Sports Events

PepsiCo Launches Its Historically Better Tour: Powered by Pepsi Stronger Together and Doritos® SOLID BLACK to Celebrate the Best of HBCU Culture and Talent

Published

2 years ago

August 27, 2022

The Multi-Campus Tour Kicks Off at the National Battle of The Bands in Houston, Texas, Celebrates Black Excellence and Inspires the Next Generation of Black Leaders

PURCHASE, N.Y. /PRNewswire/ — Music, sports, community, food, and culture are the hallmarks of HBCUs and this year, PepsiCo is bringing its Historically Better platform back to celebrate, elevate, and engage students as they get ready for a new year.

Kicking off at the start of HBCU football season at the National Battle of the Bands, PepsiCo launches Historically Better: Powered by Pepsi Stronger Together and Doritos SOLID BLACK, a multi-campus tour to empower and celebrate multi-generational Black changemakers.

Kicking off at the start of HBCU football season at the National Battle of the Bands, Historically Better: Powered by Pepsi Stronger Together and Doritos SOLID BLACK is a multi-campus tour that empowers and celebrates multi-generational Black changemakers. The nearly four-month tour will hit a variety of stops and culminate at the SWAC Championship game.

“With Historically Better, our goal is to utilize the power of PepsiCo’s diverse brand portfolio to address inequity and level the playing field for HBCU students with an end-to-end experience that inspires them by celebrating Black excellence in all its forms,” said Derek Lewis, PepsiCo, President, Multicultural. “Our breadth of programming demonstrates our commitment to HBCUs across our brands and is designed to benefit students, alumni, and fans alike. We’re creating access to career opportunities, spotlighting cultural changemakers and entrepreneurs, and engaging with HBCU students at every step.”

The program complements PepsiCo’s larger Racial Equality Journey commitments, a five-year, more than $400 million investment to increase Black representation at PepsiCo, support and elevate Black businesses and voices, and economic opportunity in Black communities. Programming will come to life across our REJ three pillars of people, business, and community, including:

People – On-Campus Recruitment at HBCUs:
- Creating an opportunity for HBCU talent who are the next generation of Black corporate leaders, from interns to executives, to engage with PepsiCo through on campus recruitment events. These efforts aim to support PepsiCo’s Racial Equality Journey goal to increase Black managerial representation to 10% by 2025.
Business – Elevating Black Voices and Businesses with Doritos SOLID BLACK and Pepsi Dig In:
- Celebrating the connection between music, food, and the community, Doritos SOLID BLACK will highlight culture-driving Black Changemakers and HBCU alumni through music-led consumer activations, featuring Doritos SOLID BLACK Changemaker DJ Mr. Rogers.
- Pepsi Dig In will continue its rallying call for people to double down on supporting Black-owned restaurants, as well as its invitation for Black restaurateurs to tap into a variety of resources, mentorship and training made possible by PepsiCo. Students are invited to support Black-owned restaurants at HBCU tailgates across the country by enjoying their delicious food and refreshing beverages, while also nominating them for Pepsi Dig In’s Black Restaurants Deliver program — a free 8-week consulting program designed to work directly with Black-owned restaurants by providing the know-how and financial resources to level-up their digital and delivery presence.
Community – Inspiring the Next Generation of HBCU Students:
- Pepsi Stronger Together is bringing students from Ohio’s Saint Martin de Porres High School marching band to the largest stage of HBCU culture: the National Battle of the Bands on August 27^th. By funding their participation, Pepsi Stronger Together is investing in the Cleveland-based students to help them represent the only non-local high school participating in the Step and Stroll event and providing the youth access and exposure to HBCU educators and students.
- Throughout the tour, Pepsi Stronger Together and Doritos SOLID BLACK will spotlight the HBCU campus DJs, who will receive on-site support and coaching from celebrity DJs, including DJ Mr. Rogers, as well as provide financial support to help them pursue their dreams in the entertainment industry while they are in school.

Fans can follow @pepsistrongertogether #HistoricallyBetter for more information on the Historically Better tour and recruitment efforts as updates are released closer to event dates.

About Pepsi Stronger Together
Pepsi Stronger Together (PST) is a national initiative to empower and engage communities around the country by providing tailored programming and resources that bring people together. It was conceived with the idea that now, more than ever, we must foster a sense of connection and belonging, starting by investing locally. Launched in May of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – PST engaged its network of partners in the South to shine a spotlight on essential front-line workers in a variety of industries. Since then, PST has expanded its reach and impact through a variety of partnerships and initiatives, including partnerships with NBA teams, community leaders, and environmental and charitable organizations.

Driven by the PepsiCo positive (pep+) vision to catalyze positive change for people and the planet, Pepsi Stronger Together is continually evolving to respond to the cultural moment and meet the needs of communities across the United States. Stay up to date and learn how to engage at http://www.pepsistrongertogether.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @pepsistrongertogether.

