North East Rivals Sign Molson Coors Deals

Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC, who face each other in the Tyne/Wear derby this weekend, have agreed new deals with Molson Coors that will see its variety of drinks brands served at St James’ Park and the Stadium of Light.

Molson Coors has been a supplier at Newcastle’s ground – the third-largest in the Premier League – for the past seven years, serving a variety of its brands including Carling, Grolsch, Coors Light and Cobra.

The renewed agreement for a further five years includes the usual pitchside advertising rights as well as continued exclusivity on pouring rights.

Lee Charnley, Newcastle United’s managing director, said: ‘Our relationship has matured into a fantastic, mutually-beneficial partnership over the past seven years and we are very much looking forward to building on that even further as our work together continues.’

Meanwhile, Sunderland’s new five-year partnership will begin next summer, and includes a deal with 1879 Events Management, Sunderland’s external events arm.

As part of the new agreement, the North Stand at the Stadium of Light will be renamed the Carling North Stand from the start of the 2015/16 season.

Gary Hutchinson, Sunderland’s commercial director, added: ‘The partnership, centred around the global reach of the Barclays Premier League, provides a unique platform on which Molson Coors can connect with football fans and consumers, driving greater awareness and engagement across their portfolio.’

‘We are very much looking forward to working with Molson Coors to grow and develop this key partnership in the coming years.’

Newcastle face Sunderland at St James’ Park on Sunday.