Marketplace Roundup
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Dodge Featuring U.S. Women's National
Soccer Team In New Journey Campaign |
SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL's Tripp Mickle reports Dodge has signed on as the official automotive partner of the U.S. Soccer Federation. The two-year deal is "valued in the low seven figures and includes an option for a third year during the 2010 World Cup." A new campaign for the company's Journey features the U.S. women's national soccer team and will break this week on ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and several cable channels. Dodge "felt the women's journey to the Beijing Olympics mirrored the sporty image it wanted to cultivate for its Journey." Dodge as part of the deal will receive player rights, field boards at national team games, in-stadium promotions, program ads, title sponsorship of one men's or women's national game a year and tickets and hospitality. Dodge also negotiated a "complementary agreement with U.S. Youth Soccer" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 4/14 issue).
ROYAL PAIN: In K.C., Kevin Murphy reported Saturday's Twins-Royals game drew more than 36,000 fans, but "only 20,000" promotional powder blue Billy Butler jerseys were available. Some fans said that they "saw people leaving the park with one or multiple jerseys before the game even began." Others said that they "waited in line for two hours before the gates opened." Royals VP/Community Affairs & Publicity Toby Cook yesterday acknowledged that the jersey handout was "hectic and a bit confusing" (K.C. STAR, 4/15).
STUNT MAN: In Charlotte, Langston Wertz wrote Lakers G Kobe Bryant’s stunt where he “jumped over a sports car coming at him fast enough to end his life -- much less his career” was a “bad idea.” Wertz: “Here’s the problem. People will try things they see on TV or the internet, particularly when it’s done by a guy like Bryant, who is idolized by millions. ... Of course, Bryant’s stunt wasn’t real, but the digitally enhanced spot doesn’t come with any disclaimers. Thankfully, Nike doesn’t plan to put this ‘ad’ on TV.” Nike Media Relations Manager Kejuan Wilkins said that Bryant “was never in danger during filming” (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 4/14).
NOTES: Topps has reached a multi-year agreement to produce trading cards of the following Baseball HOFers: Jackie Robinson, Ty Cobb, Lou Gehrig, Walter Johnson, Tris Speaker, Thurman Munson, Mel Ott, Roy Campanella, Rogers Hornsby, Johnny Mize, Jimmie Foxx, Honus Wagner, George Sisler, Christy Matthewson, Cy Young and Pee Wee Reese (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 4/16)....The ’08 NFL Draft on April 26 will mark the official public debut of the new NFL shield logo (BOSTON.com, 4/14).
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