesses, Acme Markets and TruMark Financial, according to John George of the PHILADELPHIA BUSINESS JOURNAL. Acme "signed a deal to be the 'official supermarket'" of the club, and will also "be the presenting sponsor of the Union’s junior supporter club." Additionally, Acme "gets naming rights to the youth soccer fields adjacent to the Toyota Plaza at PPL Park." TruMark is the official financial institution of the club in a deal that gives the company "naming rights to the 11,000-square-foot stadium club at PPL Park as well as the club and suite entrance." Fans will be able to "sign up for exclusive Union-branded debit and credit cards from TruMark Financial." Financial terms of the two “Keystone” partnerships, the Union’s "most extensive sponsorship level," are unknown. Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz said that the club, now in its sixth MLS season, "had not found a suitable partner for either of supermarket on financial institution categories until now." Sakiewicz: "Both partnerships will be very focused on grassroots activities 365 days a year. They are not just about having a presence at PPL Park for 30 events a year." George reported that effort "will include Union promotions at Acme stores and TruMark branches, and Acme and TruMark having a presence at the soccer camps and clinics and player appearances the team holds all year long" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 3/31).
KNOW WHEN TO SAY WHEN: Smartphone breathalyzer company Alcohoot yesterday announced a partnership with NYC FC. As part of the deal, Alcohoot will display reminders of "last call" during the second half of NYC FC home games to promote greater awareness by encouraging fans to stay safe and discourage them from driving home if they have been drinking. Alcohoot will also be the official sponsor of a designated driver program to make sure that there are alternative ways for fans to get home after a home game (Alcohoot).
