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MLS Columbus Crew SC

Crew Announces Additions and Renewals of Corporate Partnerships

April 7, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS - The Columbus Crew announced that Chipotle, Koorsen Fire & Security, ReVision and Windows have entered corporate partnerships with the Crew in 2014. The Black & Gold have also renewed partnerships with CheckSmart, Columbia Gas, G&J Pepsi, Kroger, Medical Mutual and Modelo. The agreements strengthen both the club's and its partners' brand presence in the Columbus community and at Crew Stadium. Further details of the terms of the renewal agreements were not disclosed.

"We are proud that these new and returning partners recognize the excitement and opportunity surrounding this new era of Crew soccer," said Chris Previte, Crew Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. "Our partners share the vision of our ownership to grow the presence of the Crew brand in Central Ohio and throughout the region."

Chipotle is a new partner with the Columbus Crew in 2014 as the "Official Fast-Casual Mexican Restaurant of the Crew and MLS" and is the presenting sponsor of the first-ever Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game during the AT&T MLS All-Star Week in August. With the Crew, Chipotle receives field board signage, digital assets and an in-stadium promotion featuring local youth soccer players as the "Chipotle Youth Homegrown Athlete" during (10) Crew home matches. Additionally, a buy-one-get-one-free promotion with Central Ohio stores kicked off the opening match, and a text-to-win fly-away promotion to the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game and AT&T MLS All-Star Game are set to take place. Finally, sponsorship of a youth soccer clinic and hospitality is highlighted by Crew Homegrown player Wil Trapp.

"At the core of our effort to change the way people think about and eat fast food is our commitment to finding better, more sustainable sources for all of the ingredients we use," said Mark Crumpacker, Chipotle's chief marketing and development officer. "That value is one that is often shared by people with an active lifestyle. This partnership with MLS will allow us to further engage consumers in a sport we have long supported through grassroots efforts."

Koorsen Fire & Security is a new partner of the Columbus Crew in 2014. They have a presence on Crew radio broadcasts, including the Koorsen Fire & Security Standings Update. In addition to sponsoring the popular "Black & Gold Breakdown" digital feature on TheCrew.com, they also have LED signage in the stadium and hospitality elements.

"The Columbus Crew have been a fantastic partner, and we are so excited to show our support through our sponsorship this year," said Dale Underwood, District Manager of Koorsen Fire & Security. "The Crew is such a great asset to our city and we feel honored to be in a position where we are capable of cheering them on in a big way."

The Crew's "Official LASIK Provider" is ReVision, partnering with the Crew players and front office. Headed into the 2014 season, ReVision teamed with Homegrown Players Wil Trapp and Matt Lampson to improve their vision and change the way they see the game.

"We at ReVision pride ourselves on excellence, and that's why we're proud to partner with an organization that we believe exemplifies the same quality, standards and commitment to Columbus and the Crew," said Dr. James Schumer of ReVision. "I'm also personally honored that The Crew players and organization have placed their trust in us with their vision."

Microsoft Windows 8 will be on site at Crew Stadium on Saturday, May 10 and Saturday, August 23, where they are set to host an interactive zone in the plaza with premium giveaways and opportunities to test out Windows 8 products.

"Microsoft Windows is excited to support the MLS and Columbus Crew in 2014. We look forward to meeting Crew fans at select games this season," said Jennifer Coveny, Senior Experiential Marketing Manager - Global Campaigns & Brand. "Fans will have opportunities to check out some of the latest Windows features, keep up to date on Crew news on the MLS App and show your support through our #WEWILLWIN sweepstakes."

