There are several opportunities available for sponsorship of rowing in Grand Rapids; for events, for specific teams and/or equipment, or in the form of general support.

The Grand Rapids Rowing Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and sponsorships are partially tax-deductible.

Event Sponsorships

Sponsorships are currently available for the Scholastic Rowing Association of Michigan Championship Regatta (May 15, 2010) the Grand Regatta/State Games of Michigan (June 26, 2010) and the Grand River Challenge (October 2, 2010).

Sponsorships are available for this regatta on an informal basis. Please contact Regatta Director Mark Azkoul (mark@grrowing.org) for more information.

The 23rd Annual Grand Regatta/State Games of Michigan

In 2010 the GRRA is proud to host the 23rd Annual Grand Regatta, a rowing tradition in the midwest, in conjunction with the inaugural State Games of Michigan. The State Games are being hosted in Grand Rapids by the West Michigan Sports Commission, from June 25-27, 2010.

The Grand Regatta has been a highlight of Grand Rapids’ sporting and social calendar for 23 years. Since 1987, the regatta has been held in Riverside Park, on one of the most picturesque stretches of the Grand. This ideal location, just north of downtown Grand Rapids, provides a perfect backdrop for an exciting and enjoyable day. As one of the longest running rowing events in West Michigan, the Grand Regatta is a much-loved tradition for competitors and spectators of all ages. This year, we are pleased to announce that the regatta is affiliated with the inaugural State Games of Michigan, an Olympic-style sporting event spanning four days and expected to bring nearly 4,000 athletes and over 10,000 spectators to Grand Rapids.

The Grand Regatta attracts 500-800 competitors and hundreds of spectators each summer. Over 50 races, each taking anywhere from 6 to 12 minutes, keep the excitement going for the entire day. In 2010, we are proud to cohost the official rowing events for the State Games of Michigan, which will take place jointly with the traditional events at the Grand Regatta.

Sponsorship of a race, trophy, or even the entire regatta will give your organization broad visibility to a large market area. By supporting the Grand Regatta, your company or organization can benefit from numerous publicity and marketing opportunities associated with this exciting, beautiful, and “green” sport. The regatta committee also arranges for media coverage of the event, including television, radio, and newspaper. Finally, there are opportunities for vendors to offer much-needed refreshments to hungry rowers and spectators.

Reaching Your Target Market

With hundreds of participants and spectators, and many more following internet, TV, cable and newspaper coverage, the Grand Regatta provides the opportunity to reach a large number of potential clients in a variety of methods including:

- Client entertainment areas 
- Newspapers, program books and radio
- On-site sampling, sales and couponing
- Web-site exposure providing a 12-month long marketing asset
- Large-scale exposure, with participants and spectators from around the Midwest

Client Entertainment

Whether entertaining a special client, saying thank you to company employees or just spending the day with family and friends, the VIP Hospitality Pavilion provides the ideal setting on the regatta weekend. Sponsors of the regatta are afforded the opportunity to partake in a variety of hospitality options.

Guests are provided exclusive access to views of the racecourse and the finish line. Morning coffee & pastries can be available, as well as box or buffet lunch for your clients. VIP parking is provided to invited guests.

Platinum Sponsor (Regatta Title Sponsor) $5000

•·          Platinum sponsors of the 2010 Grand Regatta will be provided a high level of brand exposure, along with exceptional hospitality  
          amenities.
•·          The Grand Regatta will be “presented by [Sponsor Name]” on all regatta signage and event materials.
•·          Framed photograph of your group with winning crew and former Olympic bronze medal rower William Maher.
•·          Completely equipped hospitality pavilion with food and beverages available and a fantastic view of the races.
•·          Signage at the regatta entrance and an opportunity to participate in the award presentation to winning athletes.
•·          Two free race entries.
•·          One full-page color ad in the official 2010 regatta program, and identification on the regatta's official results Board.
•·          Corporate identification on daily race sheets and official 2010 commemorative poster.
•·          Prominent identification and direct link on the Grand Rapids Rowing Association, State Games of Michigan, and RegattaCentral event
          websites.
•·          Letter of charitable contribution.

Gold Sponsor (Trophy Sponsor) $2000

 

•·         Two (2) reserved corporate tables for sixteen (16) invited guests and clients on Saturday, in the VIP Hospitality Pavilion, with food and 
  beverages available and a fantastic view of the races
·         Two free race entries.
·         One full-page color ad in the official 2010 Program Book.
·          Corporate identification on the official 2010 commemorative poster.
·          Direct link and identification on the Grand Rapids Rowing Association, State Games of Michigan, and RegattaCentral event 
        websites.
·          Letter of charitable contribution.

