In Chicago, Lewis Lazare noted Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo is "coming out with his own branded aluminium foil -- catchily called Rizzo wrap." Lazare: "Chalk it up to the clever folks at Havas Chicago who helped orchestrate a bet between client Lake Forest, Illinois-based Reynolds Consumer Products, the parent of iconic Reynolds wrap, and one of the Cubs' most charismatic players." The deal "hinged on the Cubs' winning the World Series last year." To help support the rollout of Rizzo wrap, Rizzo is "making a series of cooking videos in conjunction with Havas that will spotlight some of the Cubs player's favorite dishes" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/3)
COMING TO YOU LIVE: New England-based Jordan's Furniture President & CEO Eliot Tatelman yesterday delivered NESN's first-ever live commercial announcement from his seat at Fenway Park during the Red Sox' Opening Day game against the Pirates. At the end of the fifth inning, NESN announcers, instead of going to a typical commercial break, introduced Tatelman, who was seated atop Fenway's Green Monster. Tatelman discussed the longstanding relationship between the Red Sox and Jordan's Furniture (NESN).
STOCKING UP: In Cincinnati, Steve Watkins noted Mike Castrucci, who "signed up his three auto dealerships for a new" Reds sponsorship deal, is just "one of several new sponsors" the team has signed up this year. Reds VP/Corporate Partnerships Bill Reinberger noted that Delta Air Lines "signed a five-year exclusive deal to be the official airline." McCluskey Chevrolet is new this year as well, "sponsoring the Kiss Cam in the ballpark." AC Hotel, "slated to open in July at the Banks, is a new sponsor and will have a sign on the left-field wall." Kentucky-based food brand Laura's Lean Beef also signed on as a sponsor. Budweiser is back as one of the team's "four biggest sponsors." PNC Bank, Kroger and Cincinnati Bell and are the others (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/3).
ADDING TO THE FLOCK: In Baltimore, Joshua Gordon noted a "slew of new sponsors" will be looking for the Orioles to "enjoy success this year in hopes of seeing returns on their investments." Orioles VP/Corporate Partnerships Marco Gentile said in an email, "Sponsorship sales have been brisk this offseason, with many first-time sponsors coming on board." The Orioles "did not release the total number of sponsors for the season nor the terms of the sponsorship deals." Some of the new sponsors include Weis Markets, Whole Foods, T. Rowe Price, McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/3).
STAYING TRENDY: ESPN.com's Paul Lukas wrote, "Thanks to a flurry of last-minute moves that were kept under wraps until Opening Day, it's clear that the two biggest MLB trends of the moment are matte-finish batting helmets and raised or three-dimensional helmet logos." Twelve teams now have "matte helmets" and six have "3D helmet logos" (ESPN.com, 4/3).
