VYPE signed its first national advertising contract with Academy Sports and Outdoors to provide targeted advertising in eight regions across the U.S. Through VYPE’s locally produced magazines and websites, Academy will reach key market demographics with full-page print advertisements and online advertising on eight regional websites.


Academy will also enjoy increased exposure through participation in VYPE’s Home-Field Advantage, a program which secures and facilitates promotional co-branding opportunities at local games and sporting events throughout Academy’s target markets. VYPE will distribute its magazines at Academy Sports locations in each region in the agreement. With a circulation of 160,000 in the contracted regions, Academy Sports will reach an audience of 640,000 teens and moms, top buying influencers in today’s families.

“We are excited to be able to raise awareness and extend brand visibility to teen athletes and parents from every sport. With value-added programs like Home-Field Advantage, we have a variety of media working to deliver our message,” explained JoAnn Zubik, Media Manager for Academy Sports. “VYPE gives us a unique opportunity to reach deep into our target markets, influencing our most important and biggest purchasers.”


The campaign is currently slated to run August 2008 through January 2009 with ads changing on a monthly basis, each aimed at a specific sport to correspond with the changing seasons. Academy will work with local publishers on product placement opportunities, such as distributing sports gear and discount cards at local events, as part of the co-branding efforts. The Mid-Season Report, a new statewide VYPE-branded publication in Arkansas, will also feature Academy Sports as an advertiser and reach hundreds of high school football players and fans.


“Academy Sports is a major national sports retailer with exceptional standards-the kind of company we’re proud to have in the pages of our magazines,” said Kevin Hern, CEO of VYPE. “The local, relevant, accessible content of our magazines and websites help us to fulfill the needs of all types of advertisers to deliver any combination of advertising on local, regional and national levels-a win-win for everyone.”