About Doritos
Doritos believes there’s boldness in everyone. We champion those who are true to themselves, who live life fully engaged and take bold action by stepping outside of their comfort zone and pushing the limits. Doritos is one of many Frito-Lay North America brands – the $19 billion convenient foods division of PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP), which is headquartered in Purchase, NY. Learn more about Frito-Lay at the corporate website, http://www.fritolay.com/, and on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/fritolay.

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $79 billion in net revenue in 2021, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with PepsiCo Positive (pep+). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for the planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

SOURCE PepsiCo Beverages North America

Entertainment

Mike Tyson’s Return: Bridging Generational Gaps in the Ring

Mike Tyson faces Jake Paul, bridging generations in a unique fight that captivates old and new boxing fans alike.

Published

2 months ago

March 9, 2024

Charles Elliot

In a surprising twist of fate, boxing legend Mike Tyson finds himself stepping into new territory as he prepares to face off against social media star turned boxer, Jake Paul, on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. This matchup is not just about the fight itself, but about the diverse audience it will draw – a mix of old-school boxing fans who remember Tyson as Iron Mike and a new generation of sports enthusiasts who have been introduced to boxing through the antics of Jake Paul.

Jake Paul, known for his online presence filled with pranks and viral content, has successfully transitioned into the boxing world, amassing a significant following and reigniting interest in the sport among a younger demographic. With a career record of 9-1 and recent knockout victories, Paul has proven his dedication to the sport, despite initial skepticism due to his social media background.

On the other hand, Mike Tyson, a legendary figure in the boxing world, represents a bygone era of the sport where he dominated headlines both in and out of the ring. His return to the spotlight presents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional boxing fans and the newer audience that Paul has brought in.

The juxtaposition of Tyson’s illustrious past and Paul’s social media stardom makes this fight a captivating spectacle. It’s a clash between two worlds that seemed unlikely to intersect – the former heavyweight champion facing off against a YouTuber, Jake Paul. The fight not only challenges perceptions of what boxing entails but also serves as a platform for Tyson to reintroduce himself to a generation that may only know him as a pop culture reference from movies like “The Hangover.”

As Tyson steps into the ring with Paul, he has the chance to reclaim relevance and showcase his skill to an audience that may not have appreciated his greatness before. This fight could either solidify his legacy or raise questions about his decision to engage in such a unique matchup at this stage of his career.

Ultimately, the Tyson-Paul bout represents a fascinating collision of past and present, tradition and modernity. It’s a moment where the lines between entertainment, sports, and social media blur, creating an event that promises to captivate audiences across different demographics and generations. Mike Tyson’s journey back into the limelight as he faces off against Jake Paul is a story of evolution, relevance, and the enduring legacy of a boxing icon.

Credit: This story source is from The Root article Mike Tyson, Meet Jake Paul’s Obsessive White Fan Base

Entertainment

Arizona Athletic Grounds draws over 100,000 Attendees for Presidents Weekend

AAG is the USA’s Premier Youth Athletic Grounds

Published

2 months ago

March 1, 2024

Daily News Staff

MESA, Ariz. /PRNewswire/ — Arizona Athletic Grounds (“AAG”) drew well in excess of 100,000 visits over the four days of Presidents weekend. Teams from across the USA including Alaska and Florida participated in 3 tournaments in soccer, volleyball and softball. New ownership provided a positive experience for the guests of AAG. AAG is one of the largest youth-oriented sports and entertainment facilities in North America.

Arizona Athletic Grounds at Mesa Campus (“AAG”)

Locally, Daphne from Arizona said, “For two years we have been attending tournaments and this was by far the best operationally. New ownership has quickly added options for food and comfort stations that made this weekend the best we have seen. AAG has added lots of staff and a great garden party.”

Tim from Portland said, “Volleyball has been the cleanest and biggest of venues we have seen. My daughter is 12 and we will be excited to keep coming back. The DJ is fantastic and we wanted to hang out at Cornhole even after our event was complete.”

Sherrill from Alaska came to watch her granddaughter in a soccer tournament, “AAG is beautiful and the process of attending events was smooth.”

Separately, AAG hosted the Mesa Arizona Cup from February 20-25. Cale, Professional Pickleball Player from Oklahoma said, “This facility stands out as the best among the six I’ve played at. Without a doubt, it offers unparalleled amenities. Each court provides seating and shade, a rare feature. The parking facilities are exceptional, and if there’s another event here, I’ll definitely return.”

The Mesa facility serves over 4,000,000 visits per year, providing youth and adult athletic and special events programming. The website www.azgrounds.com / @azgrounds are the new landing pages for information. For additional information on rentals, sponsorship, or event programming at AAG, please reach out to the AAG team.

