COLUMBUS, Ohio - As excitement builds for the Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game, there will be an increase in its visibility in the Greater Columbus area. G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Columbus, the local Sierra Mist distributor, has incorporated all-star information into its packaging and graphic elements to help promote the game.
"Sierra Mist and G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Columbus are tremendous community partners," said Mark McCullers, General Manager of The Columbus Crew. "The city of Columbus and State of Ohio would not be able to host special events like the 2005 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star game without Sierra Mist's time, effort and continued support."
Promotional efforts began in June with 65,000 stickers on the packaging of 12- and 24-packs of Sierra Mist and Sierra Mist Free cans encouraging people to vote for their favorite MLS all-stars. In addition, more than 1 million can panels in 6-, 12-, and 24-packs of Sierra Mist and Sierra Mist Free feature promotional information about the game and purchasing tickets. To reach an even broader audience, 100 truck backs on distribution vehicles also feature the same promotional details.
"The Central Ohio soccer nation is energized in anticipation of the upcoming Sierra Mist All-Star Game," remarked Tom Pendrey, Vice President and General Manager of G & J Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Columbus. "The event gives us the opportunity to highlight Sierra Mist, one of our fastest growing brands, as well as the very best professional soccer players in the United States, and the world!"
The 2005 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game featuring Fulham FC offers four levels of ticket pricing, ranging from $25 to $45 for individuals, and $17 to $30 for groups of 20 or more. Fans can purchase group and season ticket packages by contacting the Columbus Crew at (614) 447-2739; by logging onto www.thecrew.com and by visiting Crew Stadium advance sales windows during all Columbus Crew home games. Individual tickets can also be purchased by calling TicketMaster - (614) 431-3600 (Columbus area) or online at www.ticketmaster.com and at all TicketMaster outlets.
Crew Stadium, the site of MLS Cup 2001, will host its second MLS All-Star Game since 2000. During All-Star Weekend, Sierra Mist and MLS will host numerous soccer-themed events, activities and tournaments at Crew Stadium and in the Columbus area. Check out www.MLSnet.com for more details
