Nerf Signs Up As Harlem Globetrotters Sponsor

Hasbro, Inc.'s Nerf brand has signed on as a sponsor of the Harlem Globetrotters.

The deal includes sponsorship of the 2004-2005 North American tour, and title sponsorship of the 6th Annual Harlem Globetrotters vs. The NABC College All-Stars Game on April 1 at the Savvis Center in St. Louis.

The Harlem Globetrotters will make special appearances on behalf of Nerf with free "Nerfoop basketball clinics" at select chapters of local Boys and Girls Clubs nationwide, showing off their world-famous ball-handling skills and teaching kids hot new moves with the Nerf Nite Jam Nerfoop lighted basketball and rim.

Kids participating in the clinics will receive free tickets to an upcoming Harlem Globetrotters game. The team will also appear at select local retailers to demonstrate their Nerf tricks and autograph Nerf merchandise.

As part of the sponsorship, consumers will be eligible for exclusive discounts on Harlem Globetrotters tickets by showing receipts from purchases of Nerf products at their local box office. During each of the 100 Nerf-sponsored games, there will be a half-time promotion allowing audience members to participate in fun Nerf activities.

In the NABC College All-Star Game, the Harlem Globetrotters will take on the nation's top college seniors in a competitive basketball game during the NCAA's Final Four Weekend.

As the title sponsor, Nerf will give away NABC College All-Star Game tickets to 40 fans who will attend the game and be treated to a VIP locker room meet and greet with Harlem Globetrotters players. Nerf spokesperson Stephanie Scheider said the company is finalizing plans for the ticket giveaway.

For more stories on event marketing