The Jets and HotelPlanner.com announced today details of a new partnership between the group travel company and the team.
HotelPlanner.com becomes the first sponsor integrated into the Jets' Ultimate Fan Facebook application. Free items courtesy of HotelPlanner.com will be available to users in the pride area of the application. Users will be able to add the items — including a branded party limousine — to their tailgate area and be able to "like" HotelPlanner.com on Facebook. Ultimate Fan users will also have an opportunity to win weekend long hotel stays and spa services at some of HotelPlanner.com's premier properties.
Ultimate Fan, spearheaded by the New York Jets and created in conjunction with game developer Arkadium, is the first revenue generating Facebook application to be backed by a professional sports team. Not a football simulator or a fantasy league game, at its core Ultimate Fan lets fans be fans by doing online what they would normally do at home and in stadiums. From rooting for their favorite team to predicting game scores and holding a virtual tailgate with fans all over the world, there is a component of the game for everyone, no matter which team people are cheering on to victory.
In addition to the integration into the Jets Facebook app, HotelPlanner.com will sponsor Jets youth football clinics and appear in team-controlled media over the next two years. "From the team's new private-label wine, Jets Uncorked, to the organization's commitment to innovation in social media, we knew that working with the Jets was the perfect partnership for us," said HotelPlanner.com CEO Tim Hentschel. "The Jets have the same entrepreneur spirit and creative thinking as we do and we expect this partnership to continue to grow in the years to come."
"Social media is altering the landscape of sports sponsorship, enabling teams to bridge the gap between partners and fans to actually create a conversation," said Matt Higgins, Jets executive vice president of business operations. "Ultimate Fan integrates sponsors into the virtual football experience in a fun, natural way while offering value to users. HotelPlanner.com has not only developed a dynamic, nimble business that makes travel life easier for everyone but is always looking to push the marketing envelope. We are excited to be introducing them to our fans."
HotelPlanner.com offers fans and customers, through its patent-pending booking technology and best rate guarantee (often as low as 70 percent off prevailing hotel guest room rates), the easiest and most efficient way to make travel plans.
HotelPlanner.com adds the Jets to its roster of professional sports partnerships. In addition, they sponsor youth sports teams from Little League and T-ball to college conferences such as the Big West, Mountain West, Atlantic 10 and C-USA.
