August 2007 set the stage for Sydney's Hyundai A-League team, Sydney FC, to announce the latest additions to their stable of sponsors. With media and industry over-looking Sydney Football Stadium, Bing Lee were announced as Sydney FC's principal sponsor for the Hyundai A-League 2007/8 and 2008/9 seasons and as such, taking pride of place on the front of the Sydney FC home jersey.
Having a long-standing relationship with JVC as a supplier, it was a natural progression that the leading electronics manufacturer joined Bing Lee on the venture as co-sponsors and appearing on the team's away jerseys front strip.
General Manager Phil Moujaes said: "The Sydney FC sponsorship has so far been a success as it has provided Bing Lee with opportunity to support the only Sydney team in the A-League. The competition is now in its third year and has seen a big improvement in support through people attending games and watching it on TV. It has given us the avenue implement cross-promotions in catalogues, press advertisements and direct marketing,"
"I will take this opportunity to congratulate Sydney FC on making the finals and we wish them a successful finals campaign."
The Season
Sydney FC's 2007 season got off to a shaky start –team Coach Branko Culina departed and John Kosmina was named as his successor. Marquee player Juninho suffered several injuries that kept him off the field. This didn't stop the team roaring to victory against LA Galaxy in the friendly game that had the eyes of the world (not to mention a Channel 10 audience of 1.495 million viewers) watching superstar David Beckham. The electrifying game surely lifted the teams' spirits and has gone a long way to seeing them enter the battle for the premiership in the coming weeks.
After a rollercoaster season, all eyes are on Sydney FC as they prepare for the final series of the premiership. Bing Lee would like to take this opportunity to wish Sydney FC the best of luck in their campaign to take out the 2007/8 Hyundai A-League Premiership.
I spy with my little eye, something beginning with B?
With the average Sydney FC television viewing audience improving by 31% from last season (currently above 77,000 per fixture), principal sponsor for Sydney FC, Bing Lee's bold blue and white logo took charge during match coverage and associated television spots. From appearing on the team's jersey, sideline billboards and press conference posters, the Bing Lee name was ever present amidst all the action. The sponsorship provided Bing Lee unique opportunities for bonus offers with customers and Sydney FC members. Throughout the season Sydney FC members took advantage of bonus Inside Sport subscriptions, Taronga Zoo family passes and pre-loaded Christmas gift cards.
General Manager Phil Moujaes said the Christmas gift card bonus offer was one of the most successful for 2007.
"Christmas time is a time for giving and Bing Lee was thrilled to be able to hand out over $4,000 worth of $100 Gift cards to Sydney FC members in a special Christmas promotion. The special gift cards mailed out to all members appeared to be popular with many members coming into their nearest Bing Lee store to see if they were a winner. We have plenty more offers planned for Sydney FC Members in 2008 and we even hope to stage a promotion where every Sydney FC member is a winner!"
And the winner is…
Finally, Bing Lee wants to extend a massive congratulation to Fairfield local Bianca Jammet, who is the lucky winner of the ‘Toss the Coin' competition, which ran in Bing Lee stores during November. Bianca got to toss the coin at the beginning of the Sydney FC vs. Melbourne Victory match on January 20, before joining 11 friends in a fully catered corporate box to watch the game.
