Received a little note from one of our friends at Rogers not so long ago. The note detailed a new deal that Canada’s big red and Canucks Sports and Entertainment had reached. Yes, the same Canucks Sports and Entertainment that manage the Vancouver Canucks. Turns out, Rogers and CSE have struck a 10 year ‘strategic alliance’, giving Rogers the arena naming and telecommunications sponsorship rights. Vancouverites, get ready to watch your Canucks games at ‘Rogers Arena’.
What’s interesting here is the telecommunications end of the deal. True, the arena deal is cool and all (yes, it’ll be ‘Rogers Arena’ now, I get it), but the applications and promotions Rogers could run with the aid and marketing power of the Canucks should prove to be interesting. Live feeds of Canucks’ games on your mobile device? Event coupons and deals for folks packing an appropriate device while in ‘Rogers Arena’? Why not!? Should prove to be interesting to see what comes of this.
The move here isn’t a surprising one. Rogers is already heavily involved with the Toronto Blue Jays, professional tennis, and heck, they even have their own sports news network. What IS a tad surprising is the fact that they’re making their presence known out on the left coast. At the very least I have to give a *tip of the cap* for the move. When I think BC and Alberta, I can’t help but think of TELUS. I hope the folks at TELUS are ready to dance, looks like Rogers is upping their game.
Rogers Arena: New name for home of the Vancouver Canucks
VANCOUVER, July 6 /CNW/ – Canucks Sports & Entertainment (Canucks) and Rogers Communications Inc (Rogers) today announced a major, ten-year strategic alliance giving Rogers the Arena naming and telecommunications sponsorship rights. The home of the Vancouver Canucks will now be known as Rogers Arena.
This alliance marks the beginning of a new sponsorship era for the Canucks. This is the first sponsor in the Canucks’ 40-year history to have both the Arena naming and telecommunications sponsorship rights.
The telecommunications sponsorship includes extensive branding and advertising placements, including in-ice, in-building and rink board signage, Canucks.com, 300-level concourse branding, in-game features, interactive hockey themed concourse displays and mobile applications. As Canada’s largest provider of wireless voice and data communications services, Rogers will work with the Canucks to explore new and innovative ways to use wireless technology to engage fans anytime, anyplace. They will also join forces on local charitable initiatives.
“This is an exciting and significant announcement for our organization,” said Victor de Bonis, Chief Operating Officer, Canucks Sports & Entertainment. “As an organization we are committed to building relationships with partners that have the same corporate and community values as we do. Rogers is an industry leader and innovator focused on enhancing customer experiences and fostering community partnerships. Our Arena is where we engage our loyal fans and host our most important partners; we are thrilled to have Rogers as an integral partner in our business.”
“This is an important strategic alliance and we’re thrilled to partner with an outstanding organization like the Canucks,” said Nadir Mohamed, President and CEO, Rogers Communications. “B.C. is a critical market for Rogers and this announcement further enhances our investment in the province and builds on our powerful sports legacy. We look forward to partnering with the Canucks to engage fans and to connect Canadians to what matters most, including their passion for sports and hockey.”
Rogers has a long history in sports. The company operates the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team as well as the Rogers Centre and Rogers Sportsnet.
An official unveiling of the external and internal signage will happen at the downtown Arena prior to the start of the 2010-11 NHL season; the Canucks’ 40th anniversary playing in the NHL. Rogers takes over the Arena naming rights from General Motors of Canada Limited (General Motors) which had been the naming rights partner since the Arena opened in 1995.
[Via: Rogers RedBoard]