CHICAGO -- 7-Eleven Inc., which operates and franchises nearly 400 convenience stores in the Chicago area, has scored multi-year sponsorship deals with all four of Chicago's major sports teams.
The retailer has announced agreements with the Bears, Bulls, Cubs and White Sox thatamong other elementsall involve distribution of coupons for free 7-Eleven products such as Big Gulp fountain drinks, Big Bite hot dogs, Slurpee beverages, coffee, donuts and Go Go Taquitos.
7-Eleven has signed on as a major sponsor with the Bears through 2011 [image-nocss] that includes 7-Eleven coffee being served at Soldier Field along with coupon giveaways at football games and player appearances at Chicago-area 7-Eleven stores.
At select games, coupons will be given to fans entering the stadium for free 7-Eleven products. Different product coupons will be distributed after each game.
The agreement this year also features mentions on the Fantasy Football video board segment during games, sponsorship of the Bears All Access.radio show Thursdays on WSCR The Score 670 AM, in-stadium signage and drop-in mentions during TV broadcasts.
In 2007, fans can enjoy 7-Eleven Day at Soldier Field, when thousands of coupons will be distributed for free 7-Eleven beverages and fresh foods. 7-Eleven Day also includes sponsorship of premium giveaways for fans and a pre-game field presentation.
Chris Hibbs, the team's senior director of sales and marketing, said, With 7-Eleven's recent acquisition of Lombard [Ill.]-based White Hen Pantry, this agreement adds another corporate partner to the Bears team with strong local ties and a commitment to serving our diverse fan base throughout Chicagoland.
In August, 7-Eleven acquired 202 White Hen Pantry stores bringing 7-Eleven's convenience store total to almost 400 units in the Chicago area.
7-Eleven's partnership with the Bulls is a sponsorship program that continues though the 2009-2010 season, and that rewards basketball game attendees with coupons for free 7-Eleven products.
After select home games, fans leaving the United Center will receive a coupon redeemable for a free 7-Eleven product. Different product coupons will be distributed after each game.
The retailer plans to hold half-time activities during certain home games, like the Lucky 7-Eleven Dice Toss that pits one section against another to try to roll a seven and 11 on giant dice thrown from their side of the stadium. The two people selected to throw the huge dice will share a $1,000 7-Eleven gift card on rolling a 7 or 11, and everyone in the winning section will receive a free item from 7-Eleven.
The sponsorship also includes distribution of 100,000 Bulls pocket-size game schedules at Chicago-area 7-Eleven stores and radio spots or announcements during all regular season radio broadcasts on the Bulls flagship station, WCKG 105.9 FM.
7-Eleven is partnering with the Cubs in a three-year sponsorship program with the National League baseball team that rewards game attendees with coupons for free 7-Eleven products. The program also includes game promotions and contributions to the Cubs Care charity by 7-Eleven.
Not much can top a day at Wrigley Field with the Cubs, said Joe DePinto, a Chicago native who is now president and CEO of Dallas-based 7-Eleven.
Cubs fans can win coupons for free 7-Eleven products during all regular season home games with the Score 7 or 11 and Win promotion. If the Cubs score 7 or 11 runs in that game, the entire crowd wins a prize, like coupons for free products. Coupons for free 7-Eleven products will also be awarded to select numbers of fans during two 7-Eleven Day celebrations held each season.
Each home game on Sunday will feature a Step Up to Home Plate promotion, in which one fan will have the honor of presenting the lineup card to the Cubs' manager at home plate.
Also, each time a Cubs player hits a double during the season, $100 will be donated to the Cubs Care charity. 7-Eleven will present the contribution at the end of the season in an on-field ceremony.
The program also includes distribution of Cubs pocket-size game schedules at Chicago-area 7-Eleven stores.
And 7-Eleven reached an agreement in October 2006 with the White Sox that will make 7-Eleven a major sponsor of the American League baseball team through the 2009 season. Each White Sox weeknight home game will start at 7:11 p.m., and the first pitch of each game will be presented by 7-Eleven.
The agreement also includes in-park signage, advertising on promotional giveaway cards and drop-ins during radio and television broadcasts. In addition to presenting the first pitch at all U.S. Cellular Field home games, 7-Eleven will also be the exclusive sponsor of a fireworks night and distribute White Sox pocket schedules at local stores.
Financial terms were not disclosed on any of the deals.
7-Eleven has also sign recent deals with the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks basketball teams, as well as with NASCAR.
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