MasterCard seals naming rights for Beijing arena
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MasterCard announced today that it has obtained naming rights for Beijing’s Wukesong Arena, the basketball venue for the 2008 Olympic Games, in a landmark deal for China’s sports and entertainment industry.
The 18,000-seat arena will be renamed the MasterCard Center or, in Chinese, Wanshida Zhongxin, in a five-year deal with the venue owners Bloomage International Investment Group and U.S.-based AEG, one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. As the strategic partner of Bloomage, AEG together with the U.S. National Basketball Association (NBA), will provide consultancy support in the running of MasterCard Center.
The renaming of the stadium marks another milestone for China’s rapidly growing sports and entertainment industry. It is the first 2008 Olympic Games venue to be rebranded commercially, the first arena in Beijing to be renamed in such a way, and it also marks the first time local ownership and know-how has combined with international event management expertise and sponsorship to bring the world?s best performers to Beijing.
To officially launch MasterCard Center, popular Cantonese pop singer, Jacky Cheung will be performing on 21 January. Other renowned artists scheduled to perform in the arena in 2011 include American rock band, the Eagles and Hong Kong singer, Aaron Kwok. In addition, the arena will host NBA basketball, table tennis, badminton and other sports events.
The MasterCard Center is of great importance for MasterCard as it looks to build public awareness of its brand and services in China. It also complements its series of other region-wide initiatives that have created Priceless moments and opportunities for MasterCard cardholders. Recent initiatives include travel deals like privileged fares for tickets to over 120 Lufthansa destinations in Europe, support for up-and-coming fashion designers as sponsor to the Singapore fashion festival, and the region-wide ‘Purchase with Purpose’ fund-raising program for good causes. As the Official Worldwide Partner and Payment System for the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2011, MasterCard cardholders also stand to enjoy exclusive privileges such as double entry into the ballots for the option to purchase the semi-finals and Final tickets.
Besides being a vehicle to bring world-class performers and unforgettable Priceless moments to Chinese audiences, the MasterCard Center demonstrates MasterCard’s long-term commitment to China, while helping to ensure the legacy of the Olympic Games. It leverages local resources for the benefit of consumers and stakeholders, including the local community in Beijing - especially in Haidian District where the arena is located - and the local government. It is also in line with government’s objective of maintaining economic growth through increased domestic consumption.
Jessica Guo, Deputy General Manager, Bloomage International Investment Group Inc., remarked, “As the newest, state-of-the-art multi-use arena in China, our 18,000-seat arena is already a benchmark for arenas throughout Asia. By teaming up with MasterCard, a reputable global payment solutions leader, we?re really looking forward to continuing the Olympics legacy by bringing the world?s finest performers to the capital to entertain Beijingers and visitors, making Beijing one of Asia?s leading entertainment hot spots.”
John Cappo, President and Chief Executive Officer of AEG China, said, “The Beijing Olympics was an amazing eye-opener for the world. It’s great to have such a visionary partner like MasterCard who wants to continue the legacy of the Beijing 2008 Olympic arenas. This naming rights deal underscores MasterCard?s long-term commitment to China and a milestone in the maturing of China’s sports and entertainment industry. Together with MasterCard and our partners, we will bring world-class entertainment and Priceless experiences to the MasterCard Center.”
Ling Hai, Division President, Greater China, MasterCard Worldwide, said, “We are delighted to rebrand an iconic Olympics venue as the MasterCard Center in Beijing, the capital city and an emerging market with huge growth potential. We?ve seen in recent years, thanks to the increasing prosperity and stability of China?s economy and society, a surge in public demand for live entertainment and sports events, creating a prosperous and active market for such events. By providing opportunities for unique access to performers and behind-the-scenes action, we aim to bring to local consumers and businesses that we collaborate with a series of Priceless experiences in the MasterCard Center. In Chinese our name means ‘everything is attainable.”
David Yang, NBA China Vice President, Business Development and Marketing Partnerships, said, “There is a growing appetite for sports and entertainment in China and the MasterCard Center will continue the legacy of the Beijing Olympics and further solidify the city as a premiere destination for world-class events. Together with our partners, we have a long-term commitment to China and we look forward to bringing NBA basketball to the state-of-the-art MasterCard Center in years to come.”
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