Silver Sponsor (Race Sponsor) $1000

 

•·         One (1) reserved corporate tables for eight (8) invited guests and clients on Saturday, in the VIP Hospitality Pavilion, with food
         and beverages available and a fantastic view of the races.
•·         One free race entry.
•·         One half-page color ad in the official 2010 Program Book.
•·         Direct link and identification on the Grand Rapids Rowing Association, State Games of Michigan, and RegattaCentral event 
         websites.
•·         Letter of charitable contribution.

Bronze Sponsor $500

 

  ·          Seats for four (4) invited guests and clients on Saturday, in the VIP Hospitality Pavilion, with food and beverages available and a  
           fantastic view of the races.
  ·          One free race entry.
•·          One quarter-page color ad in the official 2010 Program Book.
•·          Direct link and identification on the Grand Rapids Rowing Association, State Games of Michigan, and RegattaCentral event          
          websites.
•·          Letter of charitable contribution.

Vendor

•·          Keep 75% of profits (share 25% with GRRA)
•·          Direct link and identification on the Grand Rapids Rowing Association, State Games of Michigan, and RegattaCentral event websites.
•·          Vendor is responsible for any necessary permits, tents, and equipment. Electricity will be available at the regatta site.
•·          Letter of charitable contribution.

For Regatta Program Advertisements

Color program booklets will be available to all regatta athletes and spectators.

• All ad copy must be camera ready. Either black and white proof or completed ad on disc with all files and fonts.
• Book size: 8 1/2 x 11
• Full page ad (8 x 10) no bleeds (Platinum and Gold Sponsors receive one ad free of charge) (Non-sponsor: Color $800, B/W $550)
• One-half page ad (no bleeds): 5” x 8” for horizontal orientation or 3.75” x 10” vertical (Silver Sponsor receives one ad free of charge) (Non-sponsor: Color $650, B/W $400)
• One-quarter page ad (no bleeds): 8” x 2.25” horizontal, or 3.5” x 5.25” vertical (Bronze Sponsor receives one ad free of charge) (Non-sponsor: Color $400, B/W $250)
• One-eighth page ad (no bleeds): 4” x 2.25” horizontal, or 3.5” by 2.625” vertical (Color: $150, B/W: $80)
• Advertisers will also receive a direct link and identification on the Grand Rapids Rowing Association, State Games of Michigan, and RegattaCentral event websites.

Personal one-eight page advertisements (such as “Good Luck to [your athlete or team]”) are also available for $25 .
Please contact us if you are interested in this format.

---

Psychographic profile of Grand Regatta audience and competitors

Approximate % of market area	20%	20%	20%	20%	10%	10%
Median income	$39,796	$47,976	$57,023	$82,066	$83,872	$85,900
	T.J. Maxx	Express	Macy's	Banana Republic, J.Crew	Pottery Barn	Nordstrom
	Denny's	Olive Garden	Chipotle	Ruth's Chris Steakhouse	Au Bon Pain	Bonefish Grill
Consumer preferences	Sunday newspaper	Vibe magazine	Car & Driver	Elle. Decor	Atlantic Monthly	Sunday newspaper
	People's Court	King of the Hill	Nickelodeon	Independent Film Channel	Jeopardy, Sitcoms	Bloomberg TV
	Suzuki Grand Vitara	Mazda3	Kia Sedona	Range Rover SUV	Lexus LS430	Mercedes Benz
Urbanicity	Urban	Suburban	Town	Urban	Town/Rural	Urban
Income	Lower-Mid	Midscale	Upper-Mid	High	High	High
Income-producing assets	Above Average	Low	Moderate	High	High	High
Median age range	55+	<35	25-44	25-44	45-64	45-64
Homeownership	Mostly owners	Mostly renters	Mostly owners	Mix, owners	Mostly owners	Mostly owners
Employment levels	Mostly retired	White collar, mix	Blue collar, service, mix	Professional	Management	Professional
Education level	Some college	College grad	College grad	Graduate plus	Graduate plus	Graduate plus
Ethnic diversity	White, Black, Hispanic, Asian	White, Black, Asian, Mix	Mostly White	White, Hispanic, Mix	Mostly White	White, Hispanic, Mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Claritas Prizm NE System, 2010

---

Market Area Information

The primary market for the Grand Regatta encompasses much of the Grand Rapids metro area.

The secondary market area extends throughout lower Michigan.

The full market area of the regatta extends to much of the Midwest, and into southern Ontario.

Please contact us at sponsorships@grandregatta.org with any questions about sponsoring the regatta!