sponsorships Archives

QuickChek named Official Sub Sandwich of the New York Giants

QuickChek has been named the Official Sub Sandwich of the New York Giants as part of a new multiyear partnership with the team.

The tie-up, which was announced Aug. 25, is centered around season-long fan engagement opportunities, beginning with the launch of a new lineup of subs inspired by the NFL team.

Set to hit all of the Whitehouse Station-based convenience chain’s stores in the New York metropolitan area starting Aug. 28, the sandwiches are made with high-quality ingredients that are regional favorites, including fresh mozzarella, fire-braised chicken, all-natural turkey, capicola, salami and balsamic glaze.

Additionally, the new subs are built on fresh-baked rolls delivered daily by a Newark bakery, according to QuickChek.

Ahead of the Giants’ regular season opener Sept. 10 against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, QuickChek is also launching a sweepstakes in which QuickChek Rewards members who purchase a sub or deli sandwich will be entered to win gameday experiences, merchandise and more.

According to QuickChek, chances will be based on rewards balances, which customers can also gain by purchasing any Frito-Lay, Pepsi or Gatorade product.

Ahead of the Giants’ regular season opener Sept. 10 against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, QuickChek is launching a sweepstakes in which Rewards members who purchase a sub or deli sandwich will be entered to win gameday experiences, merchandise and more. – FILE PHOTO

As part of partnership, QuickChek will become the presenting gameday sponsor of the T-shirt cannon at MetLife Stadium, as well as of Wallpaper Wednesdays on social media.

The agreement also includes a strong presence by the brand across Giants’ media, activations and community initiatives, such as support for The Giants Foundation via in-store and in-market programs.

To celebrate the kick-off of the partnership and football season, QuickChek plans to host a tailgate party from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at its Denville store (3150 Route 10 W.). The event will include games, product sampling, chances to win exclusive prizes and alumni autographs.

Blake Segal, head of QuickChek, said, “We’re excited to be the taste of gameday, every day, for New York Giants fans.”

“Our two organizations share a lot in common. All 160 QuickChek stores are within the New York Giant’s core territory; Giant’s fans are passionate, dedicated, and loyal, just like our die-hard customer base; and like our own ‘Big Blue Sub Crew,’ the Giants embrace the mindset of working hard, executing with excellence, and playing to win,” he said.

Giants Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships Jessica Slenker, added, “We are excited to partner with QuickChek who equally values our commitment to our community. With a focus on quality and convenience, QuickChek adds exciting new opportunities for fans to bring together football, food and gameday celebrations.”

QuickChek isn’t the only New Jersey chain to lock in a high-profile sports sponsorship when it comes to sandwiches.

In February, the National Hockey League named Manasquan-headquartered Jersey Mike’s as its official sub sandwich in a multiyear pact. Some of the fast-growing franchise’s other recent sponsorships include the Harlem Globetrotters 2023 U.S. tour and the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. Additionally, Jersey Mike’s has a multiyear agreement with Rutgers Athletics as official naming rights partner for the university’s sports arena.

Maestro Dobel serves up US Open’s 1st Official Tequila

Maestro Dobel Tequila was named the first Official Tequila of the U.S. Open as part of a new partnership starting this year.

Under the agreement announced Aug. 10, the brand – which is owned by Jersey City-based Proximo Spirits – will have a visible presence across key tournaments such as the Miami Open, BNP Paribas Open and Western & Southern Open.

The deal includes on-court signage, as well as product distribution at concession stands, restaurants and private hospitality spaces, according to Maestro Dobel and the United States Tennis Association.

Fans attending the tournament later this month in Queens, N.Y., will be able to find Maestro Dobel at a branded full-service bar inside Arthur Ashe Stadium and branded mobile carts across the grounds, offering tequila cocktails poured in a co-branded souvenir cup.

Maestro Dobel will also participate in the “Flavors of the Open” ticketed food and beverage event at Louis Armstrong Stadium Aug. 24, as well as support the annual USTA Foundation Gala set for Aug. 28.

