Baltimore-based Under Armour and its Founder, Chair & CEO Kevin Plank "have embraced" the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course, making the two brands "increasingly entwined," according to a front-page piece by Jeff Barker of the Baltimore SUN. The company's big hospitality tent "features a large Under Armour logo emblazoned on its roof," while trainers' gift bags "feature Under Armour jackets embroidered with the Preakness logo." UA "has turned the Preakness into an extended weekend for clients, celebrities and other guests, showcasing the company and, by extension, Baltimore." Past guests "have included such Under Armour endorsers" as Patriots QB Tom Brady, Panthers QB Cam Newton, Warriors G Stephen Curry and Gold Medal-winning swimmer and Baltimore native Michael Phelps. Plank "also has hosted retired boxer Mike Tyson, broadcaster Tom Brokaw and former Secretary of State Colin Powell." UA "won't say who is on the VIP guest list for Saturday's races, replying only that the star power will be similar to previous years." Plank's aides also would not "estimate the size of the investments in the Preakness through his various business entities." Barker notes Plank "recently expanded his relationship" with Preakness weekend when Sagamore Racing -- "his breeding and training operation that aspires to raise a Triple Crown winner" -- became the named sponsor of Friday's Pimlico Special. The Preakness "is a natural for Under Armour because it commands international attention and is based in the company's hometown" (Baltimore SUN, 5/15).
