HARRISON, NJ– Red Bull New York and Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) announced today a partnership that will make the automaker the “Official Partner of the New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Arena”.
“Kia Motors has been expanding its sports marketing partnerships around the world to raise awareness and consideration for the Kia brand, and we are excited to partner with the New York Red Bulls and expand our presence with the game of soccer,” said Michael Tocci, director, Eastern Region, KMA. “Kia has partnerships with FIFA and CONMEBOL’s Copa America, and the Red Bulls and Red Bull Arena are the perfect partners for us to continue the growth of our brand by leveraging the most popular sport in the world right here in the United States.”
The partnership will grant Kia intellectual property rights for the team, as well as Red Bull Arena and the Red Bulls Academy and Training Programs. Kia will be prominently featured throughout Red Bull Arena in a variety of fashions, including branding on player bench areas, in-stadium signage, presence at the arena’s fan Interactive Zone, and hospitality. The automaker will also be involved in the Red Bulls’ Kicks for Kids program, which benefits various local charitable foundations.
“We are thrilled to enter this partnership with Kia Motors and welcome them into the Red Bull family,” Red Bulls Managing Director Erik Stover said. “We believe this venture demonstrates the accession of soccer in the United States and the New York Red Bulls’ positioning throughout the world.”
Kia has undergone a dramatic design-led transformation that delivered seven new vehicles in 24 months and led to unprecedented growth and momentum. In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of market share growth.. To kick off the partnership, Kia will be the presenting sponsor of the Red Bulls’ match on Friday, June 10th, when the team hosts the New England Revolution at Red Bull Arena.
About the New York Red Bulls: The New York Red Bulls are one of 18 teams that comprise the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States – Major League Soccer. The Red Bulls enter their second season at Red Bull Arena – the premier soccer facility in North America located in Harrison, NJ – after winning the Eastern Conference regular season title and completing one of the best turnarounds in MLS history in 2010. Led by MLS Coach of the Year finalist Hans Backe, the Red Bulls boast international stars Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez, MLS Newcomer of the Year finalist Joel Lindpere and recent U.S. Men’s National Team debutants Juan Agudelo and Tim Ream. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.
About Red Bull Arena: Red Bull Arena, a 25,000-seat stadium located in Harrison, NJ and the elite soccer venue in North America, opened in March 20, 2010, as the New York Red Bulls defeated Santos FC, 3-1, in front of a sellout crowd. Aside from being the home of the regular season Eastern Conference champion Red Bulls, the arena held the first-ever Barclays New York Challenge, a four-team tournament that welcomed famed clubs Tottenham Hotspur FC, Manchester City FC and Sporting Clube de Portugal from July 22-25. The venue also welcomed international friendlies between the Czech Republic and Turkey on May 19, as well as Ecuador and Colombia on Oct. 8. Additionally, Red Bull Arena held the 2010 Churchill Cup Rugby Finals, on June 20. For more information about Red Bull Arena, log onto www.redbullarena.us.
About Kia Motors America: Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 730 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies. Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
