The Vikings Create Value for Their Partners at the Gates

Are you looking for new ways to drive awareness for corporate partners? Are you looking for ways to help corporate partners "own" stadium gates and related entrances?

In September, the Minnesota Vikings announced two (2) new partnerships with Twin Cities-based Caribou Coffee and the Minnesota Army National Guard. As part of their agreements, both partners received prominent gate signage and the opportunity to engage with Vikings fans at the pre-game Party on the Plaza.

The Vikings organization did a tremendous job bringing the gates to life for both Caribou Coffee and the Minnesota Army National Guard. The Vikings found a unique way to link the brands into the team's messaging ("First Line of Defense" - Minnesota Army National Guard, "Fueled by XX" - Caribou Coffee).

As part of the agreement, both partners received 2,000 square-foot gate signage (produced by Sign A Rama) as well as the right to activate on-site:

• Minnesota Army National Guard (Gate H) - Fans have the opportunity to check out official National Guard armored vehicles and meet some soldiers from the state of Minnesota 
• Caribou Coffee (Gate F) - Fans can enjoy Caribou Coffee inside the stadium and at the pre-game Party on the Plaza 

Source: Vikings.NFL.Com

The Vikings and HBO Team Up on Entourage Offer...

Are you looking for new ways to leverage media and entertainment partners? Are you looking for new promotional ideas to offer your fan base?

The Minnesota Vikings have teamed up with HBO Home Entertainment to offer fans a chance to win an unforgettable experience. The collaborating parties are offering a "Win Your Own Entourage Weekend" that will enable one (1) lucky Vikings fan to take his entourage to see the team battle against the Phoenix Cardinals in Glendale, AZ on December sixth.

The impressive Entourage prize package includes:

• Four (4) first-class round trip flights to Arizona
• Four (4) tickets to the game
• Hotel accomodations at the team hotel
• Ground transportation
• Spending money

The Vikings feature two (2) web buttons at the bottom of the Entourage promotional page that guide fans to pages where they can purchase Entourage on DVD and other HBO Home Entertainment movies.

It is very interesting to see sports organizations begin to flirt with media and entertainment properties. The Los Angeles Dodgers have experimented with great success while other properties are still trying to develop key relationships. Look for more offers like the Vikings' Entourage Weekend to come in the near future!