August 17, 2010

When Polo Ralph Lauren decides to celebrate a sponsorship, they certainly do it in style.

In celebration of the company’s sixth year as the Official Apparel Sponsor of the US Open Tennis Championships, they’ve decided to host the Legends Clinic, featuring Venus Williams.

…a live interactive virtual tennis clinic produced in partnership with Mercedes-Benz at New York’s SPORTIME Tennis Center on Randall’s Island on August 26 at 2:00PM EST. Tennis enthusiasts around the world will tune in as seven-time Grand Slam Champion Venus Williams answers questions, demonstrates technique and offers hints and tips on how to improve your game during this live one-hour interactive clinic. The clinic will reach a global audience as it will be streamed live online exclusively at RalphLauren.com and accessible on mobile devices at m.ralphlauren.com/USOpen.

And, as expected, Ralph Lauren will also be designing clothes to fit the occasion.  Venus Williams herself will be wearing a limited-edition Ralph Lauren/EleVen (Williams’ fashion line) dress, and a limited-edition polo shirt will be created as well.  Both will be available on-site, or online at the US Open PRL store and Ralph Lauren.com.  To add to the partnership, fifteen percent of sales will be donated to the Women’s Sports Foundation.

“…A dynamic way of connecting fashion, technology and sports in a way that has never been done before,” said David Lauren, Senior Vice President of Advertising, Marketing and Corporate Communications. “We are providing our customers around the world a unique experience to personally connect with one of the world’s premier tennis legends while she is engaged in her sport.”

So…the clinic combines fund-raising, fashion, and sports.  Lets not forget the aforementioned sponsor, Mercedes Benz.  They will be recognized at the event as well,

As part of the Legends Clinic, Mercedes-Benz, the official vehicle of the US Open Tennis Championship and presenting sponsor of the Men’s Single Championship, will highlight its new SLS AMG supercar that draws inspiration from the 1954 300SL Gullwing, a legendary car known for its iconic style and innovation.

Sounds like a great brand building event for Ralph Lauren and the various partners, and it seems like there is a lot of added value for consumers as well.  Wonder what stops Ralph Lauren will pull out for its seventh year of US Open sponsorship?

Ralph Lauren also serves as the Official outfitter of the Wimbledon Championships and will be the Proud Outfitter for the US Olympic and Paralympic Teams at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Polo Ralph Lauren also sponsors an elite roster of professional golfers, as well as the Blackwatch Polo Team.

h/t to Don Povia w/HHR for the info.

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