The Neuroscience of Art Sponsorship

Art, like all other sectors of sponsorship, is not immune from the economic downturn. But while some business shed expenses, other brands like Rolex are sticking out art sponsorships, recognizing the powerful, if not perfectly quantifiable, consumer goodwill and relationship building value that the medium can provide. But if author Robin Wright is right, the real value of art sponsorships might...

Nike Becomes Outfitter of Choice for Texas High Schools

In the first deal of its kind between Nike and a statewide high school governing body, the apparel and equipment-maker has agreed to become the official sponsor of Texas' UIL. Though Nike will offer discounted apparel and equipment to the UIL's 1,300 member schools, each high school will still retain the right to choose their own apparel, including competing brands. From Today's American-State...

A New Category We Could All Use

Do you have a sponsor in the "relaxation beverage category?" The Annual Atlantic City Marathon does. Today they announced that RelaxZen - "the fastest growing product in the burgeoning relaxation beverage category" - will be an official sponsor of the 51st Annual Atlantic City Marathon, the fourth oldest in the country. “As an 11 time marathoner and two time Ironman finisher,” said RelaxZen'...

Are College Sports Headed The Way of the Online Ad Network?

I wanted to throw something out for discussion and I hope some of you will weigh in with your $.02. Recently, we've heard a considerable amount of chatter (both good and bad) about major sports marketing agencies making an entrance into the college sports space. First, the good... it's widely assumed that colleges will derive more revenue from the marketing muscle that these agencies bring to ...

Property of the Week: Tour of Virginia

Looking for a unique way to the more than 420,000 residents living in Roanoke and Harrisonburg areas and the more than 7.6 million people in Virginia through sports and entertainment? If so, now's the time to start thinking about 2010 opportunities like the Tour of Virginia. What is the Tour of Virginia... The Tour of Virginia is a five-day professional road cycling race and rolling street...

Links 10/23/2009

Indianapolis Spelling Bee Lacks Sponsorship, In JeopardyJordan Sneaker Dispute Spotlights College Sponsorship BusinessBarclays Renews Premier League Deal at £82.25MBoston Celtics Partner with Chipotle Mexican Grill New LG Line Hits Toronto's Fashion Week RunwayDespite recession, big 2010 Washington golf events see robust salesAre College Sports Headed The Way of the Online Ad Network?In ...

Kia Employs Scare Tactic

This may be the best sign yet that auto dealers are regaining an appetite for sponsorship. Glendale Kia is the official presenting sponsor of "Chucky's Funhouse" Maze at Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights. "Halloween Horror Nights is an ideal setting to reach Kia Soul's target demographic," said Stephanie Testa, vice president of corporate alliances of Universal Studios Par...

Mercedes-Benz Signs 4-year, $35M U.S. Open Sponsorship

Mercedes-Benz will replace Lexus as the official automobile of the U.S. Open tennis championship, starting in 2010 and running through 2013. "The partnership with the USTA aligns with our strategy to place Mercedes-Benz at the forefront of marquee events," said Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. "The Open takes place in one of our most important markets and is a...

Bacardi Serves Up Rock Hall Event Sponsorship

Bacardi will be the official spirit sponsor of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concerts at Madison Square Garden presented by American Express. Each night of the event (October 29th & 30th) will feature a different line-up, with artists including U2, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Simon & Garfunkel, Metallica, Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Cr...

U.K. Football Club Raffles Shirt Sponsorship

Europe has traditionally been ahead of the curve on new sponsorship models (just look at jersey ads!). It seems for mid-size football clubs, sponsorship raffles may actually be catching on. U.K.'s Darlington Football Club is raffling off shirt sponsorship for the upcoming season under the newly launched Business Backing Darlington Club initiative. Even if they don't walk away with the big pri...