WINNIPEG – At least three Crown corporations in Manitoba have signed major sponsorship deals with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Through a freedom of information request, Global News has learned Manitoba Public Insurance has a three-year sponsorship deal worth $330,000 with the Bombers.
The funds will help pay for nearly 200 transit buses transporting fans to and from home games at Investors Group Field.
The deal also includes sponsorship rights for the Bombers’ park and ride, bike valet, Running Back shuttle and extra buses on game days.
“It allows us to reach a target audience,” said MPI spokesperson Brian Smiley. “Many of these sporting events, we know that alcoholic beverages are consumed, so typically we would send a don’t drink and drive message.”
The deal secures 25 season tickets for MPI’s “Caring for the Community Section” which sends inner city youth to each home game.
MPI will also serve as the corporate game-day sponsor on Aug. 16, the Bombers’ next home game.
Nine MPI employees will receive VIP treatment in the sponsor suite. Those employees entered an internal contest to be eligible to win the tickets.
Manitoba Hydro and the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corp. have both signed on as Bombers sponsors as well.
The MLLC signed a seven-year deal that lasts to the end of 2018 worth an approximate $2.1 million.
The deal entitles the Crown corporation to sponsor the Flight Deck area and provide youth and community outreach programs with 36 tickets to each home game.
The MLLC also receives 20 season tickets to be distributed through internal promotions.
UPDATE: On Friday morning, a Manitoba Hydro spokesman said they have a one-year, $95,000 sponsorship deal with the Bombers. Hydro is advertising its Power Smart initiative at Investors Group Field and received four season tickets as part of the package.
All of the Crown corporations told Global News none of the tickets will be given to board members, executives or ministers.
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