NFL Teams Hosting Wild Card Games Finalizing Sponsor Activation Plans

NFL teams hosting Wild Card playoff games this weekend are finalizing activation plans. In Cincinnati, where the Bengals host the Steelers on Saturday night, Fifth Third Bank is the gameday sponsor and is supporting with the distribution of logoed “Brandanas." Those can be fashioned by fans to use as rally towels, beanies, bandanas or headbands, said Bengals Clients Service Manager Jamie Berkley. A Fifth Third rep will also deliver the game ball to the field. Grocery chain Kroger will be the presenting sponsor of the Chiefs-Texans game at NRG Stadium and is sponsoring 70,000 rally towels, along with Reliant Energy, according to Texans VP/Corporate Development Greg Grissom. Texans sponsors activating at retail this week include Coke, Fuddruckers, Amegy Bank and Budweiser.

AND FOR SUNDAY...: The NFC East champion Redskins host the Packers on Sunday, and rally towels with the phrase “You Like That?!” and the logos of Redskins "Cornerstone Partners" FedEx, Bank of America, Comcast SportsNet and Coca-Cola will be given to all fans. DC-based non-profit Int'l Justice Mission is also featured on the towels. Among other team sponsors, Geico will distribute premiums anchored by a Gecko appearance at Gate H, while Bud Light is sponsoring a social lounge and a party pavilion. EA Sports and FanDuel will also host lounges. Frito-Lay will sample salty snacks to fans exiting the game. The Vikings are hosting their first outdoor home playoff game in 39 years when they take on the Seahawks on Sunday afternoon, and temperatures are expected to be around zero, if not below. In addition to efforts by the Vikings to keep fans warm prior to the game, Hy-Vee is the gameday entitlement partner for Sunday’s game, and the grocery chain will underwrite the distribution of Vikings/Hy-Vee rally towels. The chain has been selling NFC North Division Champion merchandise in local locations.