For a second year, Leafs add preseason game to thank fans for their
supportTORONTO, July 10 /CNW/ - The Toronto Maple Leafs will begin their 2009-10
NHL preseason with fanfare and excitement by once again opening the doors to
Leafs fans for free in partnership with Coca-Cola Canada.
The Maple Leafs and Coca-Cola Zero announced Thursday that the September
16 preseason game between the Leafs and the Boston Bruins at Air Canada Centre
will play host to the Coca-Cola Zero Fans First Game. For the second year, the
Maple Leafs added the free game to their schedule as a way of recognizing the
outstanding support of their fans.
"We know we've got the greatest hockey fans in the world, so we wanted to
thank them again with the Coca-Cola Zero Fans First Game. This event is one of
the more exciting promotions in professional sports," said Tom Anselmi,
executive vice-president and chief operating officer for Maple Leaf Sports &
Entertainment. "The Coca-Cola Zero Fans First Game is more than just a
preseason game. We've created a host of initiatives around the game to make it
into a memorable event for Leafs fans who have not typically had an
opportunity to experience a live Leafs game at Air Canada Centre."
Tickets for the Coca-Cola Zero Fans First Game will be distributed
through a variety of channels including retail promotions, contests, events,
icoke.ca, social media promotions and giveaways. Leafs fans can visit
www.mapleleafs.com for more details. Contesting begins July 17, 2009 and
continues throughout the summer.
The Maple Leafs and Coca-Cola will celebrate the second annual Coca-Cola
Zero Fans First Game announcement Friday, July 10 by touring the Greater
Toronto Area in the Leafs Nation Mobile Fan Zone, the 30-foot trailer with a
replica Leafs dressing room. The Leafs Nation Mobile Fan Zone will make
several stops including the Metro Toronto Zoo, Ontario Place, the Honda Indy.
Other stops include: Queen's Quay, the Danforth, Little India and many more.
At each stop, Leafs fans will have an opportunity to win tickets, receive free
giveaways and enjoy a refreshing Coke Zero. Leafs player Matt Stajan will make
an appearance Friday at Ontario Place (inside the main gate) between 11:30
a.m. and noon, while Leafs Centre Christian Hanson will meet fans at the Honda
Indy between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Fans can follow the Fan Zone by visiting
www.mapleleafs.com.
"As a company, we strive to make a positive impact everywhere we
operate," said Bobby Brittain, vice-president of Sparkling Beverages for
Coca-Cola Canada. "Toronto has some of the most dedicated sports fans
anywhere. With so many in the city so passionate about their team, many have
never had the opportunity to see their favourite team play live. By making all
the tickets for the Coca-Cola Zero Fans First Game available, Coke Zero is
making it possible for thousands of fans to do just that."
Last season's Coca-Cola Zero Fans First game had the look and feel of a
Leafs opening night with a tailgate party, live music, pregame festivities and
giveaways that were enjoyed by the 20,000 fans in attendance. This year's game
will replicate the same unique and memorable experience.
Anselmi added that he would like to thank and recognize the thousands of
Leafs season seat holders, premium seat holders and suiteholders who donated
their tickets to provide fellow hockey fans an opportunity to experience a
live game at Air Canada Centre.
The second annual Coca-Cola Zero Fans First Game event will offer Leafs
fans the first opportunity to see the 2009-10 Maple Leafs team including first
round draft pick Nazem Kadri, free agents Mike Komisarek, François Beauchemin,
Colton Orr, and Swedish goalie Jonas Gustavsson, as well as newly acquired
players Garnet Exelby and Colin Stuart.
For more information or to enter to win free tickets for the Coca-Cola
Zero Fans First Game, visit www.mapleleafs.com.
About Coca-Cola Canada:
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. In Canada,
the Company is represented by its subsidiary, Coca-Cola Ltd. (Coca-Cola
Canada). Coca-Cola is Canada's largest beverage company. Coca-Cola Canada
markets three of Canada's top nonalcoholic sparkling beverage brands,
Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Sprite. In addition, Coca-Cola is the largest juice
and juice drinks company with Minute Maid, Five Alive and Fruitopia and the
leading ready to drink tea producer with Nestea. The Company also markets
DASANI, PowerAde and other hot and cold beverages. For more information, visit
www.coca-cola.ca.
For further information: Media Contact: Rajani Kamath, Maple Leaf Sports
& Entertainment, (416) 815-5790