Financial details of the tie-up were not disclosed.

Maestro Dobel Tequila was named the first Official Tequila of the U.S. Open as part of a new partnership starting this year. – USTA

Maestro Dobel – which is part of Proximo’s Cuervo business – has found success in other professional sports partnerships. For the past three years, the brand has been the Official Tequila of the PGA Tour.

Deanne Pownall, USTA managing director of corporate partnerships, said, “The US Open has a storied and rich history driven by passion for the sport of tennis and a commitment to excellence. These attributes are shared with Maestro Dobel Tequila and we are excited to introduce this legacy brand to our fans on-site, and showcase the partnership to fans around the world.”

Juan Dobel, founder of Maestro Dobel Tequila, said in a statement, “As an 11th generation tequila maker, I take great pride in the mastery and precision with which we craft our award-winning Maestro Dobel tequilas. Each year, we see that same passion and dedication on display in the competition at the US Open, so we are incredibly proud to announce Maestro Dobel – creator of the world’s first Cristalino – as the first ‘Official Tequila’ of this iconic tournament.”

He added, “As the number one ultra-premium tequila in Mexico and one of the fastest-growing globally, we are excited to share our range of extraordinary tequilas with tennis fans in New York, and continue the acceleration of the tequila category with an international audience.”

NJ Lottery Festival of Ballooning signs Icelandic Glacial as Official Water

Premium water brand Icelandic Glacial was named the Official Water of the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning.

Under the newly announced sponsorship, the Iceland-based certified-carbon-neutral bottled water company will present a VIP experience at the high-flying event later this month at Solberg Airport in Readington that offers prime viewing of the twice-a-day hot air balloon ascensions and dining options away from the crowds.

According to festival organizers, Icelandic Glacial’s VIP Blue Sky Club membership includes:

Admission to the festival ($40 value);
Prime viewing of balloon ascensions from a tent next to the balloon launch field;
Free parking in the VIP lot with an exclusive entrance ($20 value);
Catered food provided by InThyme Catering (food is an additional charge); and
Air-conditioned private restrooms with running water and vanity mirrors.

VIP Blue Sky Club access costs $75 per adult for the first day of the festival, $99 the second day and $79 on the final day; tickets for children ages 4-12 are priced at $35 for day one and $40 for the other days.

There’s also an option to reserve a seat for the festival’s popular concert series, which this year features KC and the Sunshine Band, Fitz and The Tantrums, Everclear, Lit and Parth Oza.

Howard Freeman, the festival’s long-time executive director, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Icelandic Glacial in offering this exciting upgraded experience for our guests.”

The annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning takes off at Solberg Airport in Readington. — The annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning will take off July 28 at Solberg Airport in Readington. – NJ LOTTERY FESTIVAL OF BALLOONING

“The VIP Blue Sky Club provides a unique opportunity to watch the balloons take flight from a different perspective and from the comfort of your own table, where you can enjoy a variety of delicious catered food options. We think this is a great way to further your enjoyment and make the most of your festival experience,” Freeman added.

Michelle Grieco, Icelandic Glacial’s director of marketing, echoed the sentiment, saying, “We are excited to partner with the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning, to keep everyone hydrated with the purest tasting water on earth, sourced from Iceland.”

The three-day festival, which returns July 28, 29 and 30, will feature up to 100 gigantic, colorful hot air balloons, along with headlining concerts by Grammy Award-winning artists, amusement rides, a 5K race, food vendors and other attractions. Now in its 40th year, the event is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America. It’s also received several accolades, including a mention as one of USA Today Network’s premier family entertainment attractions in New Jersey and a top 50 festival in the country by MSN Lifestyle.

Among this year’s festival highlights: a new drone light show presented by Progressive and a tribute to the 240th anniversary of the first successful flight of a hot air balloon.

