BY TERRY LEFTON AND JOHN LOMBARDO
The Suns have signed an arena naming-rights deal with plant-based engineering company Footprint ahead of Saturday's Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Terms of the deal were not disclosed but the Gilbert, Ariz.-based company reportedly was seeking a minimum 10-year deal worth $9M annually. The venue will be called Footprint Center. Innovative Partnerships Group represented the Suns in the deal. Footprint develops and manufactures biodegradable and recyclable technologies and employs more than 1,200 people.
The Suns facility opened in '92 as America West Arena and has since had various names, including US Airways Center, Talking Stick Resort Arena and PHX Arena. More recently, it has been called Phoenix Suns Arena. The facility is undergoing a $230M renovation to be completed before the start of next season. The most recent NBA naming-rights deal was for the Heat’s FTX Arena, which was signed in March and valued at $135M over 19 years, for an annual average of $7.1M.
The Suns deal is another sign that sustainability has become an important sponsorship category. Last June, Amazon purchased rights for the home of the NHL’s new Seattle Kraken, calling it Climate Pledge Arena. Last October, Ball Corp. bought naming rights to the Denver arena which houses the Nuggets and Avalanche, looking to push its aluminum products as a environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. "The profile and scale of a naming-rights partnership enables brands to drive purpose driven initiatives like sustainability,'' said Peter Stern, whose agency, The Strategic Agency, handled the Denver deal and activation for Ball Corp.
Republished from SBJ.com: https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Closing-Bell/2021/07/16/Suns.aspx
The Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Real Mallorca announced today a new long-term partnership with Footprint, a material science company creating a healthier planet by reducing dependency on single- and short-term use plastics. The partnership will include naming rights and product integration, and it will exponentially amplify awareness and use of plant-based fiber alternatives to plastic and build toward a carbon-neutral, plastic-free arena. Over the next year, fans returning to the newly named Footprint Center for Suns and Mercury games or concerts and shows will begin to experience food served in Footprint’s biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable solutions as well as educational points about the positive impact of making a switch from single-use plastics in their everyday lives. Ultimately Footprint Center will become an immersive living innovation lab for fans, enterprising partners, and likeminded venue operators from around the world to visit.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Footprint to reduce the arena’s dependency on single and short-term use plastics by making Footprint Center a hub for sustainable products and packaging,” said Suns, Mercury and Real Mallorca Managing Partner Robert Sarver. “It was important to us to find a partner that could truly make a positive impact in our community and on the planet, and Footprint is a global leader that is also Arizona-based and therefore shares our commitment to the Valley. Integrating Footprint’s plant-based fiber technology into our core business functions will mobilize partners and fans to drive collective and systemic change, in our arena and beyond.”
As part of the partnership, Footprint will bring its food and beverage solutions and a team of dedicated experts to help Footprint Center become carbon-neutral and single-use plastic-free while creating a living innovation lab for food and beverage suppliers to learn more about consumer sentiment and how they can transition away from plastic. Together, they will forge solutions that can be scaled outside Footprint Center and across the industry, helping companies concerned with ESG to integrate plant-based fiber solutions that are designed to be recycled and composted into their core product lines. The first change fans will see will be plates, packaging, utensils, coolers, and other single-use plastic items that can be replaced with Footprint’s innovative plant-based technologies. Footprint Center will also feature recycling and compost containers, not trash cans, which will be serviced to make sure the recycling loop is complete.
“We have a unique opportunity with the Suns, Mercury and Real Mallorca to transform sports and entertainment experiences where fans can enjoy their food and drinks in sustainable packaging and learn more about how they can make changes in their daily lives to get rid of single-use plastics,” Footprint CEO Troy Swope said. “Together we’ll create a living innovation lab of new ideas for consumer feedback, new opportunities for our customers, and we can educate fans in a way that will create a ripple effect outside the arena. Today is just the beginning.”
Reducing dependency on single-use plastics is just one way brands and fans can take a stand for the environment. Footprint Center will set a new standard in sustainability and demonstrate what’s possible for other arenas around the world. Both organizations recognize the need for third-party vendors and suppliers to accept the challenge of eliminating single- and short-term use plastics and invite them to look to Footprint Center as a viable testing ground.
In addition to supplying some of the world’s top food brands with sustainable plant-based fiber solutions, Footprint started the Footprint Foundation, and in 2021 initiated Pledge2050, a call to action encouraging people around the world to quit single-use plastic. Athletes, entertainers, and fans coming to Footprint Center or Mallorca Stadium to perform will be invited to take the pledge. Starting in single venues can be a gateway for others to understand how to make the switch from plastic to compostable and recyclable solutions.
