BP Fuels Chicago's Crosstown Rivalry
It's tough finding common ground in a heated crosstown rivalry. In Chicago's case, it came in the form of a common sponsor. Starting in 2010, the annual Chicago Cubs-White Sox interleague series will be called the BP Crosstown Cup, named after BP Products North America, the newest corporate partner of both franchises.
“Cubs and Sox fans have always been passionate about this rivalry. The BP Crosstown Cup recognizes the excitement of winning the crosstown series,” said Chicago Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts. “In addition to bragging rights, fans will have a chance to win prizes through this promotion, which will make the series even more fun.”
Under the rules of the newly established BP Crosstown Cup, the two teams will continue to meet in a yearly six-game head-to-head series as they have since 1997. The team with the most wins in the yearly series will be formally awarded the rivalry’s namesake trophy.
“Thanks to Chicago’s baseball fans, this city is such a passionate baseball town, particularly when it comes to the White Sox vs. Cubs in interleague play,” said Chicago White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. “We think the creation of the Crosstown Cup, made possible through this unique, two-team, one-city partnership with our friends at BP, will elevate Chicago’s summer baseball rivalry to a new level for fans on both sides of town.”
As the sponsor of the BP Crosstown Cup, BP will provide Chicago baseball fans an opportunity to see and interact with the Cup trophy throughout the season at select Chicagoland retail locations and limited Cubs and White Sox home games.
BP will also host an instant-win Crosstown Cup-themed promotion at more than 350 stations in the greater Chicagoland area, allowing participants the chance to win exclusive team prizes, like the opportunity to throw the first pitch at a Cubs or White Sox home game, the chance to attend VIP batting practice experiences, as well as autographed memorabilia and a total of more than $60,000 in BP gift cards.
“BP is proud to support both of Chicago’s storied baseball franchises and bring this exciting new tradition to the many Chicago baseball fans that frequent BP sites,” said Linda Bartman, BP Fuels Marketing Communications Director. “The Cubs and White Sox are BP’s hometown teams, so this is a historic day for all of us.”
BP’s position as presenting sponsor of the Crosstown Cup will continue through the 2012 MLB season.