SOURCE Arizona Athletic Grounds

Economy

OAK VIEW GROUP ACQUIRES STADIUM CLUB DIVISION FROM INVITED

Oak View Group and Invited also enter strategic partnership
focused on membership benefits and experiences

Published

2 months ago

February 29, 2024

Daily News Staff

DENVER /PRNewswire/ — Marking another strategic addition to the company’s premium experience platform, Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in live experience venue development, venue management, premium hospitality and 360 venue solutions, today announced the acquisition of the Stadium Club division from Invited, the leading owner-operator of private golf, country and city clubs in North America.

As part of the transaction, Oak View Group will own and operate Stadium Club properties at prestigious universities across the country and provide high-end premium experiences and curated member offerings. Management teams and employees will remain in their current roles at all clubs. In addition, Oak View Group and Invited have entered a long-term strategic partnership focused on enhanced membership benefits and uniquely curated experiences for both Invited and OVG club members.

Oak View Group has announced the acquisition of the Stadium Club division from Invited.Tweet

Stadium Club properties include:

Arizona Sands Club (Arizona Stadium – University of Arizona)
Baylor Club (McLane Stadium – Baylor University)
Ken Garff University Club (Rice-Eccles Stadium – University of Utah)
The Texas Tech Club (Jones AT&T Stadium – Texas Tech University)
University Club of Virginia Tech (Lane Stadium – Virginia Tech)
The Carolina Club (George Watts Hill Alumni Center – University of North Carolina)

“We are committed to advancing the expectation of a premium experience in venues across the world, and we look forward to welcoming Stadium Clubs and their members into the Oak View Group family,” said Chris Granger, President, OVG360. “We are excited to develop and grow the Stadium Clubs with unique experiences, gracious hospitality and imaginative offerings gleaned from our extensive experience of our own venues and that of our roster of stadiums, arenas, theatres, convention centers and more worldwide. We also look forward to working with our partners at Invited on creating the ultimate membership experience platform for all those in the Invited and OVG families.”

“Invited’s University Stadium Club division has been a source of great pride for the company and through the years we’ve cherished the opportunity to provide an exceptional experience for our members, their families and friends. After many discussions and to ensure a strong and viable future, we’ve decided to sell the stadium club line of business to Oak View Group. Together, we will ensure a seamless transition and Invited will stay involved by partnering on offerings in the future,” said Invited CEO David Pillsbury.

This strategic move expands Oak View Group’s sports venues and commitment to transforming the culinary experience within premium hospitality and live experiences. Last year, Oak View Group acquired Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, an international luxury catering and hospitality provider and partnered with Wally’s Wine & Spirits entrepreneur and wine expert Christian Navarro to curate the gourmet food and beverage experience at OVG venues and launch navarroswine.com with other expansion plans to be announced soon.

The acquisition comes at a time when the entertainment landscape is evolving and Oak View Group remains at the forefront, setting new standards for excellence. Stadium Clubs, known for their premium amenities and exclusive offerings, provides members with game-day experiences along with serving as a premier business and social club and gathering space for the Universities and surrounding community throughout the year. Club members will enjoy increased benefits and access to Oak View Group venue events.

About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is a global sports and entertainment company founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015. OVG’s mission is to be a positive disruption to business as usual in the sports, live entertainment, and hospitality industries. OVG is world-renowned as the leading full-service live entertainment and hospitality group, with 10 major new arenas either open or under development including: Climate Pledge Arena at Seattle Center; UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY; Moody Center in Austin, TX; Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs, CA; and CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD; as well as arena development projects for Co-op Live in Manchester, UK; Anhembi Arena in São Paulo, Brazil; FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton, ON; a New Arena and entertainment district in Las Vegas, NV; and a New Arena in Cardiff, Wales. OVG360 is a full-service venue management, hospitality solutions, and venue services company servicing more than 400 arenas, stadiums, performing arts centers, culture institutions, and convention centers world-wide. More information at OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

About Invited
Since its founding in 1957, Dallas-based Invited has operated with the central purpose of Building Relationships and Enriching Lives®. The leading owner-operator of private golf and country clubs, and city clubs in North America, Invited is relentless in its pursuit of providing extraordinary experiences, meaningful connections, shared passions, and memorable moments for its nearly 400,000 members. With approximately 20,000 peak-season employees and a portfolio of 170 owned golf and country clubs, city clubs, sports clubs, and stadium clubs in 28 states, Invited creates communities and a lifestyle through its championship golf courses, workspaces, handcrafted cuisine, resort-style pools, tennis and pickleball facilities, golf lounges, fitness centers, and robust programming.

Marquee Invited properties include Firestone Country Club (Akron, Ohio); Mission Hills Country Club (Rancho Mirage, California); The Woodlands Country Club (Houston, Texas); and The Metropolitan Club (Chicago, Illinois).

SOURCE Oak View Group