This partnership is a significant step forward building on the momentum of the arena transformation that began in 2020, and has included over 8,200 tons of material being diverted from a landfill, 757 tons of plastic and metal being recycled, new LED lighting in all finished spaces, new energy efficient mechanical systems with economizers for more fresh air, and reused and recycled materials used throughout the arena. Prior to the transformation, the arena transitioned to solar through partner APS in 2012; making it one of the first venues to take this step at the time.
“We believe our partnership with Footprint will put Phoenix on the map for a more sustainable future,” said Suns and Mercury chief revenue officer Dan Costello. “Taking this step will position the Valley at the forefront of the sustainability movement. A local effort to eliminate plastic and become carbon-neutral will set a standard for innovation that can spread through the city and scale throughout the sports and entertainment industry. Sustainable business is good business for our teams, the community and the environment.”
Besides having a positive impact on the Valley, this partnership will have global reach as Footprint will bring its consulting services and sustainability products and options to Real Mallorca’s stadium as well. The European Union banned single-use plastics starting July 3, 2021, which makes the adoption of new solutions an imperative.
About Footprint
Footprint provides sustainable solutions that eliminate single-use and short-term use plastics. Footprint uses material science and process engineering to design, develop and manufacture plant-based biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable products that are on par with plastic’s cost and performance. These solutions, digestible by the earth, keep harmful chemicals away from consumers and have directly already led to a redirection of 61 million pounds of plastic waste from the environment. Footprint is rapidly expanding into new categories with differentiated solutions for customers and has 2,430 U.S and foreign issued and pending patent claims. Customers include Conagra, Sweetgreen, Beyond Meat, as well as Fry’s and other national and international retail chains.
Footprint was founded in 2014 by former Intel engineers, Troy Swope and Yoke Chung. The company employs more than 1,500 employees, with operations in the U.S., Mexicali, Europe, and Asia. Footprint was named to the 2020 Fortune “Change the World” list, is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Innovators Community and was named a CNBC Disruptor 50 company in 2021.
For more information on Footprint’s sustainable solutions visit www.footprintus.com.
About Suns Legacy Partners
Led by Managing Partner Robert Sarver, Suns Legacy Partners, LLC operates the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Footprint Center. The Suns are Arizona’s original professional sports franchise anchored by 2021 Coach of the Year Monty Williams, 2021 Executive of the Year general manager James Jones and a roster featuring future Hall of Famer Chris Paul and All-Star Devin Booker. The three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury are celebrating its 25th season led by 2020 Tokyo Olympic-bound trio of Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and Skylar Diggins-Smith. Footprint Center in the heart of downtown Phoenix, recently underwent a $245 million transformation, making it the preeminent destination for sports and entertainment in the southwest.
Originally published at: https://www.nba.com/suns/footprintcenter
USA Triathlon has announced MANSCAPED as its Official Men’s Grooming Partner through 2021. MANSCAPED is a California-based company that produces industry-leading men’s grooming products; such as electric trimmers, razors, and many other hygienic formulations. MANSCAPED is especially known for its high-profile sports sponsorships dedicated to celebrated athletic and global class teams across the globe.
MANSCAPED is dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health issues and cancer risk by highlighting the importance of self-screening as a means for early detection.
“We look forward to introducing MANSCAPED’s best-in-class grooming products, along with a heavy dose of entertainment value, to the USA Triathlon multipart community” said Victoria Brumfrield, USA Triathlon Chief of Staff and Chief Sport Development Officer.
MANSCAPED will offer an exclusive discount to USA Triathlon Annual Members. They will also create additional promotions — including a national commercial spot featuring elite USAT athletes. Additionally, MANSCAPED will serve as the presenting partner of The Power within Virtual Tri to Tokyo this summer. The Virtual Tri to Tokyo is scheduled to run from July 19 to September 12 with registration opening on June 23.
Joey Kovac, Senior Director of Marketing at MANSCAPED, said “We are completely honored to be able to support [USA Triathlon] with the return of sport’s biggest stage this summer.”
MANSCAPED is a charitable and health-motivated company. They provide discounts to members of the US Armed Forces, first responders, and healthcare workers. MANSCAPED thrives off of prioritizing men’s health, wellness, values, and hygiene. Their products will help enhance race day confidence and competition through a dedication to good hygiene and grooming. This partnership will be extremely beneficial to all members of the USA Triathlon organization.
The city of Orlando has renewed its partnership with Orlando Health, incorporating new features into the longest corporate partnership in the club’s history.