The lineup of special shaped balloons includes Darth Vader and Yoda, a pair of 110-foot-tall bumblebees who hold hands and kiss mid-flight, an 80-foot-tall old-time alarm clock and a 100-foot-tall snowbird penguin.

ShopRite holds pep rally for Colgate Women’s Games (slideshow)

Colgate Women’s Games, the nation’s longest-running indoor track & field series for talented young female athletes, held its first-ever pep rally and registration event at ShopRite in Elizabeth.

Now in its 48th season, the Colgate Women’s Games aims to help participants achieve their athletic potential and pursue their educational goals by competing for academic scholarships.

As a sponsor for the games, ShopRite is working with Colgate-Palmolive to increase the reach and impact of this year’s competition.

With its strong ties in hundreds of communities across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, the supermarket chain is helping drive awareness of the games through an in-store and digital campaign.

Held April 12, attendees were able to register for the upcoming competition, as well as pick up their complimentary competitor’s T-shirt and athletic bag with Colgate-Palmolive essential health and hygiene products.

The event included appearances by Colgate Women’s Games Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint; Olympic medalist Ajeé Wilson; and community leaders from the City of Elizabeth.

Founded in 1974, the competition attracts thousands of athletes from elementary school through college and beyond. As part of its mission to promote the power of athletics, mentorship and education, the games have awarded more than 5,000 scholarships over the years to help support young women in their quest to pursue successful careers as athletes, doctors, lawyers, teachers and entrepreneurs.

This year, athletes can earn one of more than 100 scholarships in $500, $1,000 and $2,000 denominations – double the value of scholarships in 2022 – based on order of finish in the series.

Get in on the fun

The Colgate Women’s Games are free to participate in and attend, as Colgate-Palmolive covers all cost.

Additional details can be found at ColgateWomensGames.com.

After preliminary meets on April 16 and April 23 at Queens College Track Field in Queens, N.Y., qualifying athletes will move on to the semifinals April 30.

On May 7, the finals will be held outdoors at New York City’s iconic Icahn Stadium at Randall’s Island Park.

“Colgate Women’s Games is in a league of its own. It is an influential mentoring and educational program just as much as it is an athletic competition. And when you step back and see its legacy and scope, you realize just how powerful it is in advancing girls and women to achieve their brighter, healthier futures. We thank ShopRite for joining us to support the Games and encourage more girls and women to participate in the 48th season,” said Daniel Fried, manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Colgate-Palmolive.

Claire Rossie, manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, ShopRite, said, “The Games enrich the lives of girls and women through athletic competition and camaraderie, and we are excited to team with Colgate this year to help support the program.”

North Jersey LPGA event names RWJBarnabas health care partner

Organizers of the upcoming LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup announced April 20 that RWJBarnabas Health has been named the Official Healthcare Provider for the tournament, which takes place May 10-14 at Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton.

It is the third straight year that RWJBarnabas will serve in this role, which will see the health care system manage all on-site Emergency Medical Services (EMS) throughout tournament week.

Because the event falls during Women’s Health Care Month, there will be a heavy focus on reminding attendees that “all women should prioritize their health and well-being.”

Additionally, preventive health screenings will be available on the tournament grounds. Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour players will put out a series of tips to encourage women to take ownership of their health and well-being through regular check-ups and preventative screenings, as well, which will be amplified across all RWJBarnabas and LPGA digital and social media channels.

“In addition to watching world class athletes perform on the golf course, this partnership provides RWJBarnabas Health with an opportunity to educate and empower women to take care of themselves,” said Suzanne Spernal, senior vice president women’s services, RWJBarnabas Health, in a press release announcement. “Research confirms what we’ve long known – healthier women and children are crucial to a vital community. Reinforcing this image in partnership with the LPGA, especially during the Women’s Health Care Month, will be impactful.”

