Oklahoma City, Aug. 5, 2010 -- The Oklahoma City Thunder has announced major corporate partnerships with Hertz Corporation and Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores. The changes mean the Ford Center’s Loud City will now be Love’s Loud City, while the South Terrace Lounge will be known as Hertz Gold Terrace Lounge.
Thunder Vice President of Business Development John Croley said the expansion of the partnerships will augment the Thunder brand and enhance the fan experience.
“We are grateful for the strong corporate relationships we have built in the community, the successes of which are reflected by the expansion of these existing corporate partnerships with Hertz and Love’s,” Croley said. “These tremendous corporate citizens share our commitment to giving back to Thunder fans.”
Hertz acquires naming rights for the Ford Center’s South Terrace Lounge, which will be called the Hertz Gold Terrace Lounge. The Riverwind North Terrace Lounge has been the official name of that area since 2009.
"The employees of Hertz are excited about expanding our partnership with the Oklahoma City Thunder. As the official rental car and equipment provider for the Thunder, Hertz looks forward to supporting the team on their road to further success,” said Hertz Vice President, Don Serup.
“Both Hertz and the Thunder share a deep commitment to OKC and the environment, and our partnership will allow us to further champion community initiatives in those areas. And, we're confident, that through this partnership, Hertz, the Thunder and OKC will Journey On™ and ‘Rise Together!’" Through Love’s partnership, the Ford Center’s 300-level seating area will officially become Love’s Loud City. As a result, Love’s will work to enrich the fan experience for sections already renowned for their boisterous atmosphere.
“This is a great opportunity to expand our commitment to the Thunder organization, our community and the amazing Oklahoma Thunder fans,” said Love’s Marketing Director Dave Frankenfield.
“Love's official sponsorship of Love's Loud City broadens our platform and allows us to enhance the fan experience in numerous ways yet to be explored.
“Not to mention, Love's Loud City sounded too good to pass up and it sure has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Love's Loud City fans will have one more reason to ‘bring the thunder’ next season.”
Thunder Senior Vice President Brian Byrnes lauded both partnerships.
“Loud City and the South Terrace Lounge already are among our fans’ favorite sections, and the dynamic partnerships with Love’s and Hertz will enrich the experience in both areas,” he said.
“That is among the key reasons that the Thunder is committed to working with the corporate community to establish and strengthen partnerships. Love’s and Hertz bring commitment, expertise and resources that will mean terrific things for fans in the Ford Center.”About the Hertz Corporation:
Hertz is the world's largest general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 8,300 locations in 146 countries worldwide. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 81 major airports in Europe, operating corporate and licensee locations in cities and airports in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and the Middle East. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz #1 Club Gold®, NeverLost® customized, onboard navigation systems, SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, and unique cars and SUVs offered through the Company's Prestige, Fun and Green Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition. Hertz also operates Connect by Hertz car sharing as well as one of the world's largest equipment rental businesses, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation. Hertz's Customer Care and Technology Centers are headquartered in Oklahoma City, employing 1,600 local area residents.About Love’s Travel Shops & Country Stores:
Founded in 1964 by Tom Love, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Okla., and remains family owned and operated. With more than 260 locations in 38 states, Love’s continues its growth to meet the needs of the motoring public. Love’s is currently ranked No. 15 on Forbes Magazine’s annual list of America’s largest private companies. From the first filling station in Watonga, Okla., the Love’s commitment has remained the same: “Clean Places, Friendly Faces.” For more information, go to www.loves.com.