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Photo by: LEHIGH VALLEY IRONPIGS
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ALLENTOWN, PA.
IronPigs win Golden Bobblehead
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs took home a Minor League Baseball Golden Bobblehead award for best in-game promotion. The Class AAA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies won for their interactive urinal gaming systems — which involved aiming at targets — installed in the men’s rooms at Coca-Cola Park. High scores were displayed on ballpark video boards. The game, sponsored by Lehigh Valley Health Network, included a public service message about prostate cancer awareness.
BUFFALO
Bills, M&T Bank honoring teachers
The Buffalo Bills and M&T Bank kicked off the fifth annual Touchdown for Teachers program. Five finalists will be presented during the Nov. 17 Bills-New York Jets game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The grand-prize winner will receive an in-class visit from a Bills player and a $1,000 grant to the winning teacher’s school.
COLUMBUS
Fan Express loading up for Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Fox Sports Ohio are rolling out the Blue Jackets Fan Express, a full-size bus that will take groups to and from games at Nationwide Arena. The bus, which
can travel within a 60-minute radius of the arena, will be available on select dates from Nov. 1 through Jan. 10 to groups of 36 to 51 fans.
Jackets debut new team app
The Blue Jackets have a new app for download on iPhone, iPad and Android smartphone devices. Integrated with the Blue Jackets’ website and social media channels, the app allows access to team news, multimedia content, live game updates and ticket sales.
DETROIT
Jack Link’s returns to Red Wings
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky will sponsor the Detroit Red Wings for the third consecutive season. Fans will have an opportunity to win game tickets on the Red Wings’ Facebook page, receive samples at Joe Louis Arena, and see “Messin’ with Sasquatch” commercials and videos in-arena. Jack Link’s will have dasherboard signage at a premium center ice location.
HOUSTON
ZTE enters U.S. market with Rockets
China-based smartphone maker ZTE has become the official smartphone of the Houston Rockets. The team will feature the company’s branding and products during games, with signage and kiosks in Toyota Center, according to a Houston Chronicle report. ZTE is selling two Android smartphones in the U.S. market.
Astrodome facelift begins
The transformation of Houston’s Astrodome began last week when work crews started to demolish exterior portions, according to a Houston Chronicle report. The effort is part of an $8 million package approved in August by Harris County commissioners for work that must be done ahead of any decision to raze or repurpose the dilapidated stadium.
LOUISVILLE
Track planning giant video board
Churchill Downs is partnering with Panasonic in a $12 million project to install a 15,224-square-foot, high-definition LED video board in time for the 2014 Longines Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. The video board will be installed about midway along the backstretch and outside the dirt course of the track.
NEW YORK
Stadium renamed for Commisso
Columbia University renamed its soccer stadium the Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium in honor of the Mediacom chairman and CEO, according to a Multichannel.com report. Commisso, an active contributor to the soccer program for more than 40 years, was a member of the undefeated 1967 Columbia freshman men’s soccer team, and was co-captain of the 1970 varsity men’s squad.
OAKLAND
Warriors’ BMW deal includes parking
The Golden State Warriors reached a multiyear sponsorship deal with BMW of North America. The deal includes marketing and in-arena elements throughout the next two seasons and a branded VIP parking area at Oracle Arena this season.
ORLANDO
Pepsi marks Magic’s 25th
PepsiCo released a limited-edition Pepsi can with the Orlando Magic’s 25th anniversary logo. The 12-ounce cans hit shelves last week. Pepsi is the official nonalcoholic beverage and salty snack partner of the Orlando Magic and the Amway Center.
PHILADELPHIA
Sixers build new campaign
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The campaign includes the Liberty Bell, the city’s cobblestone streets, the Ben Franklin Bridge and Rocky Balboa.
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The 76ers last week began selling single-game tickets for the 2013-14 season. The team plans to create personalized “Together We Build” billboards for the first 76 fans to purchase tickets. Fans will receive a photo of their billboard. Advertising for the larger campaign includes the meshing of iconic Philadelphia structures with industrial objects, symbolizing the building blocks needed to work toward greatness.
Flyers sign SugarHouse Casino
The Philadelphia Flyers opened the 2013-14 season with a new presenting sponsor: SugarHouse Casino. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. SugarHouse will offer on- and off-the-ice promotions including giveaways for fans and shootout contests to win cash prizes. SugarHouse opened in September 2010.
COAST TO COAST — BEYOND THE COASTS
MANCHESTER
ManU could sell shares
Manchester United’s owners want to raise up to $402 million through the issue of shares and could make the move as soon as February, according to a (London) Daily Mail report. Ed Woodward, ManU’s executive vice chair, insisted there were no imminent plans, but American owners the Glazer family appear to have cleared the way to issue up to 23 million shares, according to the report.
MILAN
Volvo extends Inter Milan deal
Volvo agreed to extend its sponsorship of Serie A Inter Milan, according to a Soccerex report. Under the terms of the agreement, Volvo will retain its top sponsor status, a level that is second only to official and technical sponsorships. Volvo will supply new XC60 models to the club’s playing squad and coaching staff.
RIO DE JANEIRO
4.5M World Cup tickets requested
More than 4.5 million tickets have been requested for the 64 2014 World Cup matches that will be played from June 12 to July 14. More than 3.4 million requests, 77 percent of the total, came from Brazil. The event’s host nation is followed by Argentina (223,686) and the U.S. (175,122).
SINGAPORE
Sports Hub wins architecture award
Singapore Sports Hub won the World Architecture Festival Award for Best Future Project in the leisure-led development category at this year’s edition of the World Architecture Festival, held at Marina Bay Sands Oct. 2-4. The Sports Hub was one of seven projects across the globe to be short-listed for the award.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND
Sunderland signs African airline
Sunderland AFC reached a new partnership with South African Airways. The carrier, the largest airline of South Africa, will become the club’s official Southern African Airline Partner. The carrier will provide all travel for the English Premier League team throughout Africa.
For more international news, visit www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/global.