“We are thrilled to have RWJBarnabas Health back as the Official Healthcare Provider of the event,” said Scott Wood, tournament director, Cognizant Founders Cup. “As the premier Healthcare System in New Jersey, their values align with our mission, and it’s extra meaningful to engage their expertise and support in conjunction with Women’s Health Care Month initiatives.”

The tournament, which has a $3 million purse, pays tribute to the 13 founding members of the LPGA, and is one of the largest of any non-major event on the LPGA schedule. Teaneck-based Cognizant, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, doubled the prize money when it took over as title sponsor in 2021. Additionally, the event was moved to North Jersey after a decade of being played in Phoenix.

Due to the pandemic, the tournament made its Garden State debut in October 2021 at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell. The event moved back to its normal May slot in 2022. Because of that short turnaround, Mountain Ridge was unable to accommodate, and Upper Montclair, which had previously been an LPGA partner venue but had not hosted the event since 2009, stepped in and agreed to a three-year-partnership to present the tournament.

“The LPGA is thrilled to return to Upper Montclair Country Club and make this historic venue the new home of the Cognizant Founders Cup,” Wood told NJBIZ last year.

The tournament also kicks off an unprecedented stretch of prestigious women’s golf tournaments being held here in the Garden State, with four events set to take place over a six-week span in both North and South Jersey, including:

Cognizant Founders Cup: May 10-14 at Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton
Mizuho Americas Open: May 30-June 4 at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City
ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer: June 7-11 at Seaview in Galloway Township
KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: June 21-25 at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, which is a Major Championship

“We are thrilled that N.J. will be the epicenter of women’s golf in 2023, allowing the LPGA, PGA of America and our sponsors to use our collective platform to inspire young girls and women throughout NJ and the surrounding Tri-state region,” said Mollie Marcoux Samaan, LPGA commissioner. “The combination of these four truly first-rate and meaningful events played at some of the best golf courses in the world in a major market provides a rare and exciting opportunity to not only elevate women’s golf but also elevate the conversation around women’s leadership and empowerment more broadly.”

Carlstadt’s Schweid & Sons returns as Food Network showdown sponsor

Carlstadt-based beef purveyor Schweid & Sons will return as presenting sponsor of an epic burger showdown during the Food Network’s annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

Considered one of the most popular events of the five-day festival in Miami, Fla., this year’s Burger Bash is scheduled for Feb. 23 and will be hosted by esteemed chef Emeril Lagasse.

The contest will be judged by a panel that includes Robert Irvine of Food Network fame, Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports, Phil Rosenthal of Netflix hit Somebody Feed Phil, and Iron Chef Ming Tsai of MingsBings and BaBa at Yellowstone Club.

Schweid & Sons President & CEO Jamie Schweid (left) and Burger Bash 2022 host Guy Fieri (right) present a check to Vice Burgers, winner of The Very Best Burger Award. – SCHWEID & SONS

While the celeb judges will crown the winning chef with the coveted Schweid & Sons’ “The Very Best Burger Award,” attendees have the chance to determine who should receive the “The People’s Choice Award.” According to the Food Network, festival-goers can vote for their favorite burger after indulging in a curated menu prepared by some of South Florida’s most acclaimed chefs and restaurants.

Jamie Schweid, president and chief executive officer of Schweid & Sons, said, “What’s kept Schweid & Sons successful in the burger business for almost a century is recognizing that the best burgers start with the very best quality beef.”

As a presenting sponsor of the Burger Bash for nearly a decade, Schweid said each year the company is “blown away” by the creative takes on one of America’s most iconic dishes and the wealth of culinary talent at the contest.

“And for those who can’t attend the Festival in person, we’ll be sharing the winning recipes with folks across the country, so everyone can enjoy this year’s award-winning burgers with friends and family at home,” he added.

In addition to being a consumer favorite at supermarkets, the family-owned and operated fourth-generation company supplies high-quality ground beef to grocery retailers and restaurants, including Five Guys, Fuddruckers and Cheesecake Factory.

Schweid & Sons is continuing to expand its retail presence following the recent launch of its new premium fresh pork breakfast sausage patties.

