Sponsors of the four NFL teams hosting playoff games this weekend are finalizing activation plans for Wild Card weekend. Kroger will be the presenting sponsor of the Raiders-Texans game at NRG Stadium, and the grocery store chain will get its trademark, along with NRG’s Reliant brand, on rally towels given to all fans at the game, according to Texans VP/Marketing & Community Development Jennifer Davenport. Ticketmaster is sponsoring a card stunt that will be performed when the Texans enter the field. Casual dining chain Fuddruckers has been offering a 50% discount on its Texans Burger all week for fans wearing Texans gear and on Friday is adding free milkshakes for those wearing team clothing during “Texans Friday.” The restaurant also will have cheerleader appearances, ticket giveaways and remote radio broadcasts at several locations. Academy Sports & Outdoors has been using Texans playoff branding in its weekly mailers and is the presenting sponsor of the 360 Fancam photo that can be downloaded by those attending the game.
DRIVING FORCE: The Seahawks host the Lions Saturday night, and Seahawks VP/Corporate Sponsorships & Suites Amy Sprangers said that Toyota is the presenting sponsor of the game. Accordingly, the automaker is sponsoring a “Road to the Playoffs” tour of about 20 western Washington towns with Seahawks-branded Toyota trucks, DJs, former cheerleaders and, of course, the 12th Man flag. Video highlights of the tour will be used during pregame ceremonies. Seattle-based Starbucks is underwriting “Blitz’s Blue Friday Run,” during which the team mascot will appear at 10 different retail locations, buying free coffee for those in morning coffee lines and giving away around 1,000 co-branded Starbucks/Seahawks gift cards. A Seahawks fan rally is scheduled for Friday near the Bremerton Ferry Terminal, where Delta is sponsoring a T-shirt giveaway.
WHEEL ROUTE: The Dolphins visit the Steelers to start Sunday’s doubleheader, and Steelers VP/Sales & Marketing Ryan Huzjak said Hyundai will be the presenting sponsor for the playoffs. The automaker has a package for this week’s game that includes some key digital content on Steelers.com, along with other team-controlled media. The first 10,000 fans at the game will receive a Hyundai-branded photo of Heinz Field at night, which also has an NFL Playoffs logo. Hyundai also will have vehicles on display at the stadium. A pep rally Friday night at Stage AE is offering gnomes of Steelers WR Antonio Brown for the first 1000 fans. Pepsi is sponsoring the event.
SPREADING THE WEALTH: Four companies share the "Presenting Sponsor of the Playoffs" designation for the Packers, who host the Giants Sunday afternoon. The Bellin Health, Oneida Nation, Festival Foods, and Kohl's brands will all appear on rally towels, according to Packers Dir of Sales & Business Development Chad Watson. Convenience store chain Cenex is sponsoring a "Letters to Lambeau" campaign, through which fans can express their support for the team, which will be shared on social media. A pep rally planned for Saturday outside of Lambeau Field also will be sponsored by Cenex.
