"NFL Back On Field, And Deals Pile Up"

From the Wall Street Journal:

Reviewed by Zack Siska in KIN 332 (Section 1)

I read an article called “NFL Back On Field, And Deals Pile Up” by Matthew Futterman in the Wall Street Journal. The article discusses the new marketing sponsorships that the NFL has signed since ending the lockout. The major deal was a 10 year extension with PepsiCo Inc. The agreement could be valued at over 2 billion dollars through the 2022 playoffs, making it one of the biggest sponsorship deals in sports history. Gatorade is a Pepsi brand and PepsiCo needed to make sure the orange Gatorade coolers stayed on the sidelines.

The NFL also signed sponsorship deals with insurer USAA, Bose Corp, and General Motors. In addition to the Pepsi deal, NFL sponsorship revenue will jump 15% this year from last year. The league revenue is projected to be a record $9.5 billion. Not only are the sponsorships increasing, but the projected attendance is projected to be higher than last year.

These deals have major marketing implications within the NFL. Now that Pepsi is signed through 2022, Powerade or other sport drink companies will not get a shot at sponsoring the NFL.

"UPS, MillerCoors go in — and go big — on campus"

From the Sports Business Journal: http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2011/08/29/Marketing-and-Sponsorship/UPS-MillerCoors.aspx

Review by Dana O'Brien in KIN 332 (section 1)

UPS and MillerCoors, two large powerhouses in the sports and marketing industry are working with a number of teams and conferences in collegiate athletics. Over the years, particularly for the beer industry is has been difficult to get sponsorships with collegiate athletics. Many schools such as North Carolina won’t even accept it, they do not permit any advertising or promotion of alcoholic beverages even if its responsibility messaging. However other schools take advantage of selling beer during football, basketball and baseball games because of the revenue it generates. MillerCoors have made deals with the schools they are working with that they will provide visible responsibility messaging such as “21 means 21”. They are also not allowed to use the logos of schools on any of their products. However, Millercoors marks and school logos can appear on co-branded merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, koozies or coolers. MillerCoors is also creating a grant program called “Great Plays” which provides funds for on-campus programs that address alcohol responsibility issues. I think MillerCoors is doing enough to make sure their target market is reached and going above what is expected to ensure their best to fight against underage drinking. After all MillerCoors is a large company that merged together they are trying to find other ways to generate revenue after losing their contract with the NFL. Its going to take some time before other schools give into selling beer at their sporting events because of the underage drinking problems that could come with it. UPS has a deal with close to 70 teams and that will allow UPS to be on the ground for college football season with access to signage, TV and radio advertising, game programs, web advertising, hospitality and tickets. Many schools will be turning to UPS for their primary way to ship and logistics.

Employment Opportunities

**Rodale Inc. is currently accepting resumes for a 2011 fall internship in public relations with Runner’s World and Bicycling magazines. The Internship is open to students eligible for academic credit from an accredited college or university. The internship is based in Rodale's New York City office and is with both the Runner’s World and Bicycling brands. The intern will gain valuable experience coordinating interviews, media segments and appearances, as well as learning to pitch and promote two well-respected magazine brands. Responsibilities include writing press releases, conducting research, working events (such as the ING NYC Marathon), updating media lists, distributing press releases and assisting with mailings. The ideal candidate is interested in a career in the media or in PR with interest in sports, running and/or cycling a plus but not required. Candidate should have exceptional writing and communication skills and have the ability to handle a fast-paced environment. Preferred majors include Journalism, English or Public Relations. To apply, please send resume and references to: Alli Scheinerman, Rodale Human Resources at Allison.Scheinerman@rodale.com.

**Niagara University in Western New York is looking to bring on a new media intern for a two year cycle…great opportunity to build a career in a new media environment…send info to: hro@niagara.edu.

** Students, Interns Invited to Free Athletics Career Summit
Held in conjunction with the 2011 NACWAA National Convention, the Generation Next Summit provides resources, networking and professional and personal development opportunities for undergraduate and graduate level college female students and interns interested in pursuing careers in intercollegiate athletics.
Participants will enjoy an afternoon of educational programming, including sessions on owning your power, preparing for career success, and the history of women in athletics. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend a National Convention general session and network with key players and decision makers in athletics. Thanks to the collaboration and generous support of the NCAA, the summit is free for students and interns to attend. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, grow and succeed! https://www.nacwaa.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=63

Assistant Athletic Trainer - Oklahoma Panhandle University
Sports Information Officer - SUNY Institute of Technology