Sports Business Digest » Fringe Sports

Belmont Stakes sells-out tickets in 5 minutes

Emmett Jones — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:40:13 +0000

What a difference a Triple Crown contender makes. The Thoroughbread Times is reporting that reserved seat tickets for the Belmont Stakes sold out in under 5 minutes when a block of 3,000 tickets went on sale via Ticketmaster yesterday morning. Of course, this year's Belmont has a little more added incentive after I'll Have Another won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in exciting fashion. Roughly half of the seats at Belmont were sold at the start of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday. Since the end of the Preakness, there has been a mini-rush for tickets, with the New York Racing Association reporting that approximately 5,000 more seats have been sold since the race's end. While the Belmont can hold 32,000, they have the ability to increase capacity for high-demand events like a potential Triple Crown winner. 1,000 more seats will be available for the Belmont starting on Wednesday. While online reserved ticket prices range somewhere between $20 to $120 depending on your seat, secondary tickets are presently going for nearly $1,000 on secondary ticket market website, Stub Hub. The last potential Triple Crown winner, Big Brown, pulled in more than 90,000 fans during his 2008 Triple Crown bid.

Dale Earnhart goes “Dark” for Dark Knight Rises

Emmett Jones — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:52:23 +0000

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Mountain Dew are apparently big fans of Batman. Earnhardt and Mountain Dew are teaming up to launch an interactive The Dark Knight campaign. Under the campaign, fans will have the power to determine which of four "Dark Knight" inspired color schemes will appear on Earnhardt's Chevrolet car for his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway the weekend of June 15th. Continuing with the Batman theme, Earnhardt will also receive his own customized "Dark Knight" fire suit for that weekend's race.

“I’ve always been a big fan of the Batman movies, so having a special The Dark Knight Rises-inspired paint scheme on my car is pretty cool for me,” explained Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 88 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. “I had some creative input on one of the designs, but no matter which one the fans select, it’s going to look pretty awesome flying around the track at Michigan.” (via Press Release)

Voting will take place on the "Dew Crew" website through May 22nd. The winning design will be unveiled during Hendrick Motorsports Fan Fest on May 25th.

“Dale Earnhardt Jr. is kicking off our new DEW The Dark Knight Rises campaign with some serious momentum,” said Brett O’Brien, Vice President of Marketing for Mountain Dew. “DEW, Dale Jr. and ‘The Dark Knight’ fans are collectively the most passionate and vocal consumers out there, and we’re excited to get them in on the action from the beginning.”

For more information on the promotion, you can visit Mountain Dew's Facebook page, or follow Mountain Dew (@mtn_dew) on Twitter.

“Beats by Usain Bolt” with Soul Electronics

Emmett Jones — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:10:37 +0000

The world of celebrity-branded headphones just became a little bit larger...and a whole lot faster. SOUL Electronics and Jamaican sprinter/World's fastest man, Usain Bolt have entered in to a branding agreement. Under the agreement Bolt will represent the SOUL brand in various events and marketing campaigns throughout the year and he will also partner with SOUL to bring out his own special edition headphones. SOUL is most notably known for their SOUL by Ludacris headphone series, which features the rapper, Ludacris. The headphones are expected to debut this summer...just in time for the Olympics.

Usain Bolt noted, "I work hard at attaining my goals and in addition, I always try to inspire others to work hard and attain their dreams. I am looking forward to working with SOUL to deliver this message." (via Press Release)

Besides his new role as a "Brand Ambassador" for SOUL, Bolt will also be featured in SOUL's "SOUL of Greatness" video series, which is a series of inspirational videos which encourage people to strive for their goals. With the Olympics only happening once every four years, this is certainly the time to capitalize off of the marketability of the participants, because they will be on display during the 16-day event (see: Hope Solo). Especially, with the expanded coverage that NBC is providing, you could easily argue that the popular figures that come out of these Olympic games may be the most visible, and most marketable Olympic stars to date.

Hope Solo endorses Simple Skincare line

Emmett Jones — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:21:42 +0000

Team USA goalkeeper Hope Solo was already one of the few stars off of the US Women's National team to garner national attention.. She's used that newfound fame to land herself another endorsement deal...this time in the skin care line. Solo was recently named a spokesperson for Simple, a skincare brand manufactured by Unilever,

Simple is the first and only line of mass facial skincare products designed especially for those with sensitive skin. Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, Simple has no dyes, artificial perfumes or harsh irritants that can upset your skin, just our purest possible skin-loving ingredients with added vitamins, for natural healthy-looking skin. Simple, the UK's No. 1 Facial Skincare brand,** launched in the U.S. in February 2012 with 13 products – cleansers, moisturizers, eye care products and wipes – that are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and pH balanced to gently yet effectively address the needs of the 58% of women with sensitive skin*. Simple is sold at all mass-market retailers and drug stores, as well as online.

