PepsiCo will be the official beverage provider at the Grand Park Sports Campus after entering a 10-year agreement with the City of Westfield that provides the city with approximately $2 million. The agreement is effective Sept. 1.
“We are thrilled with the partnership,” Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said. “It’s a huge announcement. The first of several key parts for naming and sponsorship rights.”
Cook said PepsiCo will pay a $500,000 down payment in September and pay the remaining balance evenly for the next nine years (approximately $150,000 a year). The funds will be used to cover the city’s portion of operating costs, which are also shared by Indiana Youth Soccer Association and the Indiana Bulls.
“It will be used to run the park. Some may be used to provide a playground or other enhancements,” Cook said.
PepsiCo now has the exclusive right to sell and distribute beverage fountain and packaged products at the eight concession stands located within the Grand Park Sports Campus. PepsiCo’s brands includes Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Lipton iced teas and Aquafina, among others.
“It was between Coke and Pepsi. Pepsi got very aggressive. They sell the No. 1 sports drink, Gatorade, which I think will be their primary focus out here,” Cook said. ‘We know our visitors will enjoy the wide array of beverages PepsiCo offers.”
Cook said the city is in negotiations with “several (advertisers) right now” and the pouring rights agreement with PepsiCo is the first domino to fall.
“I can show them all the pictures and flyovers but they (advertisers) want to see grass and light poles. I can now show them grass and light poles. Now is the prime time to seek naming rights and sponsorships and that is actively taking place,” he said.
In addition to the 31 soccer/multipurpose fields and 26 baseball diamonds, Grand Park Sports Campus features more than 10 miles of trails and pathways including a trailhead on the Monon corridor. Grand Park Sports Campus is anticipated to attract 650,000 visitors in its first year of operation and 1.5 million visitors in future years.
“This new partnership is a great way to bring PepsiCo’s vast portfolio of beverages to visitors of Grand Park Sports Campus. We’re excited to be a part of this impressive new complex and to begin our relationship with the City of Westfield,” said Ron Epperson, senior sales manager at PepsiCo Foodservice.