Sports Sponsorships

Toys "R" Us is expanding its partnership with the Special Olympics with a whopping $1.25 million commitment toward sponsoring the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.

The Games, which will welcome 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, to Los Angeles, Calif., from July 25 to Aug. 2, is the flagship event of the Special Olympics and biggest sporting event of the year. The 2015 World Games marks the first time in 16 years that the Summer World Games have been held in the United States.

Louisville, Ky. – Papa John’s International Inc. is taking its Super Bowl focus off trivial football inflation concerns and on something that matters – free pizza. Customers who place a minimum order of $15 on Papajohns.com using promo code SUPERBOWL between Thursday, Jan. 29 and Sunday, Feb. 1 will receive a free large pizza with up to three toppings on their next order beginning Monday, Feb. 2 through Sunday, February 22.

Santa Monica, Calif. -- Mall owner Macerich is hosting a large-scale, week-long public event at its Scottsdale Fashion Square property, as a tie-in to the NFL’s Super Bowl XLIX showdown on Feb. 1 between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Fan Fest Scottsdale, held Jan. 26-Feb. 1, is designed to attract thousands of fans converging on metro Phoenix for pro football's biggest game of the year.  

Atlanta -- PGA Tour Superstore, which is backed by Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank, has signed a multi-year national partnership agreement with Golf Channel that includes a brand integration program and a strategic media buy.

The PGA TOUR Superstore only operates 22 locations but it just signed a deal with the Golf Channel that should do wonders for brand awareness in a category that has proven challenging for mass market retailers.

Footwear retailer sales could be in for a “Boost” this spring thanks to a pricy introduction from Adidas backed by some big name athletes and a bold marketing claim.

Adidas contends its new Ultra BOOST shoe is “the greatest running shoe ever,” and for $180 it better be. It goes on sale next month in time for the Spring running season.

Walmart is supporting a trio of professional anglers on the competitive fishing circuit this year in an ongoing effort to align itself with sport that resonates with the retailer’s core customers.

The roster of talent Walmart is supporting this year includes 16 year Walmart FLW Tour veteran Mark Rose, 18 year veteran David Dudley and newcomer Nicole Jacobs.

New York -- Bloomingdale’s is celebrating the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) 64th NBA All-Star Game in a big way with 16 basketball-inspired in-store pop-up shops filled with NBA team and All-Star merchandise.