Rock Financial and the Detroit Pistons: That's True Blue Collar
--- 2007-08 Begins Fifth Year of Relationship; Presenting Sponsor Involved with Fans in Celebrating Team's 50 Seasons in Detroit ---
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 6, 2007 — The Detroit Pistons announce Rock Financial has re-signed its presenting sponsorship agreement for the 2007-08 NBA season, marking the fifth consecutive year that Michigan's leading mortgage company has presented the Pistons. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The 2007-08 presenting sponsorship agreement again will involve a number of marketing elements including giveaway items courtesy of Rock, in-game promotions and the staple of Pistons games: Thunderstix.
Rock Financial will be represented and featured in Pistons broadcasts, including all television and all radio shows and spots. Rock Financial will also be represented in all print ads, a variety of other collateral materials and prominently on the Pistons Web site (www.pistons.com). Rock will receive in-arena advertising on The Palace's LED ring, large signage on the concourse level and in-game representation on the Palacevision board.
"In 2007-08 we are going to be celebrating our 50 seasons in Detroit, and along with it, celebrating our five-year relationship with Rock Financial," said Detroit Pistons CEO Tom Wilson. "During the tenure of this relationship, the main goal of both of our organizations has been to make it beneficial to the fans: Thunderstix have become a staple, as have free parking on select nights, t-shirts and promotional giveaways. Today, as Michigan faces some difficult economic times, we are acutely aware of the benefits of 'escaping' to a Pistons game. Also, valuing the customer and making them feel part of a community is crucial. The Pistons and Rock continue to strive to make this experience great for our fans."
When the original agreement was signed before the 2003-04 season, it marked the first time in Detroit Pistons' history that the franchise had a presenting sponsor, and only the second time in NBA history.
"We started this relationship five years ago and it's been extremely successful for both organizations," said David Hall, senior vice president of Rock Financial. "Our Presenting Sponsorship of the Detroit Pistons works because they share our high standards for treating the client right. The Pistons are a hard-working team that consistently delivers for the fans, and we hope our clients see us in the same way, so aligning our Rock Financial brand with the Pistons just makes good sense.
"We also appreciate that this sponsorship involves far more than just the traditional marketing elements, but also has a strong community service component. Our relationship with the Pistons provides a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the community in a way that is unique and memorable, and is a show of loyalty to the fans and our clients throughout southeast Michigan."
Rock Financial will continue to be heavily involved in the Pistons "Read to Achieve" program, one of the most successful in the NBA. Rock also will host basketball clinics and the Honorary Captain program in which selected kids are able to participate in the pre-game player captain's meeting at center court. A number of other community service elements will be announced throughout the season.
"This year, we will have a heightened focus on our commitment to fans, mainly because we realize what close attention fans are paying to their spending and concerned with getting value for every dollar they spend," said Wilson. "We are two talented, creative, hard-working organizations and we believe that by working together, we are going to produce a quality product - before, during and after games - for our fans. We have set the standard as the best experience in professional sports and are committed for the 2007-08 season of staying on top."
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About Rock Financial
Rock Financial is Michigan's largest mortgage company. For more information, please visit www.rockfinancial.com or call 800-333-Rock. To become a member of the Detroit Pistons Crew (ticket plan holders), please contact (248) 377-0100 or visit www.pistons.com.
