FINDLAY, Ohio—Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has struck sponsorship deals with nine Major League Baseball teams this summer and is tying a summer "Buy Four and Score" promotion during July into the deals.
Cooper becomes the fourth tire company to forge marketing deals with MLB teams this year.
Teams involved are: New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals.
Cooper Tire said it will be featured prominently in a mix of promotional efforts surrounding each team, including exposure in stadium and fan areas, in-stadium video screens and local market radio programs and also sponsor fireworks displays for several teams.
"These sponsorships are an enjoyable way for fans to connect with the Cooper brand while enjoying their favorite baseball team," said Hal Gardner, Cooper Tire's vice president of marketing communications and market intelligence.
As part of the national partnership, Cooper Tire is inviting fans to "Buy Four and Score!" promotion through July 31, with seven participating teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals.
By purchasing four qualifying Cooper tires from a participating Cooper Tire dealer, fans will receive a voucher valid for four tickets to a select local game. Qualifying tires are: CS4 Touring; Lifeliner GLS; CS3 Touring; Cooper Zeon RS3-A; and Zeon RS3-S.
For more information, visit www.coopertirebuyfourandscore.com.
Other tire makers and marketers tied into MLB teams are:
• Yokohama Tire Corp., with the Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds.
• Nexen Tire America Inc., with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• Hankook Tire U.S.A. Corp., with advertising signage deals at many MLB parks.