Alex Leitao, Orlando City’s CEO, said “we are thrilled to be able to continue our long-standing partnership with Orlando Health.”
The partnership between Orlando Health and Orlando City, which has persisted for many years, began when the team played in the United Soccer League, during which time Orlando Health served as the Lions and Pride kit sponsor.
This new agreement includes naming rights to the training facilities of both The Pride and The Lions. The Pride train at Sylvan Lake Park and The Lions train at Osceola Heritage Park; with The Lions’ facility including two extra large fields for the Orlando City academy.
Additionally, the updated agreement includes a Orlando Health’s longstanding medical partnership, continuing their position as the provider for every team.
The agreement also includes new community outreach initiatives targeted throughout Orlando. For instance, a “Winning Women” panel will feature Orlando Pride players and will promote women’s empowerment. On top of that, the teams will partner with Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children during Kick Childhood Cancer Month and Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Andy Gardiner, senior VP of external affairs and community relations at Orlando Health, said “We’re excited to see what the future brings for our growing partnership!”
WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (PRWEB) MAY 21, 2021
Major League Soccer and HotelPlanner, the world's largest group travel booking site, today announced a strategic partnership for the upcoming 2021 MexTour. As part of the partnership, HotelPlanner will become the Official Hotel Reservations Partner of the 2021 MexTour.
The Mexican National Team’s annual U.S. tour matches have become one of the most popular global events in the sport, preselling our every available seat for each match. Since 2002, the Mexican National Team has played over 85 matches and has used the live game experience not only to prepare for important competitions such as the FIFA World Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup, but also reach their fervent fan base of supporters across North America.
The 2021 MexTour kicks off on May 29th as Mexico hosts Iceland at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX and is followed by a match against Honduras on June 12th at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Mexico plays Panama on June 30th in Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN, and the last match of the tour is Mexico vs Nigeria on July 3rd at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The website where rooms are offered is here.
The health and safety of everyone attending upcoming games will be a top priority for all those involved in hosting this tour. All local stadium protocols, which are based on current public health recommendations, will be followed. These protocols will be in place to help fans feel confident, safe, and comfortable while in attendance. All fans will be required to wear masks unless actively eating or drinking. Fans will not be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test to attend events. Stadium capacity will be in line with local guidance.
HotelPlanner CEO and co-founder Tim Hentschel spoke about the campaign saying, "We are thrilled to partner with Soccer United Marketing to encourage fans to return to the stands for the MexTour 2021. Soccer is a unifying sport, and we hope through this partnership HotelPlanner will help bring fans together.”
“It is a true honor to be working with Soccer United Marketing. They are second to none when it comes to the production of world class soccer events in North America due in large part to the Mexican National Team and unrivaled fan support,” said Dan Etna, of Innovative Partnerships Group, the agency that connected Soccer United Marketing and HotelPlanner.
This year’s MexTour can be followed on social media using the hashtag #MexTour.
About HotelPlanner
HotelPlanner is a top seller of individual hotel bookings offering member rates, the world’s largest seller of online group hotel bookings, and a leading provider of custom hotel booking solutions.
The company offers the best deals in individual, group and corporate travel by combining advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning technology to quickly serve all traveler hotel needs from a single platform.
HotelPlanner has enduring partnerships with well-known hotel chains, individual hotels, the world’s largest OTAs, large online wedding providers, ancillary lodging providers, corporations, sports franchises, universities, and government agencies.
About Soccer United Marketing
Over the past 16 years, Soccer United Marketing (SUM), the commercial arm of Major League Soccer, has become the preeminent commercial soccer enterprise in North America, overseeing the commercialization, marketing, promotion and operational execution of the region’s most successful soccer entities. Currently, SUM holds the exclusive rights to Major League Soccer, the United States Soccer Federation, the Mexican National Team (for the United States market), and Concacaf Properties (Gold Cup™ and Concacaf Champions League). In addition, SUM held the promotional and commercial rights to the highly successful 2016 Copa America Centenario. Other sponsors for this year’s event include Adidas, Allstate, AT&T, Bud Light, General Mills, The Home Depot, Nissan, Gran Centenario Tequila, and Wells Fargo.
About Innovative Partnerships Group
Los Angeles-based Innovative Partnerships Group is a leader in developing long-term, revenue-generating business relationships between global brands and high-profile sports and entertainment venues as well as other prestige properties. The company’s proprietary Partnership Intelligence™ system allows properties and brands to accurately assess the value of these deals and compare their impact to traditional media advertising. For more information, visit https://ipg360.com.
Originally Published at PRWeb
Originally published in Sports Business Journal.
