MasterCard and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Create Ultimate Priceless Experiences for Sports Fans

To tweet this news, copy and paste http://mstr.cd/1iAfEeX to your Twitter handle with #PricelessSurprises hashtag 

TORONTO, March 19, 2014 /CNW/ - MasterCard (NYSE: MA) today announced a first-of-its-kind installation in Canada to bring sports fandom to the next level - both inside and outside Air Canada Centre. Building on its long-standing exclusive partnership with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto FC, MasterCard today launched the Priceless Toronto Zone, an interactive digital experience at Air Canada Centre open to all sports fans. The Zone, outfitted with two large flex screens, an eight panel video wall and a 65" touchscreen, will be the place to catch behind the scenes moments, priceless experiences and collect sports memorabilia - whether you're attending a game or not.

"As sports fans, we know how exciting it is to watch your favourite team in action and we believe enhancing that experience is what makes for a memorable time," said Milos Vranesevic, VP & Head of Marketing, MasterCard Canada. "With MLSE, we've launched the MasterCard Priceless Toronto Zone to give fans the ability to interact with content and even use their mobile phone to purchase exclusive keepsakes - we think that's a priceless score for fans."

In addition, MasterCard announced that Air Canada Centre is now enabled with contactless Tap & Go technology at the Air Canada Centre's food-and-beverage concession stands. Patrons will be able to quickly pay with the tap of their MasterCard card to ensure they don't miss a moment of the action. 

Located outside Gate 1 of Air Canada Centre, the Priceless Toronto Zone uses MasterCard's superior payment network to introduce fans to the future of shopping - a multi-channel experience that will allow fans to browse and purchase from a selection of limited edition bobbleheads. Offered exclusively to Canadian MasterCard cardholders and MasterPass account holders, the figures will sell for $15.99. All net proceeds are being donated to the MLSE Foundation which aims to improve the lives of youth by building facilities, giving to sustainable programs and empowering youth through sports and recreation.

"MLSE is proud to work with a technology company like MasterCard," said Vince Bozzo, General Manager, Air Canada Centre.  "Our goal is to provide the ultimate fan experience and by leveraging MasterCard's payment technologies and priceless moments we can rest assured that Air Canada Centre patrons will be able to engage in an experience like no other. "

MasterCard cardholders already have exclusive access to Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors tickets with Priceless Toronto, and are also eligible for Priceless Surprises. The ongoing program launched today at the Priceless Toronto Zone and randomly surprises MasterCard cardholders with merchandise, tickets and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Canadian cardholders can increase their chances of being surprised by using their MasterCard card, engaging with @MasterCardCA and the #PricelessSurprises hashtag on Twitter and commenting on MasterCard Canada's Facebook page.

As part of the Priceless Surprises initiative, MasterCard surprised cardholder Tyler Morrison at Real Sports Bar & Grill on March 8^th with a unique and exciting game-watching experience.  Tyler, his father, and three brothers were given the priceless opportunity to watch the thrilling, overtime win against the Philadelphia Flyers from a private suite and best of all, alongside Leafs legend Doug Gilmour. 

"I couldn't have asked for a better surprise - especially since I shared it with my dad and brothers. How often does Doug Gilmour invite you to watch a game with him? I had to keep reminding myself that it was actually happening - that I was hanging out with one of the all-time greats," said Tyler Morrison of Mississauga, Ontario. "And all of it just because I have a MasterCard. It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life." 

About MasterCard
MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a global payments and technology company. It operates the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard's products and solutions make everyday commerce activities - such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances - easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Cashless Conversations Blog and subscribe for the latest news. 

Image with caption: "Today MasterCard launched the Priceless Toronto Zone, an interactive digital experience at Toronto's Air Canada Centre open to all sports fans. The Air Canada Centre is now also enabled with contactless Tap & Go technology in all food-and-beverage concession stands, allowing patrons to pay with the tap of a card so they don't miss a moment of the action. (CNW Group/MasterCard Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140319_C5918_PHOTO_EN_38134.jpg

SOURCE: MasterCard Canada

For further information:

Serda Evren, VP, Communications
[e-mail]
416 365 6671