Sports Sponsorships

NASCAR fans will become very familiar with Target, if they aren't already, as the retailer plans to expand its presence in NASCAR during the Sprint All-Star and Coca Cola 600 race weeks. In addition to being the presenting sponsor of the Blake Shelton pre-race concert, Target will have nine branded race carts providing samples of their grocery items in the campgrounds surrounding Charlotte Motor Speedway, a Target Taste Wagon as well as a Target Shuttle that will provide fans transportation to the Target in Kannapolis, N.C.

Chicago -- The Network of Executive Women (NEW) is honoring Michael Duke, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, with its William J. Grize Diversity Hall of Fame Award, on June 28 during Women's Day at the LPGA in Rogers Ark.

The award, named after the late CEO of Ahold USA, who was an early advocate of industry diversity, is bestowed upon industry leaders who have demonstrated “an enduring commitment to the advancement of women and to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace,” NEW stated.

Opening day for Major League Baseball is April 5, and Target was on its promotional game this past weekend featuring assortments of MLB licensed products in its weekly ad.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Olympic gold medalists Dara Torres (swimming), Mia Hamm (soccer) and Lindsey Vonn (skiing) will star in Kohl's latest marketing campaign. Debuting on March 19, the new campaign titled “Shop to Win,” follows each of the three female athletes as they experience Kohl’s extensive fashion assortment, world-class brands and incredible value, the company said in a press release. It is the first time Kohl’s has used Olympic athletes in its marketing efforts.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR has honored Office Depot with the 2011 NASCAR Driving Business Award for its leadership  and results through their participation in the NASCAR Fuel for Business Council (NFFB). 

The award was bestowed upon NASCAR’s Official Office Supply Partner at a ceremony in Las Vegas during the most recent NFFB Council Meeting. Office Depot is also the co-primary sponsor of reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, Tony Stewart, and the No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet.

Target will forever be associated with the weirdest Daytona 500 ever after the car it sponsors was mysteriously involved in a single car accident that caused a huge on-track fire and a two-hour delay that caused the already rained-delayed race to finish after midnight on Monday.

There’s a lot going this week at the Daytona, Fla., area Walmart stores as NASCAR gears up for the start of its season with the Daytona 500. Between special activities in store parking lots and promotions involving NASCAR merchandise, Walmart has effectively positioned itself as the one-stop destination for race fans. While the Daytona 500 is a big deal, it’s really just a warm up act for Walmart.

Tune in this Sunday for the running of the Daytona 500 (coverage begins at noon on Fox) and see whether this is the year Juan Pablo Montoya pilots the number 42 Target Chevrolet to victory.