HUNTINGTON BEACH and LOS ANGELES, Calif. – April 6, 2010 – IMG Action Sports today announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement with NIKE, Inc. for the prestigious U.S. Open of Surfing, www.usopenofsurfing.com, staged July 31 to August 8 in Huntington Beach, California. Building upon last year’s historic event that showcased epic waves, 500,000 fans and record prize money, the dynamic relationship integrates NIKE, Inc. brands Hurley, Nike 6.0 and Converse and the sports of surf, skate and BMX into the U.S. Open to create one of the largest and most innovative properties in action sports.
“As we saw last year, there’s no better ‘surf stadium’ than Huntington Beach,” says Bob Hurley, Hurley Founder and Chairman. “We’re always looking to improve the experience both in the water and on the sand, and we’re excited to continue working with Nike 6.0 and Converse to help make that happen in 2010 and beyond.”
The U.S. Open of Surfing is owned and produced by IMG Action Sports, a division of IMG Worldwide; the premier global sports, entertainment and media company. Founded in 1994, the U.S. Open is the world’s largest professional surfing competition, and hosts hundreds of world-class athletes along with music, fashion and youth culture. Boasting a rich history dating back to 1959, the massive event boasts North America’s only combined six-star World Qualifying Series (WQS)-rated men’s and women’s events and is a pivotal point on the ASP World Tour. The 12 acre festival is held adjacent to the famed pier.
“Last year’s relationship with Hurley, Nike 6.0 and Converse provided a glimpse of the U.S. Open of Surfing’s true potential,” said James Leitz, IMG Action Sports SVP. “The NIKE, Inc. action sports family raised the bar in all areas and continues an aggressive push towards excellence in 2010.”
“Some of our best creative work comes out of the collaboration of our three brands,” said Sandy Bodecker, Vice President of Global Design and Action Sports for NIKE, Inc. “Our goal is to help transform the U.S. Open into one of the most exciting sporting moments of the summer.”
ABOUT IMG SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment’s diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world’s largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year. More information is available at: www.imgworld.com.
ABOUT NIKE, INC.
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand. For more information, visit www.nikebiz.com.
