The Buffalo Bills announced Wednesday they have reached a new partnership agreement with WNY hometown grocer Tops Friendly Markets.
As part of the new agreement Tops will sponsor the "Battle of Lake Erie" promotion beginning Sunday, October 26, 2008. By purchasing participating products in-store and using their Tops BonusCard, fans will be entered to win tickets to the sold-out Monday Night Football (MNF) game vs. Cleveland at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Ticket prizes can be either outdoor or inside the all inclusive M&T Bank Club. The grand prize winner will receive eight tickets to a private suite.
In addition, Tops will be the game day sponsor of the MNF game on November 17, 2008 when Buffalo takes on Cleveland in the "Battle of Lake Erie." Commemorative rally towels will be handed out to the first 55,000 people that enter the stadium. Tops will also host two live promotions in-game where fans can win Tops gift cards by showing their Tops BonusCards.
Other elements of the agreement include stadium advertising, print advertising, target marketing inclusions, and community partnership opportunities. Top Friendly Markets is sponsoring the Bills Kickoff Kid contest. Eight winners have been chosen for each home game of the 2008 season to retrieve the tee after the Bills kickoff the football. Tops also sponsored a Bills Training Camp Night Practice and handed out free tickets to the practice at their stores. They recently hosted the Bruce Smith wall of fame autograph signing at one of their stores, sponsored the Fan Food Drive to Benefit the Food Bank of WNY and have assisted their suppliers in activating their sponsorships as well.
"Tops has returned to serve Buffalo as Western New York's hometown grocer. We are proud that they decided to launch some of their key marketing initiatives with our franchise," said Pete Guelli, Bills senior vice president of business ventures. "We will be partnering with Tops on numerous programs throughout the year that will benefit our fans and Tops customers."
Frank Curci, Tops Friendly Markets president and CEO said, "Tops Markets and the Buffalo Bills are two hometown teams with a long, proud history in the Western New York area. We are excited to bring two strong, local brands together and share the strengths of both organizations."
Tops Markets, LLC, is headquartered in Williamsville, NY and operates 71 full-service supermarkets and five franchise supermarkets. With over 10,000 associates, Tops is the leading full-service grocery retailer in Western New York, Central New York, including Rochester, and Northwestern Pennsylvania. For more information about Tops Markets, visit the company's Web site at www.topsmarkets.com.
