In Green Bay, Richard Ryman notes Green Bay Austin Straubel Int'l Airport and the Packers announced a partnership that "allows the airport to bill itself 'The Gateway to Lambeau Field.'" The airport will use "The Gateway To Lambeau Filed" tagline and logo in its marketing. The airport also will be "more visible at Lambeau Field on game day and on the Packers' website" (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 4/12).
MINI-SLAM: In Phoenix, Mike Sunnucks noted Scottsdale-based VM&RC Enterprises have "secured a merchandising license from the NCAA." VM&RC is "making mini-basketball backboard sets" featuring the D-I men’s and women’s basketball champions." VM&RC CEO Vic Mason "hopes to see them sold soon on Amazon.com, Fanatics and at other online and traditional retailers." He also hopes to start "making the backboards for 125 other college basketball programs" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/11).
ESCAPE CLAUSE: In Memphis, Meagan Nichols noted amusement company Memphis Escape Rooms will "soon put fans to the ultimate test with a new Downtown location" that features an exclusive Grizzlies Escape Room. Grizzlies VP/Partnership Marketing Anthony Macri said, "It is a way ... to add to the fan experience. Give them something new and exciting" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/10).
A FRIENDLY AIRLINE: In Chicago, Lewis Lazare noted American Airlines was "generating smiles" yesterday with Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo at the airline's Terminal 3 at O'Hare Int'l Airport. As part of a sponsorship deal with the Cubs, Rizzo, P Mike Montgomery and C Willson Contreras were on "hand to surprise passengers in a good way by stepping on board arriving AA flights to offer a welcome to Chicago and to provide necessary arrival information" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/11).
