Panini America Teams With NFL Players for NFLPA Rookie Debut in Conjunction With 2011 NFL Draft
Leading trading card and memorabilia company to enjoy exclusive access to more than 20 top NFL Draft prospects during three-day event in NYC
Panini America, the world’s largest sports and entertainment collectibles company and the exclusive trading card partner of the 2011 NFL Draft, announced today that it has joined as a sponsor of this week’s NFLPA Rookie Debut in New York City.
The event, now in its second year, kicks off Thursday and will be attended by more than 20 of the top draft-eligible players, including Cam Newton, Mark Ingram, Von Miller, Marcell Dareus, A.J. Green, Blaine Gabbert and Julio Jones.
“To us, these players are more than just draft picks who will make their officially licensed NFL trading card debuts in Panini America products; they’re valued partners with whom we will begin to start long-term relationships,” said Jason Howarth, Panini America Vice President of Marketing. “Being drafted is the fulfillment of a life-long dream for many of these players and our presence at the NFLPA Rookie Debut allows us to capture that experience and incorporate it into Panini trading cards.” Read more
NFL Mobile Only From Verizon Brings the 2011 NFL Draft to Wireless Customers Like Never Before
New Features Take Fans Closer to Their Teams with Draft Alerts, Fan Commenting, Prospect Info, Latest News and the Live Stream of NFL Network Coverage
The 2011 NFL Draft is set for the end of April and returning to primetime, and NFL Mobile only from Verizon gives Verizon Wireless customers a front-row seat.
NFL Mobile will have extensive coverage leading up to and during the 2011 NFL Draft, scheduled to take place at New York’s Radio City Music Hall from Thursday, April 28 to Saturday, April 30. Customers using the NFL Mobile app will see a live draft tracker and have access to draft pick analysis from NFL experts. Prospect pages that include integrated video highlights will give fans a look at some of the players coming into the league.
Verizon and the NFL have added new features to NFL Mobile in time for the 2011 NFL Draft: draft alerts give fans a quick link to their favorite team’s page within the app, and Fan War Rooms, which offer users the ability to comment on their team’s draft activity and interact with other fans. NFL Mobile’s Fan War Rooms are fully integrated with NFL.com’s Fan War Rooms, enabling fans to participate in the online discussion using their smartphones.
Customers who download and use NFL Mobile will have access to all content within the app, including the live stream of NFL Network and its 2011 NFL Draft coverage, video on demand and more, at no additional charge through Sept. 1, 2011. Customers must have a data plan on their account to use NFL Mobile. Customers with Android phones, including Motorola devices, can download it directly from the Verizon Channel in Android Market. Customers can also text “NFL” to 8915 for a link to the application. Read more
Crystal Drafts NFL Legends and World Experts to Touch Down in Alaska
This June 2-14, legendary National Football League (NFL) pros will quarterback an inspiring guest speaker series on Crystal Cruises’ “Klondike Explorer” voyage to Alaska. Team roster highlights for the Crystal Symphony sailing include the NFL’s “winningest coach,” and only perfect season coach, Don Shula , and 30-year NFL Official veteran, a.k.a. “The Dean of NFL Referees,” Dr. Jim Tunney , amongst others. The legends will not only take time out to share rousing tales from the field with guests, but also tackle motivational topics that are applicable to success in any industry, such as team-building, victory, and leadership.
“Even if one isn’t a sports fan, this will be a rare opportunity to gain great advice and inspiration on success from tremendous, record-setting leaders in one of the most competitive fields out there,” says Bret Bullock, vice president, entertainment.
The 12-day voyage is also jam-packed with other noted experts who will be providing inspiration and education about Alaska and the world. Presenters include:
- David Drewry —Glaciologist & geophysicist, speaking about the ports of Canada and Alaska.
- Dr. Sheldon Simon —U.S. national security and Asian political specialist, presenting a timely take on recent world affairs.
- Cliff and Nancy Hollenbeck —Travel photographers, on-board to present their craft and help guests create their own beautiful photography of the breathtaking scenery and interesting people of Alaska.
Prominent young Emerging Artists from the Music Center of Los Angeles County will round out the entertainment and enrichment program with “master classes” and sophisticated performances of ballet, classical piano, and opera. Even more football legends and presenters for the voyage are still in development, as well.
Calls on the San Francisco round-trip include Victoria, Vancouver, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Two-for-One fares start at $4,780, with $1000/couple “All Inclusive—As You Wish” spending credit and air transportation from many North American gateways (or generous air credit) included. Savings are available via Verandah or Penthouse bookings, family and friend discount programs, and Crystal newcomer offerings.
Crystal’s award-winning, luxurious offerings always include a diverse selection of thought-provoking, scholarly, and sophisticated enrichment activities that provide extensive on-board choices for cultured world travelers.
Bud Light to Have Strong Presence at NFL Draft in New York City
Bud Light Begins NFL Sponsorship by Offering Fans $10 Million for ‘Best Round Ever’ Mock Draft
Bud Light begins a multi-year sponsorship as the official and exclusive beer of the National Football League. Announced in May 2010, the sponsorship allows Bud Light use of NFL marks, including the NFL shield for signature events such as Draft, Kickoff, Pro Bowl and Super Bowl, and collective use of all 32 team logos.
Bud Light – the favorite beer of NFL fans – is leveraging the sponsorship to provide fans new opportunities to connect with the League throughout the year, beginning with the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28. The centerpiece of Bud Light’s NFL Draft activation is the “Best Round Ever” consumer contest*, which offers a $10 million grand prize to the fan (21 years of age or older) who predicts the first round of the Draft perfectly. Official rules and entry for the Best Round Ever sweepstakes are available at www.facebook.com/BudLight.
“The NFL Draft has become an unofficial holiday for fans – something they begin looking forward to almost as soon as the previous season ends,” said Mike Sundet, senior director, Bud Light. ”It’s also a highly social event, which makes it a perfect fit for Bud Light. Best Round Ever is a great first play with NFL fans, beginning with an opportunity to win $10 million doing what they do already, and extending into many other ways to experience the Draft.”
“We are pleased that Bud Light is giving our fans exciting ways to be a part of one of the most highly anticipated events on the NFL calendar,” said Keith Turner, the NFL’s senior vice president of media sales and sponsorship. ”Our fans are the heart and soul of the Draft and the involvement of Bud Light and the Pro Football Hall of Fame will further elevate the experience for some of our most dedicated fans.” Read more