06/28/2001

America Online and HBO Log On as 2001 Goodwill Games Sponsors

America Online and HBO have signed on as official sponsors of the 2001 Goodwill Games, hosted this year by Brisbane, Australia, Goodwill Games officials announced today. The AOL Time Warner companies become the eighth and ninth sponsors, respectively, of the Games. They join previously announced exclusive sponsors Subaru of America, Inc., New Balance, DaimlerChrysler's Jeep division, Gillette's Duracell brand, Philips Electronics, Qantas and Foster's.

America Online will be the exclusive Internet sponsor of the Games. HBO will spotlight its new 10-part mini-series, "Band of Brothers," which debuts this September. "Band of Brothers" , HBO's most expensive programming venture to date, is executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.

"The dramatic action of the Goodwill Games and the international stage it provides for world-class athletic competition, is a natural platform for our two sister companies to promote their brands and reach their targeted audiences." said Chris Eames, senior vice president of sponsorship and marketing for Turner Sports Sales. "The Goodwill Games hold a strong appeal for both men and women and afford numerous opportunities for cross-promotion, " added Eames.

America Online's sponsorship deal includes exposure for America Online through 2001 Goodwill Games marketing opportunities before and during the event. America Online receives Internet category exclusivity; in-game media exposure; pre-event, on-air vignettes across Turner Broadcasting networks TNT, TBS Superstation, CNN, CNN Headline News and CNN/SI; and event signage. Additionally, America Online will receive identification in the national tune-in spots, as well as in off-channel print advertising. The print campaign will incorporate Sports Illustrated and USA Today. The sponsorship extends online through banner ads on the Goodwill Games Web site, www.goodwillgames.com, which receives high traffic and should reap the benefits of additional traffic driven by added links with CNNSI.com and AOL.

HBO will promote its original miniseries, "Band of Brothers," through its Goodwill Games sponsorship. The network will receive on-site signage during the basketball, track & field, beach volleyball, boxing and cycling events. In addition, a two-minute trailer of "Band of Brothers," will air during the Games. The miniseries will air on HBO beginning in September.

Turner Network Television (TNT) will present 83 hours of original programming from the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane, Australia, with 55 hours (66 percent) airing live. In addition to the 12 straight days of live coverage, TNT will also air an additional 37 hours of encore performances, giving the network a total of 120 hours of competition and 31 hours in prime time. In addition to the television coverage on TNT, results from the Goodwill Games will also be available almost instantaneously via real-time scoring on www.goodwillgames.com.

The Goodwill Games Brisbane will showcase the world's best athletes competing in 14 sports. The competitors, including numerous Olympic, World and Goodwill Games champions, will be vying for millions in prize money and world record/performance incentives. The 14 sports are: athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, cycling (track), diving, figure skating, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, trampoline, triathlon, weightlifting and surf lifesaving.

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