New York Mets, Anheuser-Busch Sign New Multi-Year Marketing Agreement for Final Year at Shea and for Citi Field

Budweiser and Bud Light become first "Signature Partners" at New York Mets' new home

03/17/2008, FLUSHING -- The New York Mets' home venue will change in 2009, but thanks to a deal announced today, the team's association with one of the world's premier sports marketers - Anheuser-Busch, Inc. - will continue.

Anheuser-Busch and the Mets today announced a multi-year marketing agreement in which the world's best-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light, become the Mets' first Signature Partner at Citi Field with an unprecedented and comprehensive set of rights and benefits across multiple properties and platforms.

Budweiser, the Great American Lager, and Bud Light, the world's best-selling American-style light lager, will continue as the exclusive alcohol beverage partner for in-venue signage for the Mets' final season at Shea Stadium in 2008 as well as when the team opens Citi Field, its new world-class home, in 2009. In addition, the new agreement includes extensive media and enhancement presence during Mets television broadcasts on SportsNet New York (SNY) and Mets' radio broadcasts in Spanish.

Mets fans attending games at Citi Field will notice significant stadium signage including identification on the front and back of the main scoreboard, outfield wall, and first and third base rotationals, in addition to signage throughout the concourse. Budweiser and Bud Light also will be incorporated into other Mets marketing and media assets including Mets publications and in game programming features.

"We're excited to be a part of the final season at Shea Stadium and to have secured a presence in Citi Field for years to come," said Tony Ponturo, Vice President, Global Media and Sports Marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Mets fans are a special breed. As a marketer you hope some of that great loyalty rubs off through the association with Budweiser and Bud Light."

"It is only fitting that an icon in sports marketing is our first Signature Partner at Citi Field," said Dave Howard, Executive Vice President, Business Operations, New York Mets. "The undisputed leader in its industry, Anheuser-Busch is one of the world's premier marketers. It has a unique ability to activate this sponsorship to connect the Mets with current and potential fans through its powerful network of wholesalers and retailers."

Anheuser-Busch has been the Official Beer Sponsor of MLB since 1996, and also sponsors 26 of the league's 29 domestic teams. As a part of its deal with the team, Anheuser-Busch has the rights to Mets-specific packaging and plans to recognize the final season at Shea with commemorative aluminum bottles and cans this season. The Mets' longstanding relationship with Anheuser-Busch dates back more than a quarter century.

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.5 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer, and a 27 percent share in China brewer Tsingtao, whose namesake beer brand is the country's best-selling premium beer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired U.S. and Global Companies lists in 2008. Anheuser-Busch is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and one of the world's largest recyclers of aluminum cans. For more information, visit anheuser-busch.com.

The Mets, in conjunction with their construction partners Hunt-Bovis and HOK, began construction of the 45,000-capacity Citi Field in 2006 in the outfield parking lot between Shea Stadium and 126th Street. Citi Field will open in April 2009.

Source: MLB