Jeff Marks’ Innovative Partnerships Group has won an agency shootout to assist the Suns in selling title to the city-owned downtown Phoenix arena, per SBJ's Terry Lefton. The Suns own all their media rights, so the package could be reasonably customized. Sources said the team was going out with an asking price of around $9 million a year and seeking a minimum 10-year deal.
The venue opened in 1992 as America West Arena and has since had various nameplates, including US Airways Center, Talking Stick Resort Arena and PHX Arena. More recently, it's been called Phoenix Suns Arena, largely as a placeholder. The facility is undergoing a $230 million renovation, about 80% of which is completed, with the rest scheduled to be finished before the next NBA season.
Suns CRO Dan Costello said IPG's "ability to story tell" was key in the selection. "They really understood our vision,” he said. To date, that vision, supported by corporate sponsors PayPal and Verizon, has been one of positioning the arena as a tech hub, “showcasing innovation and serving the increasingly digital savvy fans,” Costello said. As a result of Arizona in April becoming the 26th state to legalize sports betting, the arena will reopen with a 6,300-square-foot sportsbook.
The Suns’ gaudy 51-win season, their best in more than a decade, should help sell the naming rights. Costello said it has already propelled the team to a league-leading number of new season tickets sold this year.
Read the full article at latimes.com
A new Shake Shack has opened inside of Dodgers Stadium and many Californians are asking themselves: Why not In-N-Out? In-N-Out is an LA staple while Shake Shack has it's origins in NYC.
The LA Times dug a little deeper on this question, and in doing so, found that In-N-Out has a reputation for not opening locations inside of sports venues. According to a quote from In-N-Out COO Denny Warwick: "Sponsorship of a major sports team, stadium or arena, isn’t a strategy that we have chosen to take advantage of."
If that doesn't sound definitive enough, LA Times spoke to Innovative Partnerships Group CEO Jeff Marks to get his take on the situation, who said that he doesn't pursue In-N-Out for partnerships at all.
“I haven’t called them in 10 years,” Marks said.
According to Marks, sports teams, the Dodgers included, would want to include the concession rights in a broader sponsorship deal that could include broadcast advertisements, social media promotions, stadium signage, hospitality suites and more. He said such deals typically cover multiple years and cost six or seven figures.
He said some restaurants fret over quality control in a ballpark setting. And, even as fans expect to pay a premium for ballpark food, Marks said some restaurants worry about negative reaction from consumers.
For more details, read the rest of the story at latimes.com.
Innovative Partnerships Group is looking for innovative thinkers to join our 2025 Internship Program. Candidates must have a business-minded approach with a versatile skill set, strong instincts, and a ‘get stuff done’ mindset. Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with all Innovative Partnerships Group studios (Consultative Business Development, Valuation & Consulting, Creative Solutions, and IP & Asset Creation).
Our interns in the Consultative Business Development department will primarily support IPG’s CEO and Business Development team members in activities focused on lead generation, prospect research, proposal development, and outbound sales efforts. Additional time will be spent with the Partnership Solutions team where you will be able to learn from best-in-class professionals on how to build relationships with clients, develop strategies, and effectively plan, manage, & execute projects.
Innovative Partnerships Group is a leading commercial consulting and analytics firm at the intersection of sports and entertainment and more. Our focus is on long-term revenue generation through partnership marketing. Our firm is a globally recognized organization that consults with prestige properties and as well as global brands to help maximize their sponsorship/partnership investments. We hold deep expertise in B2B partnerships, naming rights, foundational and sponsorship partnerships with a focus on sports and entertainment districts. We successfully execute on these partnerships through its proprietary Partnership Intelligence software that provides quantitative results for media and programs/platforms as well as the direct/indirect revenue potential for both properties and brands. Additional information is available at www.ipg360.com
At Innovative Partnerships Group, our core values are what bring us together and drive us to do big things for our partners. We commit to excellence for our clients, inspire, have fun, collaborate through leadership and always, act with empathy and respect. We are looking for the right individual to embody these values and communicate them to the future recruits.
To apply, please send your PDF resume along with a written response to the following prompt to hr@ipg360.com
Fall 2025 applications are open.
Please follow the instructions above to APPLY! We will also have a later start date available to accommodate varying school schedules.
Originally published in the Sports Business Journal.
QBFC will construct and operate a 100% privately-financed 7,500-seat modular stadium on the campus of York College
(more…)WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – (BUSINESS WIRE) – HotelPlanner, the leading online provider of group hotel bookings and a premier seller of individual hotel stays worldwide has announced a new partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), the parent company for the New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia 76ers, and Prudential Center.
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