Russell Athletic has become an Official Apparel Sponsor of the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball, America's professional beach volleyball tour. Under the three-year agreement, Russell will have a branded presence at the on-site merchandise tent at each tour stop, and also serve as a sponsor for AVP Crocs Tour events nationwide over the next three years.
“Russell Athletic is proud to partner with the AVP, the premier pro beach volleyball tour,” said Gary Barfield, EVP of Russell Athletic. “This relationship provides Russell Athletic the opportunity to showcase our authentic licensed products on a national platform.”
Event Merchandising, Inc. (EMI), a company that has collaborated with several NBA, NCAA and AFL teams, will handle on-site and online distribution of all AVP-branded merchandise.
“Event Merchandising, Inc. sees sand, dirt and snow sports as the future,” said Larry Travis, VP/COO at EMI. “The collective talent that has been brought together through this partnership between EMI, Russell and the AVP is sure to see AVP merchandise reach a new level.”
“We are delighted to finalize the exclusive agreement with Russell as our licensing partner in creating stylish and comfortable merchandise perfect for the beach. Russell's commitment to innovation and quality will only enhance the AVP's ultimate beach experience,” said AVP Crocs Tour Commissioner and CEO Leonard Armato. “We are equally delighted to have EMI to handle our AVP branded event merchandise. The company's vast experience in this area will allow us to maximize the variety of clothing and equipment we provide our fans.”
The AVP Hot Winter Nights tour is currently underway in cities across the United States, while the AVP Crocs Tour summer season kicks off in a unique and fun way at Spring Break in Panama City Beach, Fla., March 27-30.