To capitalize on Solo's exposure with the upcoming Olympics, Simple is running the "Hope's Simple Skincare Escape" contest. The grand prize winner of the contest will win a 4-day trip to Los Angeles, where they will spend a day with Solo, and share her skin care secrets.

"My philosophy is look good, feel good, play good – and I live by this everyday," said Hope Solo. "Simple looks at skincare the way that I look at life – the choices I make have an impact on my skin and I am mindful of maintaining a balance. I'm happy to finally have products I can rely on and share my experiences with other women."

The promotion will run until July 17, 2012. More information can be found at Escape With Hope

Nike replaces Umbro as Man City uniform manufacturer

Emmett Jones — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:48:15 +0000

Manchester City is continuing to increase in notoriety both on and of the pitch. Fresh off the club's 1-0 win over Manchester United last week, which was broadcast to American audiences by ESPN, comes the announcement that Manchester City will officially name Nike as the team's official uniform sponsor beginning in the 2013-2014 season. The club currently has a deal with England-based Umbro, a Nike subsidiary. While the move is nothing more than a vertical move within the Nike conglomerate, there is certainly something to be said from Man City generating enough interest to have Nike take over distribution and manufacturing duties.

As it stands now, Umbro's sponsorship will continue until the end of the 2012-2013 season -- Umbro has been Man City's uniform sponsor since 2009 -- after which Nike will manufacture and design all Man City uniforms, and any other ancillary products that are related, until 2019.

“We are delighted to have further strengthened our relationship with the Nike family,” said John MacBeath, interim CEO of Manchester City. “Nike's deserved reputation as the leading global sports brand, its unparalleled research and development capacity, leading global retail distribution networks and award winning marketing capabilities, mean that this is a very important step forward in the evolution of Manchester City.”

Currently Man City sits tied with Manchester United for first place in the Premier League, with Man City holding a tie breaker due to head-to-head competition.

Chelsea, AC Milan to meet in World Football Challenge match

Emmett Jones — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:55:16 +0000

Who said America doesn't love fútbol? The World Football Challenge just became that much bigger as England's Chelsea FC and Italy's AC Milan have been added to the event. The two storied clubs will play in Miami's Sun Life Stadium on July 28th. The match came about through a partnership between RSE Ventures, CAA Sports, and the MLS.

"We're excited to team up with CAA Sports and MLS to bring two of the most successful clubs in the world to Miami," said Matt Higgins, CEO of RSE Ventures. "We're pleased Chelsea FC and AC Milan are coming to the home of international soccer for an unforgettable match. Working with the Dolphins and Sun Life Stadium, we plan a full line up of summer soccer in what promises to be an annual tradition in Miami." (vis Press Release)

The World Football Challenge, now in its third year focuses on bringing together celebrated soccer clubs across the world and having them play in venues across North America. The event drew more than half a million fans last year, and this summer's match-ups would tend to lead most to believe that that attendance number will be reached again.

"Miami is a soccer hotbed," said Mike Dee, CEO of the Miami Dolphins. "This announcement continues the tradition of bringing world-class events to our facility."

Tickets for the event go on sale Thursday, May 10 through all Ticketmaster outlets. They start as low as $29.

"We look forward to working with RSE Ventures, CAA Sports and Major League Soccer to help make a positive and tangible impact through creative and innovative branding around this great game," said Peter Murray, CEO of Insignia Sports and Entertainment. "The demand for soccer in South Florida is at an all-time high and the fan experience at this event will be second to none."

Besides the Chelsea, AC Milan event at Sun Life, the World Football Challenge will include other prestigious match-ups including Real Madrid versus the MLS' LA Galaxy, and Chelsea vs. Paris Saint-Germain; the first ever soccer match at the new Yankees Stadium. The 2012 World Football Challenge begins this July.

The X Games Expand

Travis_Schluter — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:53:11 +0000

Tuesday morning ESPN announced the X Games will have three new host cities in 2013. Barcelona, Spain; Munich, Germany; and Foz do Iguacu, Brazil will be added to the list of current hosts Aspen, Colorado; Tignes, France; and Los Angeles, California. The X Games schedule will begin in January and last through August, having four summer events and two in the winter.

Senior Vice President of programming and X Games, Scott Guglielmino met with ESPN reporters Tuesday afternoon.

