Memphis Int'l Airport on Thursday signed a three-year, $530,000 deal with the Grizzlies that includes G Tony Allen as the airport's "pitchman for at least a year," according to Wayne Risher of the Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL. The deal "won’t fully take hold until next season," but the airport board "granted quick approval in hopes the Grizzlies go deep into the playoffs." The board "voted 5-1 to approve the deal." Board member Pace Cooper "recused himself from voting because he is a Grizzlies minority partner." Airport officials said that their marketing agency "has a separate, one-year, $44,000 agreement with Allen," who has two years remaining on his Grizzlies contract. If Allen is released or traded, the agreement "allows the airport to pursue another player." The money will go "toward advertising, events at the airport and at FedExForum and promotions including giveaways of tickets and airfare for Grizzlies’ away games." The campaign would "begin in the second round of the playoffs, if the Grizzlies advance." Fans can expect to see "airport-branded Growl Towels distributed to fans if the Grizzlies reach the second round." The campaign "will show up on billboards and in emails in May" (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 4/17).