NJ-owned brand named Official Energy Drink of NJ Devils, Prudential Center

Nerd Focus is the Official Energy Drink of the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center as part of a new multiyear partnership.

Under the agreement announced Feb. 9, the energy drink, which is owned by Freehold-based Beverage USA Holdings Inc., will receive digital signage throughout Prudential Center, hospitality and retail marketing, as well as a digitally enhanced dasherboard advertisement during Devils’ away games.

Nerd Focus will also be the presenting partner of the popular T-Shirt Toss at Devils’ home games, while its specialty cocktail – the Electric Screwdriver – will be available for purchase at all Prudential Center events.

Additionally, brand representatives will be on hand at select Devils’ home games during the regular season, providing fans with a chance to sample their product.

Nerd Focus is the Official Energy Drink of the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center as part of a new multiyear partnership. – PRUDENTIAL CENTER

To kick off the partnership, Nerd Focus will host a sweepstakes next month giving four Devils fans a chance to win tickets for them and a guest to the newly renovated Nerd Focus suite at Prudential Center when the hometown team hosts its cross-town rivals the New York Rangers on March 30.

“As a New Jersey based company, we couldn’t be more proud and excited to be partnering with New Jersey’s home team, the Devils, and Prudential Center, one of the top ranked venues in the country. This partnership sets the stage for our full launch of Nerd Focus in the New Jersey/New York area over the next couple of months,” said Beverage USA co-founder Rocco LaVista. “The Devils’ energetic style of play and the focus they show on the ice epitomizes who Nerd Focus is as a brand. We are really looking forward to enhancing the fan experience through some of the interactive features that we put in place.”

Founded in 2006 by a student at the University of Texas at San Antonio who wanted an alternative to highly caffeinated energy drinks with potentially dangerous ingredients, Nerd Focus went on to build a grassroots network of distributors and fans.

After creating a loyal following at Texas universities and local retailers, Nerd Focus was acquired by Beverage USA in 2020 to invest in scaling the brand nationwide.

“We’re excited to partner with a New Jersey-based energy drink company to enhance the atmosphere at Prudential Center and during Devils home games,” said Chad Biggs, senior vice president, Corporate Partnerships Activations, New Jersey Devils & Prudential Center. “Having Nerd Focus on board to provide the opportunity to amp up the crowd and create unique experiences for fans is a great addition to our in-arena experience.”

Jersey Mike’s named ‘Official Sub Sandwich of the NHL’

Jersey Mike’s Subs has been named the Official Sub Sandwich of the National Hockey League as part of a new multiyear partnership with the organization.

The deal, which was announced ahead of the campaign’s debut at the 2023 NHL All-Star Weekend on Feb. 3 and 4 in Florida, marks the Manasquan-based sandwich franchise’s first-ever partnership with a professional sports league.

As part of the agreement, Jersey Mike’s will be provided exclusive marketing rights and designations that aim to connect the chain with the NHL and its fans. It will also receive U.S. broadcast exposure during the regular season and playoffs through the League’s digitally enhanced dasherboards.

Jersey Mike’s Subs has been named the Official Sub Sandwich of the National Hockey League. – SPLASH COMMUNICATIONS

A spokesperson for Jersey Mike’s declined to say how long the partnership will run.

“As with many Jersey Mike’s fans, we admire the precision, teamwork and perseverance of NHL players,” Rich Hope, chief marketing officer, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems Inc., said in a statement. “We are excited to bring our two brands together to engage with passionate hockey fans across the country as Jersey Mike’s becomes the Official Sub Sandwich of the NHL.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Jersey Mike’s to the NHL family, a tremendous brand synonymous with a great consumer experience,” said Max Paulsen, NHL senior director, Business Development. “We look forward to launching our efforts together at NHL All-Star Weekend and developing new creative programs that deepen Jersey Mike’s connection to NHL fans and providing significant brand exposure for Jersey Mike’s at our games and events in the seasons ahead.”

