New York, Feb. 9, 2009 – TNT, the exclusive television home of All-Star 2009, announced today a unique partnership with GEICO to present the upcoming H-O-R-S-E game to be played on Sat., Feb. 14 live from Phoenix. H-O-R-S-E presented by GEICO will feature three NBA players as they match their thrilling moves and creative shot making skills in a competition to go shot-for-shot. The innovative sponsorship, facilitated by Horizon Media on behalf of GEICO, will also include GEICO on-air graphics, scoreboard signage and promotion throughout the telecast.
Putting a twist on the playground favorite, players will spell out G-E-I-C-O as they miss shots that were made by the preceding player. “This is a great opportunity to create an innovative experience with the GEICO brand in a distinct setting that is perfect for our current and future customers. I think it will be fun for all viewers and it puts an original spin on a classic game,” said Bill Brower, director of advertising for GEICO.
H-O-R-S-E presented by GEICO will be televised exclusively on TNT on Feb. 14 during a special two-hour presentation of Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai (5- 7 p.m. ET). The game will take place on a 45' x 50’ court alongside the network's new NBA on TNT Rig at the NBA All-Star Block Party presented by Right Guard. The court features stands for fans to watch the game live, as well as a rotating set that can be raised up to 14 feet in the air. TNT announcers Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Chris Webber will call the game while players will be mic’d up so viewers can hear them call their shots and exchange banter. Dunking is not allowed.
“The H-O-R-S-E presented by GEICO game is a unique integration fueled by a creative cross collaboration of sales and production elements that give fans another thrilling event to watch during one of the most exciting NBA weekends of the year,” said Jon Diament, executive vice president of Turner Sports ad sales and marketing.
“To change the traditional name of H-O-R-S-E to G-E-I-C-O makes this a unique sponsorship program with full ownership integration. We’re really excited to partner our client GEICO with TNT to make this 30-minute live presentation,” said David Campanelli of Horizon Media.
About Turner Sports
Turner Sports, a division of Turner Broadcasting, Inc., presents some of the best and most popular sporting events worldwide and is a leader in televised and online sports programming. With events airing on TBS and TNT, Turner Sports’ line-up includes NASCAR and NASCAR.COM, the NBA, Major League Baseball, professional golf, PGATour.com and PGA.com. Turner Sports also operates NBA Digital, which includes NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA League Pass, NBADLeague.com and WNBA.com.
About Horizon Media
Founded in 1989, Horizon Media, Inc. is the largest U.S. independent media services company. Dedicated to helping clients sell products and build brands through insightful marketing counsel, media-neutral strategic planning and effective negotiation and placement, Horizon’s exceptional holistic approach to brand marketing and development has resulted in estimated billings of $1.8 billion and established the company as the fastest growing agency in the industry. Headquartered in New York City with a full service office in Los Angeles, Horizon also has offices in Orlando, San Diego, and Amsterdam, Netherlands. Horizon is also a founding member of Columbus Media International, a multi-national partnership of independent media agencies. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.horizonmedia.com.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States.* GEICO provides auto insurance coverage for 9 million policyholders and insures more than 16 million vehicles.
In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and mobile homes. Coverage for life, boats, homes and apartments is available through the GEICO Insurance Agency. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com.
*A.M. Best
© 1996-2010 GEICO
