Expanded partnership between Kroger, IMS to benefit Riley Children’s Foundation
INDIANAPOLIS, Thursday, April 12, 2012 – Kroger will sponsor the Super Weekend at the Brickyard as part of an expanded partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Kroger and IMS officials announced April 12.
The July 26-29 event will be known as Kroger Super Weekend at the Brickyard and culminate with the 19th annual Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard.
The new pact, which also will benefit the Riley Children’s Foundation, also includes the IMS Kids Club being renamed the Kroger Kids Club and Kroger becoming the Official Florist and the Official Box Lunch Provider for IMS.
“Kroger has been a longtime, active partner with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and an integral part of Central Indiana life, so we’re happy to expand and strengthen our relationship,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. “Every aspect of this partnership will enhance the fan experience at IMS events, and we’re also pleased that the important work of the Riley Children’s Foundation also will be helped.”
Kroger and IMS each will continue their corporate generosity by collaborating with race driver and passionate Riley supporter John Andretti, vendor partner General Mills, radio broadcaster Dave Wilson and others to increase fundraising efforts for Riley throughout 2012.
The Riley Children’s Foundation, based in Indianapolis, is committed to improving the health and well-being of children through philanthropic leadership in support of Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis and its research programs.
“Kroger, as the longest-running sponsor in NASCAR history, has been part of the series since 1981,” said Bob Moeder, Kroger Central Division president. “Our partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will take that to the next level, benefitting customers, associates and fans of both companies. As a passionate supporter of Riley Children’s Hospital, I am especially pleased by the new opportunities we have identified to support our Riley kids.”
The Kroger Super Weekend at the Brickyard will include the IMS debut of the NASCAR Nationwide Series and GRAND-AM Road Racing joining the Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. There will be four races in three days from July 27-29, as action will take place on the IMS oval and road course on the same event weekend for the first time.
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Kroger (NYSE:KR) is one of the nation’s largest grocery retailers, with fiscal 2011 sales of $90.4 billion.
The Kroger Co. spans many states with store formats that include grocery and multi-department stores, convenience stores and mall jewelry stores. Kroger operates under nearly two dozen banners, all of which share the same belief in building strong local ties and brand loyalty with customers.
Kroger Central Division, which includes operations in Indiana, is dedicated to supporting every local community it serves, contributing more than $14.7 million in 2011 to local organizations, primarily focusing on hunger relief, K-12 education, health causes and diversity. The Kroger Co. was recently named the most generous company in America in a Chronicle of Philanthropy listing detailed in Forbes magazine.
Super Weekend tickets: Tickets are on sale now for the Kroger Super Weekend at the Brickyard on July 26-29 at IMS.
All ticket orders can be made at www.imstix.com and through the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday. For more information, call the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area.
Children 12 and under will receive free general admission when accompanied by an adult with a Super Weekend Ticket or general admission ticket.
Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.
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Kroger To Sponsor Super Weekend At The Brickyard
