Crew Announces Additions and Renewals of Corporate Partnerships

April 7, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS) Columbus Crew 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."

Read this article:
Crew Announces Additions and Renewals of Corporate Partnerships