Ten AFL teams activate partnership locally
NEW YORK, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Arena Football League
(AFL) and HealthSouth Corporation, one of the nation's largest providers of
outpatient surgery, diagnostic imaging and rehabilitative healthcare services,
today announced a multi-level partnership, designating HealthSouth as an
Official Marketing Partner of the AFL and Official Healthcare Provider of
select AFL teams. The deal carries an option that would extend the agreement
through 2007. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Through the partnership, participating AFL teams will receive significant
healthcare services including use of a full- and part-time trainer during the
season, direct medical services including orthopedic care and physical
therapy, X-rays, MRIs and CT scans, and customary training supplies.
"This agreement represents a true partnership as HealthSouth will assist
the majority of our teams in critical healthcare services, while leveraging
the AFL's growing media assets," said GLENN HORINE, President of AFL
Properties.
HealthSouth holds an advertising position in several media outlets,
including Fox Sports Net regional broadcasts, Sports Byline weekly radio show,
AFL 2005 Preview magazine and online with http://www.arenafootball.com , where
HealthSouth will be a sponsor of AFL Fantasy Football and the League's
E-newsletters.
"We're proud to be working with the Arena Football League and its
players," said Jim Covert, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for
HealthSouth's Outpatient Division. "We feel that this is an excellent
marketing vehicle to promote the services we provide and an opportunity to
provide the AFL with the quality sports medicine for which our clinicians are
well known."
A key branding initiative with the AFL partnership is HealthSouth logo
identification during televised games through on-field signage (dasherboard)
and game promotions, as well as additional in-arena public addresses and video
jumbotron announcements.
HealthSouth is the latest in a growing list of companies that have
associated with the AFL, including new partners such as Upper Deck (trading
cards), Electronic Arts (video game), Fox Sports Net (regional game
broadcasts) and Las Vegas Events (ArenaBowl XIX). In addition, NBC Sports,
U.S. Army, Champs, ADT and Nike are all partners who have recently renewed
their AFL partnerships for one or more years. The 2005 season represents the
most significant corporate support in the AFL's 19-year history.
About Arena Football League
On the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans' Bill of Rights, the
Arena Football League -- the second-longest running football league in U.S.
history -- is in its 19th season. Often recognized as one of the nation's most
affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League is
America's fastest-growing sport. In 2005, the AFL celebrates its third season
on NBC and its first season of comprehensive regional broadcasts on Fox Sports
Net.
About HealthSouth
HealthSouth is one of the nation's largest providers of outpatient
surgery, diagnostic imaging and rehabilitative healthcare services, operating
facilities nationwide. HealthSouth can be found on the Web
at http://www.healthsouth.com .
CONTACTS:
HealthSouth
Andy Brimmer, 205-410-2777
Arena Football League
Jennifer Boehm, 212-252-8116, jennifer@arenafootball.com
SOURCE HealthSouth Corporation
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.healthsouth.com
http://www.arenafootball.com
CONTACT:
Andy Brimmer of HealthSouth, +1-205-410-2777;
or Jennifer Boehm of Arena Football League, +1-212-252-8116, or
jennifer@arenafootball.com
|
