The Australian Open today unveiled a host of new world-class sponsors.
The strength of the global Australian Open brand has been further reinforced with three prestigious international companies signing on as new Associate Sponsors, and another two new sponsorship agreements confirmed – all within the past five months.
Kia Motors will enter its ninth year as Major Sponsor of the Australian Open in 2010. The Korean giant continues to be one of the world’s largest car manufacturers and produces a diverse range of vehicles sold in 190 countries. Kia is proud of its ongoing sponsorship of the Australian Open, with unique experiences for fans of all ages planned for Australian Open 2010.
ANZ, Jacob’s Creek and Rolex have all signed on as Associate Sponsors of the Australian Open for three years, the most substantial new sponsorship line-up in the history of the tournament.
• ANZ, one of Australia’s ten largest companies and one of the top 40 banks in the world, will begin a three-year partnership with the Australian Open in 2010. A highlight of ANZ’s on-site presence promises to be the very cool Ice Cube on Grand Slam Oval, a custom-built oasis allowing tennis fans to escape the heat and chill out.
• Australia’s best known wine brand, Jacob’s Creek, has signed on to become Associate Sponsor of the Australian Open for three years. Jacob’s Creek will enhance the experience of wine and tennis lovers at the Australian Open with the Jacob’s Creek Wine Bar on Grand Slam Oval and Jacob’s Creek Open House on the Concourse.
• Rolex has upgraded its involvement from Australian Open Partner to Associate Sponsor, reinforcing its relationship with the sport. Rolex is official timekeeper for two of the four Grand Slams – Wimbledon and the Australian Open.
• Lacoste is an iconic French brand with a pedigree linked to the history of tennis. From 2010, Lacoste has elevated its Australian Open activation from Sponsor to Partner. In this second year of its five-year agreement, Lacoste is providing apparel for on-court and off-court personnel, including the MLC Ballkids and Australian Open staff. Lacoste will also present exciting on-site retail opportunities, such as the Lacoste Clubhouse on Grand Slam Oval.
• MLC is proud to continue Aviva’s commitment to the Australian Open, with more than 320 MLC Ballkids taking to the court in 2010. Young tennis enthusiasts can play tennis at the MLC Tennis Hot Shots courts in Garden Square, and patrons can freshen up by collecting a cool neck wrap from the MLC Marquee on Grand Slam Oval.
• Optus has re-signed as Official Telecommunications Provider for a further two years. The Optus commitment to tennis includes support of the Optus Junior Tour and the Optus Australian Wheelchair Tennis team. Optus aims to encourage tennis competition for all Australians.
• Cussons Pure has come on board as Official Supplier of Personal Care Products. The Cussons Pure range will be a treat for the world’s top players, and the public won’t miss out – there are plans for a fun Cussons Pure experience for fans on Grand Slam Oval.
Tennis Australia’s CEO Steve Wood said, “In this time of economic uncertainty, the Australian Open holds strong as an important international brand in the world of sport and business.
“Research has shown the event annually brings more than AUD$240 million into the domestic economy, and this year we enjoyed record-breaking attendances, viewing audiences, media coverage and internet hits.
“The Australian Open has proved it can deliver definitive sponsorship benefits to prestigious international brands, and with our presenting sponsor, Kia Motors, we are delighted to welcome new Associate Sponsors, ANZ, Jacob’s Creek and Rolex, along with new sponsor, Cussons Pure.
“It is gratifying to see sponsors such as Rolex, who started with us as a partner, and Jacob’s Creek, as a supplier, both realising the value of increasing their commitment to the Associate Sponsor level.
“We look forward to working with both our new and existing sponsors to deliver the best ever Australian Open in 2010.”
No comments posted
