The Miami Heat and T-Mobile USA have partnered up for a multi-year deal, according to a recent press release. “The sponsorship includes extensive in-game features, exposure on English and Spanish radio, in-arena signage, retail promotions, social media integration, and other online elements including Presenter of HEAT.com’s TV Companion.” Although fans in Miami are bound to see tons of T-Mobile ads, it probably won’t feel out of sorts. Dwyane Wade, their All-Star shooting guard for years, has been in multiple T-Mobile commercials with TV personality and former player Charles Barkley, as well as Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic.
T-Mobile, the fourth largest US carrier, will probably gain a lot of appeal from sports fans, thanks to the star power of not only Dwyane Wade, but also LeBron James and Chris Bosh, two recent superstars who signed with the Heat during the off-season. T-Mobile usually sticks Wade with lower-end devices (recently Android) for commercials, but maybe we’ll see him rock some powerful hardware this year – perhaps, a Windows Phone 7 HTC HD7? The sponsorship will begin starting October 29, when the Heat host the Magic at American Airlines Arena.
Press Release:
HEAT INKS DEAL WITH T-MOBILE
Wade’s Long-Time Sponsor Hosts Home Opener Event for Fans to Kick Off Multi-Year PartnershipMIAMI, FL – The Miami HEAT announced today that they have entered into a multi-year partnership with T-Mobile USA, Inc., one of the largest national providers of wireless voice, messaging, and data services. T-Mobile will be the Official Wireless Telecommunications Provider of the Miami HEAT and AmericanAirlines Arena. The sponsorship also includes extensive in-game features, exposure on English and Spanish radio, in-arena signage, retail promotions, social media integration, and other online elements including Presenter of HEAT.com’s TV Companion. T-Mobile will also sponsor the team’s “Noche Latina” initiatives scheduled to take place during three March home games.
T-Mobile will kick off this exciting HEAT season with an unforgettable fan experience. For the Home Opener on October 29th, T-Mobile will host the T-Mobile Tip-Off, a pre-game celebration open to all HEAT fans that have a ticket to the game. The event will take place on the American Airlines Arena’s East Plaza starting at 5:30 p.m. EST before the HEAT take on the Orlando Magic at 8:00 p.m. and will include a live performance by Mr. 305 himself, local resident and music artist Pitbull.
The HEAT Dancers will also be on-hand to keep the excitement flowing for families and fans, and DJ Irie will spin music throughout the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to check out the latest T-Mobile smartphones and giveaways and prizes will be awarded throughout the event, including tickets to that night’s game.
To access the T-Mobile Tip-Off event, fans can show their game ticket to gain entry. Entry is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. For other fans without a game ticket, they can visit the T-Mobile store in Kendall Corners (12801 N Kendall Drive) beginning today, Tuesday, October 26th, for a chance to score tickets. Current T-Mobile customers can show their device to receive tickets instantly. Tickets are limited and available while supplies last.
“I’m pretty certain HEAT fans are already familiar with the superiority of the T-Mobile brand thanks to the numerous and memorable television commercials Dwyane Wade has starred in throughout the years,” said Eric Woolworth, President of The HEAT Group’s Business Operations. “Their partnership with the HEAT is, thus, an entirely organic endeavor and we are thrilled to have them on board.”
Wade’s relationship with T-Mobile dates back to the 2006-07 season. Since then he has starred in numerous commercials for T-Mobile’s NBA campaign. In addition, Wade served as a coach for the 2009 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam as part of the NBA All-Star Game activities in Phoenix.
“Dwyane Wade has been one of our great partners, so this new sponsorship with the Miami HEAT is a natural fit,” said Derek Chang, Director of Sponsorships at T-Mobile USA. “We’re looking forward to working with the HEAT to develop exciting programs for the fans and our customers. The T-Mobile Tip-Off event couldn’t be a better way to start the new season.”
(Source: IntoMobile)