On board for year three of its partnership with the Crew, the CheckSmart renewal includes Crew Soccer Foundation Programs, Kicks for Kids and the Field Refurbishment Program. Along with Crew community events, CheckSmart has also re-committed to the Associate Sponsorship of the Hispanic Heritage Night and La Mega 103.1 FM radio feature "Keys to the Match." LED Field Board signage is included as well. CheckSmart's philanthropic mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities in which they do business through financial support and the encouragement of volunteer service. Through the partnership, CheckSmart will become a VIP Sponsor of the Crew Soccer Foundation's flagship program, Kicks for Kids. CheckSmart will provide tickets to underprivileged youth and local children's organizations who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience a Columbus Crew match.

Columbia Gas expanded their partnership for the 2014 season, adding LED field board assets to go along with their renewal as an MVP Supporter of the Kicks for Kids Program, print ads, digital and team support with hospitality.

G&J Pepsi renews their partnership with exclusivity in the carbonated soft drink and water categories as the "Official Soft Drink of the Columbus Crew and Crew Stadium." Additionally, the partnership includes LED and Stadium signage, in-game promotion as the presenting sponsor of the Dr. Pepper T-shirt cannon and the Crew Stadium Souvenir Cup. Additionally, they are in-market sponsor for La Michoacana Hispanic audience, the Crew Soccer Foundation, various player appearances, ads for Crew broadcasts and hospitality.

"Pepsi, the Official Soft drink of MLS, and G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers, Inc., have been proud supporters of the Columbus Crew since opening kick of the first game in Columbus," said John Dougherty, Senior Vice President of Field Sales for G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers, Inc. "One of our premier brands, Dr. Pepper, has also supported the patrons at Crew Stadium with commemorative cups, T-shirts, in-stadium and market-wide promotions to help create fan excitement and refreshment. We pledge to stand tall and be massive with the Crew in their drive to MLS Cup."

Kroger returns as the presenting sponsor of the Crew's "Hometown Heroes" military recognition program, featured at all Crew home matches during a special pre-game ceremony. Additionally, they serve as the Associate Sponsor of Dare to Care's "Active Bodies, Active Minds" community relations program, designed to emphasize and reward kids for leading a well-rounded life that includes physical and mental activity. Returning in 2014, Kroger will be an Associate Sponsor of Dare to Care's "Casting With the Crew" fishing event and serve as a Support Sponsor for the Crew's 5K race in addition to receiving LED field-level signage.

"We're happy to continue our partnership with The Columbus Crew in several capacities," said Jackie Siekmann, spokesperson for Kroger's Columbus Division. "What a better way to team up with The Crew than to celebrate our Hometown Heroes. To use our collaboration to pay tribute to the men and women who serve our country is a great honor, and we're proud to continue this partnership."

Medical Mutual returns as the "Official Health Insurer of the Columbus Crew." They have a presence in the stadium with signage, are a Presenting Sponsor of theInside the Crewradio show on 95.5 The Game and a supporter of the Kicks for Kids charitable ticket program.

"The Columbus Crew is a tremendous asset to Central Ohio," said Amber Hulme, Vice President of Medical Mutual's Central and Southern Ohio Commercial Business Unit. "We are excited about our long partnership and look forward to continuing to serve as the official health insurer of the Crew."

Modelo renews their partnership as the "Exclusive Mexican Import Beer of the Columbus Crew." Activation elements include beer and ticket sponsorship and support of the La Michoacana Market promotion, connecting the Crew to its Hispanic audience. For five games this season, Heidelberg will be the title sponsor of the new Modelo Ticket & Beer bundle. The package, new to Crew Stadium in 2014, allows for a $29 ticket that includes a seat for the match in Section 135 and two beers with cornhole and other activities on the stage.

"Heidelberg Distributing is excited to partner with the Columbus Crew for a second year," said Marty Thomas, Brand Manager at Heidelberg Distributing. "This year, with brands such as Modelo Especial and Corona Extra, we encourage Crew Fans to Dare to Be Especial."

The 3-1-0 Crew travels to face the San Jose Earthquakes this week on Sunday, April 13 (3:00 p.m. ET / Time Warner Cable SportsChannel) with a two-match road winning streak on the line.

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