The announcement comes a month after Jersey Mike’s revealed it signed on to sponsor the Harlem Globetrotters 2023 tour across the United States.

Some of the sandwich chain’s other sponsorships over the years include Jersey Mike’s College Tailgate Tour, the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, the Naismith Awards and the USLA National Lifeguard Tournament.

NJ Lottery renews title sponsorship of balloon festival

The New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America. — The New Jersey Festival of Ballooning has a financial impact of $54.4 million on the state’s economy. – NEW JERSEY LOTTERY FESTIVAL OF BALLOONING

The New Jersey Lottery renewed its title sponsorship of the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning, the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America.

In a Jan. 19 press release announcing the extension of the multi-year agreement, the festival’s owners said they were thrilled to continue their relationship and looking forward to marking the 40th anniversary of the high-flying, high-profile event this summer.

The Festival Group Executive Producer Howard Freeman said, “The Lottery has been our partner at different levels for more than 20 years and as they continue in their fourth year as our title sponsor, we can continue to create unforgettable experiences that will last a lifetime. We’re proud that our attendees, many of whom are now parents and grandparents, can share their experiences with their children and grandchildren. From favorite special shaped hot air balloons to new entertainment features, this is going to be the celebration of the summer.”

The New Jersey Lottery renewed its title sponsorship of the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning, the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America. — The New Jersey Lottery renewed its title sponsorship of the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning. – NEW JERSEY LOTTERY FESTIVAL OF BALLOONING

The three-day festival, which returns to Solberg Airport in Readington on July 28, 29 and 30, will feature up to 100 gigantic, colorful hot air balloons, along with headlining concerts by Grammy Award-winning artists, attractions, fireworks and food.

Named as one of the premier family entertainment attractions in New Jersey by the USA Today Network and one of the country’s top 50 festivals by MSN Lifestyle, the event has a financial impact of $54.4 million on the state’s economy and has raised more than $3 million to date for local charities and nonprofits, according to the festival’s operators.

It also provides unique opportunities to introduce consumers to new entertainment experiences, products and services, The Festival Group said, noting that 72% of attendees go on to make a purchase from a festival sponsor or marketing partner during the year.

For more information about the upcoming festival, including sponsorship opportunities or event tickets, click here.

Jersey Mike’s signs on to sponsor Harlem Globetrotters’ tour (updated)

When the Harlem Globetrotters hit the courts for their 2023 tour, they’ll be powered by Manasquan-based Jersey Mike’s Subs.

The popular sandwich franchise signed on to sponsor the family-friendly, basketball experience’s tour across the United States.

Rich Hope, chief marketing officer, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems Inc., said the company is thrilled to sponsor the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters.

Manasquan-based Jersey Mike’s Subs signed on to sponsor the Harlem Globetrotters’ tour across North America, France, the United Kingdom and Spain. – PRUDENTIAL CENTER

“The Harlem Globetrotters have been delivering family entertainment for nearly 100 years. The team’s amazing basketball skill and athleticism continue attracting an enthusiastic following across the country. A lot of Jersey Mike’s fans are also sports fans so we think this is a natural fit for the brand,” Hope told NJBIZ.

As the Harlem Globetrotters near their 100th anniversary, they have contributed to the growth of basketball across the globe, showcasing their artful athleticism and unparalleled moves. As proud inductees into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the team’s mission continues to advance the game of basketball while delivering an exciting and interactive show to spectators.

Locally, the Globetrotters will make a stop at the Prudential Center in Newark Feb. 16. Along with showcasing their amazing skills, the Globetrotters will go head-to-head against the Washington Generals, who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team.

The team will also take the game to other locations including Canada, France, the United Kingdom and Spain.

The Harlem Globetrotters is a subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 4:47 p.m. ET Jan. 4 to clarify that Jersey Mike’s will be the team’s U.S. sponsor for the tour.

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