Pepsi Brings NFL Eagles’ Zach Ertz to Philadelphia International Airport
Passengers at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) were treated to a surprise appearance by NFL superstar Zach Ertz on Monday, April 15, 2019. In an event dubbed “Beat the Pro”, passengers and airport employers had a chance to meet Ertz and compete head-to-head against the athlete in a Madden NFL video game, cornhole and other contests.
Visitors took photos, received autographs, and shared laughs with the local sports hero at the connector stage between PHL’s B and C terminals.
The event was presented by Pepsi Zero Sugar and was made possible through the beverage marketing partnership (“pouring rights agreement”) between PHL’s concessions developer, MarketPlace PHL, and PepsiCo. PepsiCo was named PHL’s official beverage sponsor in September 2018.
“Enhancing the passenger experience for our travelers was a chief goal we had for our beverage partnership,” said Jim Tyrrell, PHL Chief Revenue Officer. “This event highlights how our partnership with Pepsi has enabled us to do just that – by working together to surprise and delight our travelers.”
A tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, Zach Ertz is a 2018 Super Bowl champion and has made two Pro Bowl appearances.
Can you beat the Pro? Stop by the B/C Food Court from 4:30pm to 6:00pm to beat professional football player Zach Ertz as he challenges #PHLairport passengers to fun and games. Beat the pro and win prizes, courtesy of @pepsi! pic.twitter.com/ktg70EwKpp
— PHLAirport (@PHLAirport) April 15, 2019
ICYMI: #PHLairport had a very special guest yesterday! Zach Ertz, All-Pro Tight … http://t.co/CGJT8aQ7kx pic.twitter.com/KaJgtXpoKZ
— Philly Informer (@phillyinformer) April 17, 2019
ICYMI: #PHLairport had a special guest yesterday! @Eagles Tight End Zach Ertz stopped by to challenge fans in a Beat The Pro competition presented by @pepsi, in order to win autographed prizes. Such a great time had by all! Thank you to @pepsi and @marketplace_phl! ✈️🎉🏈 pic.twitter.com/wjsHiWlmoh
— PHLAirport (@PHLAirport) April 16, 2019
Other Benefits of PHL’s Pepsi Partnership
This event is just one of many similar experiences planned as part of the 10-year strategic pouring rights beverage partnership. Future events include product samplings, “street team” appearances, seasonal pop-ups, special giveaways, artwork installations, and other surprises.
In November 2018, Pepsi hosted “Jingle Ball the Way” at PHL, a flyaway trip sweepstakes where passengers had a chance to win a trip to the Jingle Ball in Miami, Florida. 20 additional winners were awarded tickets to a hometown show in Philadelphia. Local Q102 radio personality Raphael broadcast for two hours live from PHL in an event that delivered nearly 1.9M media impressions.
The Power of a Beverage Partnership
“The partnership between Philadelphia International Airport and PepsiCo demonstrates the power of bringing together one of the world’s best marketing companies with an innovative airport focused on improving the traveler’s journey,” said Martin Strobel, Enliven Aviation Practice Leader. “It would be difficult for Pepsi or Philadelphia airport to deliver this fun and engaging customer experience on their own. Together, the possibilities of what can happen when an airport and beverage company come together are almost endless.”
To learn how you can partner with a beverage company to bring engaging programs to your airport, contact us today.
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Featured photo courtesy of Philadelphia International Airport
