IMS, MillerCoors Extend, Expand Partnership
Miller Lite will continue as the Official Malt Beverage of the Indianapolis 500 and the Kroger Super Weekend at the Brickyard at IMS. MillerCoors also will become a "Podium Partner," signifying IMS corporate partners of significant investment level.
"IMS has enjoyed a long, successful partnership with MillerCoors, and we're pleased to continue that relationship for years to come," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief executive officer. "MillerCoors has created many innovative promotions surrounding IMS events throughout our relationship, and we're thrilled the company is expanding its sponsorship and activation."
Other components of the partnership extension:
•Continued sponsorship of Coors Light Carb Day, the traditional final practice for the Indianapolis 500 that kicks off the extended Race Weekend. The Coors Light Carb Day Concert features a national recording act and draws one of the largest crowds of the year to IMS.
•New presenting sponsorship of the Snake Pit. The Snake Pit, a party area inside Turn 3 at the Indianapolis 500 featuring world-class DJ's and other festivities, will expand during May. Miller Lite also will participate in the Snake Pit Tour, which promotes the Snake Pit in bars across Indiana during April and May.
•Continued sponsorship of the Miller Lite Party Deck during the Indianapolis 500 and Super Weekend at the Brickyard (NASCAR, GRAND-AM). The Miller Lite Party Deck will open for more days and also will feature new branding.
•Increased facility signage and activation.
"We're proud of our long partnership with Indianapolis Motor Speedway and look forward to many thrilling moments on and around the track in the years to come," said Adam Dettman, MillerCoors director of sports and entertainment marketing. "Fans across the world know that few places can match the history and excitement of racing at Indy, no matter what kind of vehicle is on the track."
The extension of the partnership between IMS and MillerCoors continues a partnership that started in 1977 when Miller Brewing Company first sponsored the Indianapolis 500 Pit Stop Challenge. Miller's first involvement at the Indianapolis 500 came in 1973, when Miller High Life sponsored the car driven by Jim Hurtubise.
Coors has been involved with IMS and the Indianapolis 500 since 1996, when it started sponsorship of the Pit Stop Challenge. Coors also has sponsored Carb Day and other Indianapolis 500 activities since then.
The 97th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 26, with Opening Day on Saturday, May 11. The second annual Kroger Super Weekend at the Brickyard, featuring NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and GRAND-AM Road Racing, is scheduled for July 25-28.