ENTERTAINMENT CLOSE-UP-7 April 2008-EA Sports Inks Maui B-Ball Sponsorship Extension(C)2008 - CloseUpMedia - newsdesk@closeupmedia.com
KemperSports announced that EA Sports, a label of Electronic Arts, has agreed to a two-year extension as title sponsor of the EA Sports Maui Invitational, the nation s early-season men s college basketball tournament.
The pact will extend the partnership between EA Sports and the Maui Invitational through 2009.
EA Sports has been the title sponsor since 2001. According to the company, its overall commitment has been instrumental to the tournament s growth, as the firm has hosted a separate video game tournament, offered internships to students of tournament host Chaminade, expanded charities in the local community, and underwritten additional team expenses.
We have been fortunate over the past several years to have the support of EA as our dedicated title sponsor, said Tournament Chairman Dave Gavitt of KemperSports. Like its videogames, EA Sports is committed to bringing great sports experiences to life, and with its support the Maui Invitational will continue its tradition of creating the type of exciting college basketball games that have made this tournament such a great event.
The tournament has also served as a launch pad for the EA Sports videogame, NCAA March Madness, a college basketball videogame. The title sponsorship has enabled EA Sports, an interactive sports software brand, to tap into new levels of brand awareness, product promotion and immersion into real-world sports events via a rich portfolio of sponsorship activities and involvement.
At EA Sports, we partner with marquee sporting events like the EA Sports Maui Invitational -- the best early-season college basketball tournament and a hallmark of college athletics, said Brian Movalson, director of sports marketing for EA Sports. This tournament puts our brand center court while also providing opportunities to interface with the participating teams, coaches and numerous organizations that are central to our promotion and growth.
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