SOURCE: TEAM Coalition
Teams Partner to Launch Inaugural Designated-Driver Challenge
DENVER, CO–(Marketwire – November 24, 2010) – The Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers are
taking their on-field rivalry into the streets, literally. To help make
roads safer and promote a positive in-stadium experience for fans, each
team is partnering with local traffic safety and law enforcement officials,
Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition,
Anheuser-Busch and Centerplate for the first-ever Designated Driver
Challenge.
On November 14th when the Broncos hosted the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco
Field at Mile High, 512 fans pledged to be designated drivers, marking the
first game of the challenge. This past Monday night when the Chargers
hosted the Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium, 1,181 fans made the designated
driver pledge. During each team’s remaining home games this season, the
Broncos and Chargers will encourage adult fans to pledge to be designated
drivers.
To qualify, designated drivers must:
-- Be over the age of 21 and have a valid driver's license, -- Promise to not drink alcohol at the game, and -- Ensure a safe ride home from the game for their friends and family.
For each in-stadium designated driver that is registered at the remaining
home regular season games, the team will score a touchdown and earn six
points. Additionally, the Broncos and Chargers can earn an extra point for
each fan who “likes” the Budweiser “Good Sport” Designated-Driver Challenge
posts on the teams’ Facebook pages. Broncos fans can also earn the team a
“safety” — worth two points — as well as a chance to win a Broncos
autographed football by texting “DDGamePlan” to 89829 on game days. The
winning team in the Broncos/Chargers Designated Driver Challenge will
receive a special trophy at a ceremony held in early January.
Denver Broncos Challenge Games
------------------------------
-- Week 10 vs. Chiefs
512 Designated Drivers * 6 points = 3,072
69 text entries * 2 points = 138
---------------------------- -----
Total points for Week 10 = 3,210
-- Week 12 vs. Rams, Nov. 28; 2:15 p.m. MST
-- Week 16 vs. Texans, Dec. 26; 2:05 p.m. MST
-- Week 17 vs. Chargers, Jan. 2; 2:15 p.m. MST
San Diego Chargers Challenge Games
----------------------------------
-- Week 11 vs. Broncos
1,181 Designated Drivers * 6 points = 7,086
136 Facebook "Likes" * 1 point = 136
-------------------------------- -----
Total points for Week 11 = 7,222
-- Week 13 vs. Raiders, Dec. 5; 1:05 p.m. PST
-- Week 14 vs. Chiefs, Dec. 12; 1:15 p.m. PST
-- Week 15 vs. 49ers, Dec. 16; 5:20 p.m. PST
“This challenge reminds fans of both teams to plan ahead and designate a
sober driver, whether they’re watching the game in the stands, in a bar or
at home,” said Scot Bliek, director of Security for the Broncos. “Broncos
fans are the greatest in the country, whether they are cheering for their
team on the field or making sure that everyone gets home safely at the end
of the game. With their support, we’ll bring home a win in this inaugural
designated-driver challenge.”
“The competitive nature of both teams will really come out as neither the
Broncos nor Chargers want to lose to their division rival,” said Kathy
Casso, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility for
Anheuser-Busch. “Even though there will only be one victor in the
Designated Driver Challenge, every fan who includes a designated driver in
their game plan is part of the winning team.”
Denver Broncos fans can sign up at one of eight designated driver booths,
supported by Budweiser “Good Sport” and Colorado Department of
Transportation (CDOT). Fans who pledge to be designated drivers receive a
complimentary soft drink or O’Doul’s non-alcohol brew and a chance to be
selected as the Designated Driver for the Game. Designated Drivers for the
Game are recognized on the stadium video board and receive a $100 gift card
for the Broncos’ team store.
At the end of the regular season, one winner — the Designated Driver for
the Season — will be selected and receive a $1,000 gift certificate to the
Broncos’ team store. New for the 2010 Broncos season, one of the
designated-driver locations at Invesco Field at Mile High is staffed by
Colorado State Patrol Officers.
“The Designated Driver Challenge is a great reminder to Broncos fans that
if they plan on consuming alcohol, whether at the game or watching from a
house party or sports bar, pass your keys to a designated driver before the
pre-game begins,” said Colorado State Patrol Chief Colonel James
Wolfinberger. “Heat is On DUI enforcement ramps up Thanksgiving week and
continues through the holidays, so please don’t ruin the season with a DUI
arrest.”
San Diego Chargers fans can find the Budweiser “Good Sport”
designated-driver booths in five locations throughout Qualcomm stadium,
including in the stadium parking lot at the Chargers Bud Light Power Party
(located in Lot F2) and inside the stadium at Elevators 1, 2, 4 and Stair
P. Officers from the California Highway Patrol staff the booths on game
day. Fans who pledge to be designated drivers receive a complimentary
bottle of water or O’Doul’s non-alcohol beverage and a chance to be
selected as the Designated Driver for the Game. Designated Drivers for the
Game are recognized and receive a special gift from the Chargers and
Budweiser.
“With the Broncos and Chargers’ support, this designated driver challenge
takes the Budweiser ‘Good Sport’ program to the next level,” said Jill
Pepper, Executive Director, TEAM Coalition. “This is truly a team effort,
with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol
(CSP), California Highway Patrol (CHP), Anheuser-Busch and Centerplate all
in the starting line-up.”
About TEAM Coalition
TEAM Coalition is an alliance of professional and collegiate sports,
entertainment facilities, concessionaries, stadium service providers, the
beer industry, broadcasters, traffic safety experts and others working
together to promote responsible drinking and positive fan behavior at
sports and entertainment facilities. TEAM Coalition members and supporters
include the National Football League, Major League Baseball, Major League
Soccer, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, National
Collegiate Athletic Association, ARAMARK, Delaware North Companies —
Sportservice, Ovations Food Services, Beer Institute, National Beer
Wholesalers Association, Anheuser-Busch Companies, MillerCoors, Live
Nation, National Association of Broadcasters, Contemporary Services
Corporation, Elite Show Services, International Association of Assembly
Managers, Stadium Managers Association and the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration.
For more information, please visit www.TeamCoalition.org or www.rhir.org.
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