COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew announced that it has renewed significant corporate partnerships with OhioHealth, Anheuser-Busch, Cardinal Health, Lifeline of Ohio and Scotts. Additionally, Scioto Downs Racino has entered into a partnership agreement with the Crew. The agreements strengthen both the club’s and its partners’ brand presence in the Columbus community and at Crew Stadium. Further details of the terms of the renewal agreements were not disclosed.
“We are excited that some of our largest corporate partners have strengthened their relationships with the Crew,” said Chris Previte, Crew Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. “It not only demonstrates their commitment to the Crew and the community, but it further establishes these companies as leaders throughout central Ohio.”
OhioHealth maintains its designation as, “Official Healthcare Provider and Sports Medicine Provider of the Columbus Crew, Columbus Crew Stadium and Ohio South Youth Soccer Association.” The organization continues to be represented through sponsorship of the OhioHealth Interactive Zone, tie-ins with the Crew Juniors and Ohio South Youth Soccer Association and the Crew Soccer Tour. Additionally, OhioHealth is the presenting sponsor of the OhioHealth Crew Action Team and will sponsor the Active Minds, Active Bodies community outreach program. Black & Gold goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum is set to serve as the official Crew spokesman of OhioHealth – who will also continue status as an “Official Signature Partner” of the Crew.
“Our partnership with the Crew helps us spread the message in our community that being healthy means being active,” said Laura McCoy, Vice President of Marketing and Communications of OhioHealth. “Promoting a healthy and active lifestyle is part of our core mission to improve the health of those we serve and this partnership has been a wonderful way for us to drive that message home in central Ohio.”
Anheuser-Busch remains the exclusive domestic beer of the Columbus Crew and Crew Stadium. The partnership includes additional signage and sponsorship of the Crew’s Pub Tour and celebrity bartender events as well as additional LED signage.
“Anheuser-Busch, LLC. is proud to continue being the official beer of The Crew,” said Nick Dodson, Trade Marketing Manager of Anheuser-Busch, LLC. “It’s our way of being part of the team.”
Founded in Columbus, Cardinal Health becomes the presenting sponsor of the club’s Corporate Cup and offering support for the Black & Gold’s “Kicks for Kids” event. The Crew has also committed to assist Cardinal Health’s sponsorship of the Columbus Heart Walk.
“Cardinal Health is excited to be able to continue our relationship with the Columbus Crew,” said George Barrett, Chairman and CEO of Cardinal Health. “Our support reflects our commitment to encouraging the ongoing vitality of the city of Columbus through the presence of an elite professional soccer team and to encouraging the families in our community to pursue activities like soccer which build lifelong love of physical activity and wellness.”
Lifeline of Ohio, an independent and non-profit organization that coordinates organ, eye and tissue donations for transplant has also renewed its agreement with the Crew’s efforts in the community. The partnership includes Hispanic community outreach, media and promotions, and presenting sponsorship of the Crew’s Hispanic Heritage Night. Additionally, Lifeline of Ohio is sponsoring the Crew Soccer Foundation’s Heroes Youth Soccer League and Heroes community soccer clinics. Black & Gold midfielder Bernardo Anor will once again serve as the club’s player representative for Lifeline of Ohio
"We look forward to working with the Crew to increase organ, eye and tissue donation awareness across central Ohio," said Kent Holloway, CEO of Lifeline of Ohio. “The Crew's enthusiasm and support for donation is contagious and inspires us as we move into another year of this winning partnership."
Trillium Cup presented by Scotts
Crew at Toronto FC
Saturday, May 18 at 5:00 p.m.
The partnership with lawn and garden product leaders Scotts Miracle-Gro allows for Field Seat Naming Rights – The Scotts Field Seats – as well as promotions and partnership in the Crew Soccer Foundation's Soccer Field Renovation program. New in 2013, Scotts will serve as the presenting partner of the Trillium Cup rivalry in both Columbus and Toronto each time the Black & Gold clash with their Eastern Conference foe in Toronto, beginning with Saturday’s showdown at BMO Field in Toronto (5:00 p.m. ET / Univision Deportes, FOX Sports Ohio).
“Scotts is proud to continue our partnership with the Crew and supporting the local Columbus community field refurbishment project," said Chris Strunk, Sports Marketing Manager of Scotts Miracle-Gro. “These types of projects offer kids and families a safe, reliable field and playing area, as a thick green lawn can create a beautiful outdoor environment and help to prevent injuries. We encourage all Crew Fans to keep their own home field healthy and looking great this season, by feeding, seeding and mulching. Feed your lawn ... feed it!”
The Crew has also entered into an agreement with Scioto Downs Racino. The Columbus, Ohio company will see in-stadium LED field signage and exposure as well as an increased digital presence on the Crew’s website, TheCrew.com.
“Scioto Downs Racino is excited to be a partner with the Columbus Crew and being a part of the Major League Soccer experience,” said Troy Buswell, Vice President and General Manager of Scioto Downs Racino. “We wish the Crew an outstanding season.”
