The Nationals have signed and renewed several sponsor agreements for the '12 season, extending the club's recent momentum from its increased on-field expectations to its off-field business as well. New partners include United Airlines, Papa John's, Cholula Hot Sauce, New Era, Toyota, Medstar Health, Bacardi Rum and Maxxis Tires. United will serve as the club's air charter service provider and gains airline sponsor category rights. Papa John's will run a series of pizza box promotions, similar to what it does in the DC market with the Redskins and Capitals, and offer 50% off promos when the Nationals score five runs or more and win. Cholula will be integrated into the club's MASN broadcasts in which pitches clocked at 96 MPH and higher will feature the company's logo. New Era will have a 1,600-square-foot concept store within Nationals Park, one of its first in MLB. The store was developed along with new retail concessionaire Gameday Merchandising. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed, but club officials said the Nationals' sponsorship business is "up significantly" from '11. "The stars are starting to align for us," said Nationals VP & Managing Dir of Sponsorships & Business Development John Knebel. "We're seeing a tremendous bounce from last year, but winning is not a cure-all. We still have to continue to perform."
