SportBusiness.com

Crocs snaps up beach volleyball sponsorship

Professional beach volleyball operator, AVP, has signed footwear company Crocs as the official tour title sponsor and exclusive footwear sponsor of the newly formed Crocs Tour Australia through 2012.

Highlights of the deal include Crocs print and television advertising, Crocs branded retail and event-site activation, and Crocs outfitting for athletes and staff. Crocs will also receive event-site signage, event-site retail space and other event-site promotion as well as tickets and hospitality.

"Crocs has been the title sponsor of our US Summer tour since 2006, and both AVP and Crocs have enjoyed tremendous growth during this time, making a title sponsorship agreement with Crocs for the Australian tour we promote a no-brainer for us," said Leonard Armato, chief executive officer and commissioner of the AVP. "Our relationship with Crocs has been mutually beneficial since the beginning- Crocs footwear and beach volleyball events have highly complementary demographics and marketing styles, and we are confident that the Crocs Tour Australia, as well as Crocs' diverse lineup of comfortable, functional beach-style footwear, are well positioned to capitalize on the outdoor adventure lifestyle in Australia."

The 2008 tour schedule includes five events in prominent beach locations throughout Australia.