The Akron RubberDucks‘ (Class AA; Eastern League) Duck Club is now known as The Duck Club by Firestone, thanks to a naming rights deal with Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. Under the terms of this agreement, Firestone will have its name on The Duck Club at Canal Park through at least 2020.
The Duck Club by Firestone is a premium space at Canal Park that offers a social atmosphere for company events at the ballpark, and is available for year-round rental.
Also part of the agreement are additional sponsorship opportunities for Bridgestone, including an outfield billboard and a firework show later this summer. Additional signage and branding will be visible in other areas of the Canal Park, as well as in online and ticket recognition.
“We are thrilled to have iconic brands like Bridgestone/Firestone as part of the pageantry of Canal Park and specifically as the presenting sponsor of The Duck Club by Firestone. The rubber industry is a major part of the city’s roots and heritage, and we are proud to partner with Firestone to offer a world-class event space for our community at Canal Park,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander.
The RubberDucks nickname is directly tied to Akron’s reputation as the “Rubber Capital of the World.” Much of that reputation is tied to the Firestone brand. In 1900, Harvey S. Firestone established the company in Akron, and it employed thousands of the city’s citizens and helped Akron grow into a major economic force. Today, Bridgestone is still a major Akron corporate supporter with its $100 million Bridgestone Americas Technical Center that opened in 2012, located in the Firestone Park area.
“Bridgestone is proud to support the Akron community and the RubberDucks with the Firestone sponsorship of the Duck Club. Baseball is America’s pastime, so the Firestone brand is a natural fit,” said Steve Charles, Bridgestone’s Vice President of Product Development.
The Duck Club by Firestone is part of the $7 million that has been privately invested into Canal Park since 2012. It is a unique event space that is perfect spot for social events, celebrations, and business gatherings. The Duck Club features a flexible chef-driven catering menu, state-of-the-art audio and video technology, and unprecedented views of Canal Park. Akron’s premier event facility is the perfect place to capture all of the “affordable family fun” of Akron RubberDucks baseball. Seating for games is located in the club level and includes both indoor and outdoor patio choices.