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BOSTON – The Boston Celtics today announced that the Arbella Insurance Group and Putnam Investments will be the Co-Presenting Partners of the team’s 2016 playoff run. Additionally, in anticipation of the team’s upcoming playoff appearance, the Celtics will be hosting a series of giveaways, promotions and events for their fans starting today and running through the beginning of Round One.
Co-Presenting Partners
The presenting partnerships will fully integrate Arbella Insurance and Putnam Investments into all facets of the Boston Celtics playoff experience, and will connect the companies with the excitement around the playoffs and the passion of Boston Celtics fans as the team begins its quest for an unprecedented 18th NBA Championship. And this year for the first time, Arbella, Putnam and the Celtics will launch a series of fan engagement events and promotions leading up to the start of the playoffs.
“We are very proud to announce that Arbella and Putnam are Co-Presenting Partners for the 2016 playoffs,” Boston Celtics SVP of Corporate Partnerships and Business Development Ted Dalton said. “Both organizations will help us to create even more excitement around the post-season and will be a big part of engaging our fans leading up to and throughout the playoffs. Their involvement strengthens what are already fantastic partnerships.”
Digital integration is a key partnership element as Arbella and Putnam will have prominent brand placement on Celtics.com, as well as inclusion in team e-marketing and social media communications. The Celtics, Arbella and Putnam have also created a co-branded playoff logo that will be used in-market to promote the playoffs and the presenting partnership. Additionally, the co-presenting sponsors will receive media drop-ins during Celtics playoff game broadcasts by Comcast SportsNet New England and 98.5 The Sports Hub, the team’s media partners.
“We’re thrilled to continue our valued partnership with the Boston Celtics as presenting co-sponsor of the playoff run,” said Gayle O’Connell, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Arbella Insurance. “We love working alongside the Celtics on a number of community outreach programs throughout the year, and are especially excited to engage with the fans and help create excitement around the post-season. We wish the Celtics the best of luck in their quest for an 18th NBA Championship.”
“Putnam Investments would like to congratulate the Boston Celtics on a dynamic, action-packed regular season and for extending the excitement into the 2016 NBA playoffs,” said Robert L. Reynolds, President and CEO of Putnam Investments. “Our company is extremely proud of its close partnership with this legendary organization as they seek to raise another banner in their rafters.”
In arena, Arbella and Putnam will each receive prominent scoreboard and LED signage, halftime presentation and on-court fan promotions. All in attendance for games one and two of each round at The TD Garden will also receive fan giveaways from Arbella, Putnam and the Celtics. Street Banners will be displayed throughout the city of Boston with Arbella and Putnam branding.
Fan Engagement
To celebrate the excitement of the Celtics’ 2016 playoff run, the team will be hosting a variety of events and promotions, including ticket and merchandise giveaways, to reward the best fans in the NBA. Each day leading up to the playoffs, fans are encouraged to show their Celtics Pride and follow the team’s social media channels for a chance to win prizes throughout the month of April.
Events and promotions include:
- “We’re One Superstar” T-shirt Giveaway – On Monday, April 11, the team will give away Celtics playoffs shooting shirts and playoff game tickets on Twitter. The “We’re One Superstar” shirt will be worn by the team during playoff games. Fans can get their shirt in time for playoffs by visiting Celtics.com/Shop or the TD Garden ProShop.
- Fan Appreciation Night – On Wednesday, April 13, the Boston Celtics organization and players will thank fans for all of their support during the 2015-2016 regular season by hosting Fan Appreciation Night at their final regular season home game against the Miami Heat. The game will feature special video tributes, on-court performances and prize giveaways. During halftime, the Celtics will honor members of the 1965-66, 1975-76 and 1985-86 Boston teams in celebration of three legendary seasons and NBA Championships. Courtesy of TD Bank, all fans in attendance will receive a commemorative pin in recognition of these three teams as they enter the TD Garden.
- Pop A Shot with Scal – On Thursday, April 14, select fans will have an opportunity to compete in a game of Pop A Shot against Celtics fan favorite and CSN broadcaster Brian Scalabrine.
The Celtics will continue to reveal additional events, promotions and giveaways via their social media channels each day leading up to the start of the playoffs. Fans can “like” the Celtics on Facebook, follow them on Twitter @celtics or friend the team on Snapchat with the username Celtics so that they don’t miss out on any of the action.
About the Arbella Insurance Group
Established in 1988, the Arbella Insurance Group (arbella.com) is a company with more than $700M in revenue with approximately $1.3B in assets, headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts. Arbella is a customer-focused regional property and casualty insurance company, providing personal and business insurance in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and business insurance in Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
About Putnam Investments
Founded in 1937, Putnam Investments is a leading global money management firm. At the end of December 2016, Putnam had $148 billion in assets under management. Putnam has offices in Boston, London, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney. For more information, visit putnam.com.
About the Boston Celtics
A charter member of the Basketball Association of America (which evolved into the National Basketball Association) since 1946, the Boston Celtics have won a record 17 NBA Championships, including eight (8) in a row from 1959-1966, winning their first title in 1957 and their most recent in 2008. The Celtics have long stood for equality, and respect, including hiring the first African American Coach and starting the first all black starting five. In addition, 39 former Celtics players, management or staff have been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In December 2002 the team returned to local ownership for the first time since 1963.