PepsiCo Beverages North America Marks New Partnership by Supporting Early Voting And Providing Prizing Activations to the Louisville Area
LOUISVILLE, KY. – PepsiCo Beverages North America, South Division (PBNA SD), a global leader in the food and beverage industry, has announced they have been awarded pouring rights at the iconic KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, one that will deliver thirst-quenching Pepsi products to passionate music, entertainment and University of Louisville sports fans for years to come. In addition to providing meaningful enjoyment and refreshments, PBNA SD is proud to support the KFC Yum! Center in its role as a polling site for the 2020 Elections both on election day and for early voting through its Pepsi Stronger Together initiative. Starting Friday, October 29, registered voters in the Louisville community who choose to vote early at the KFC Yum! Center can look forward to new Pepsi vending machines in the Arena Plaza, providing free beverages and instant opportunities to win epic prizes as they exercise their civic duties.
“Our new partnership with the KFC Yum! Center reflects our deep commitment to the city of Louisville and our effort to provide meaningful support to our employees and their friends, family and neighbors both in the city, and across the US,” said Derek Lewis, South Division President, PepsiCo Beverages North America. “We are proud to support the KFC Yum! Center in their mission to serve as a polling location for Louisville residents and we know that the work doesn’t stop after folks leave the voting booth, and that’s why we’re excited to expand our Pepsi Stronger Together program to reach those in need in the Louisville community in the coming months.”
Once early voters cast their ballots at the KFC Yum! Center, they will be greeted by Pepsi vending machines on the plaza doling out refreshing, ice cold Pepsi products and providing some lucky Pepsi fans the opportunity to be rewarded with additional epic prizes including University of Louisville merchandise and KFC Yum! Center concert and event tickets.
“Pepsi’s commitment to serving the Louisville community is perfectly aligned with the vision the Louisville Arena Authority and ASM Global have for the KFC Yum! Center,” the venue’s general manager Eric Granger said. “Their partnership extends beyond providing refreshing beverage choices to our patrons, it incorporates sincere and impactful measures to engage our entire community. We look forward to offering Pepsi’s impressive portfolio of brands for University of Louisville basketball games, concerts and other special events. We could not be more pleased to welcome Pepsi as a partner at the arena and look forward to working with their team to develop new ways to support our community.”
This is just the beginning for the Pepsi Stronger Together program in Louisville – a grassroots initiative, empowering communities around the country by providing resources and localized programming. The brand initially launched Pepsi Stronger Together in May of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, engaging its network of partners in the South to shine a spotlight on essential front-line workers in a variety of industries. Just last week, the Pepsi Stronger Together program kicked off its 2.0 version, bringing much needed support to Orlando, Miami, Washington, D.C. and Memphis, in tandem with its NBA partners.
PBNA SD partnership deal with KFC Yum! Center will span the course of 10 years, providing the company with exclusive marketing rights. In addition to offering PepsiCo Beverage’s portfolio of products inside the arena, including local favorites Mt. Dew and Dr. Pepper, the arena’s outdoor plaza will be transformed into Pepsi Plaza. Patrons will “Always Be Celebrating” as the Pepsi Plaza will host several exciting free concerts and events throughout the year. The new relationship with PepsiCo Beverages and KFC Yum! Center was secured by Louisville Arena Sports & Entertainment Properties, the locally based Learfield IMG College team that has represented the arena and has overseen its corporate partnerships since before opening.
About Pepsi Stronger Together
Pepsi Stronger Together 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 – engaging its network of partners in the South to shine a spotlight on essential front-line workers in a variety of industries – Pepsi Stronger Together was expanded in October of 2020 by partnering with NBA teams and charitable organizations to foster, among other things, community and police relations.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages by Winning with Purpose. Under this vision, Pepsi Stronger Together is continually evolving the program to respond to the cultural moment and meet the needs of communities across the United States. Stay up to date at pepsistrongertogether.com, where visitors can engage in conversation and learn about the latest community initiatives and how to give back. Follow the conversation on social media at @pepsistrongertogether.
About KFC Yum! Center
The KFC Yum! Center is a multi-purpose arena that overlooks the Ohio River in downtown Louisville and attracts approximately 1 million fans to ticketed events annually. It boasts a total of 721,762 square feet while offering an arena bowl exceeding 22,000 seats and nine bars and lounges all within walking distance of more than 6,000 hotel rooms in downtown Louisville. It is home to the University of Louisville men’s and women’s basketball programs and attracts several top grossing concerts and events annually. The KFC Yum! Center is a state of the art facility with advance technology capabilities that is owned by the Louisville Arena Authority and managed by ASM Global. For more information, visit www.kfcyumcenter.com.
About ASM Global
ASM Global, the world’s leading venue management and services company, manages the KFC Yum! Center. The company was formed by the combination of AEG Facilities and SMG, global leaders in venue and event strategy and management. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. From Aberdeen to Anchorage, and Sydney to Stockholm, its venues connect people through the unique power of live experiences.