"Action sports are a collection of activities that we think travels really well around the world. The reality of what we're doing here is we've created this huge stage for action-sports athletes, and we're taking that global now. We're providing an even larger platform for them to participate in and perform at, and grow themselves."

Latin America has rich history and houses one of the most enthusiastic action-sports cultures in the world. The three new hosts for the games were hand picked out of nine contestants.

"A lot of our decision on which cities to select was based on their action-sports culture and our point of view on how strong it was," Guglielmino said.

Munich and Barcelona have already staged Summer Olympic Games and are more than equipped to spotlight the high paced action of the X Games. The lesser-known city of Foz do Iguaçu located on the Brazil-Argentinian border has a splendid action-sports community. Surrounded by natural parks and hundred foot waterfalls, this backdrop to the X Games will be something fans of the sport have never experienced.

Along with the new venues; music, style, and overall film elements of the games will be receiving a complete and total revamp.

"We call it a transformation from an action-sports competition brand into an action-sports lifestyle brand with relevance to contemporary youth around the world," Guglielmino said. He boasted the uniqueness of each city and the upgrade in overall flavor they will bring to the X Games brand.

X Games 2013 Schedule

Jan. 24-27: Aspen, Colo. March 20-22: Tignes, France April 18-21: Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil May 9-12: Barcelona, Spain June 27-30: Munich, Germany Aug. 1-4: Los Angeles

DC United to remain at RFK Stadium upon finalization of new lease deal

Emmett Jones — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:39:05 +0000

It appears for all intents and purposes as if D.C. United will be playing at RFK stadium for the team's 17th season as well. Both the club and RFK stadium are close to reaching an agreement on a new lease that will keep the MLS club playing at the 51 year old facility. RFK Stadium currently has no other tenants. There had been speculation that the club would seek another viable, more cost-friendly solution as they explored the idea of a new stadium (playing games at the University of Maryland had previously been considered), but with D.C. United's MLS season beginning on March 10th, any idea of an alternative solution has at least temporarily, been put on hold. D.C. United President Kevin Payne speaking on the issue,

“We obviously awkwardly have not made a formal announcement yet, but given the timing I think it’s safe to assume we will be playing at RFK. We do expect an announcement shortly of a new relationship with Events D.C.” (via Washington Post)

As for potentially playing in a new stadium, talks are still continuing, with many hopeful that a new stadium deal is completed due to the District's improving financial shape.

Everlast signs deal with MMA champion Melendez

Emmett Jones — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:52:37 +0000

Fresh off of his defeat of Jorge Masvidal on Saturday, MMA lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez has yet another belt to add to his collection.

Melendez has agreed to an exclusive equipment contract/endorsement deal with fitness apparel company Everlast.

Under the agreement, Melendez will continue to exclusively use Everlast equipment for his training needs, while also playing a role in direct-to-consumer/retail marketing initiatives . The fitness apparel company will also become the official equipment sponsor of Melendez’s gym — El Nino Training Center.

“Gilbert Melendez is the perfect athlete to add to the Everlast stable of fighters,” said Matt Cowan, VP of Marketing and Products for Everlast. “He is focused, driven and at the apex of the sport of mixed martial arts. His dedication and strength make him a natural fit for our brand.”

“Becoming a member of the Everlast team is the next step toward realizing my goals in this sport,” said Melendez. “Having the support of such a great company both personally and at the gym level has relieved some of the stress of training and allowed me to primarily focus on my upcoming title defense. I am excited to be a brand ambassador for the best fight sports brand in the world!” (via Press Release)

Details on Everlast and all of its products can be found on the Everlast website.

Adidas extends UEFA partnership through 2017-2018 season

Emmett Jones — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:34:30 +0000

UEFA and Adidas have decided to extend their long term partnership.

The agreement, which will now continue through the 2017-2018 season will see Adidas continue as the official supplier partner of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup. Every match up and until the conclusion of the 2017-18 season will use Adidas match balls, with Adidas designing new match balls for each season and the UEFA playoffs.

Commenting on the agreement, David Taylor, CEO of UEFA Events SA, said: “We are very pleased that adidas has chosen to renew and further extend its agreement with UEFA for our European club football competitions. This extension proves the strength of our business relationship and ensures that adidas remains at the heart of European club football. Our continued collaboration will bring new opportunities for the promotion of the very best of European football to a worldwide audience.” (via UEFA)

Under the agreement Adidas will also provide various products for both tournaments, including a “Champions League corner” in all Adidas shops, special kits for match officials, and various accessories for the finals of each competition.