Chargers and Broncos Take Rivalry to the Streets

11/18/2010


CHARGERS AND BRONCOS TAKE RIVALRY TO THE STREETS
Teams Partner to Launch Inaugural Designated-Driver Challenge
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For Immediate Release
November 18, 2010
Contact: Jill Pepper, TEAM Coalition, jill@teamcoalition.org (703) 647-7431
San Diego, Ca. (Nov. 18, 2010) – The San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos are taking their on-field rivalry into the streets, literally. To help make roads safer and promote a positive in-stadium experience for fans, each team is partnering with local traffic safety and law enforcement officials, Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition, Anheuser-Busch and Centerplate for the first-ever Designated Driver Challenge.This past Sunday, the Broncos hosted the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High and 512 fans pledged to be designated drivers, marking the first game of the challenge. On Monday night when the Chargers host the Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium, Chargers fans will have a chance to show their commitment to responsibility and try to top that number by having more fans make the designated driver pledge.

To qualify, designated drivers must:

  • Be over the age of 21 and have a valid driver’s license,
  • Promise to not drink alcohol at the game, and
  • Ensure a safe ride home from the game for their friends and family.

During each team’s remaining home games this season, the Chargers and Broncos will encourage adult fans to pledge to be designated drivers. For each in-stadium designated driver that is registered at the remaining home regular season games, the team will score a touchdown and earn six points. Additionally, the Chargers and Broncos can earn an extra point for each fan who “likes” the Budweiser “Good Sport” Designated-Driver Challenge posts on the teams’ Facebook pages. The winning team in the Broncos/Chargers Designated Driver Challenge will receive a special trophy at a ceremony held in early January.

 

Denver Broncos Challenge Games San Diego Chargers Challenge Games
  • Week 10 vs. Chiefs
  • Week 11 vs. Broncos, Nov. 22; 5:30 PM, PST
512 Designated Drivers x 6 points =
69 text entries x 2 points =
Total points for Week 10 =
3,072
138
3,210
  • Week 12 vs. Rams, Nov. 28; 2:15 PM, MST
  • Week 16 vs. Texans, Dec. 26; 2:05 PM, MST
  • Week 17 vs. Chargers, Jan. 2; 2:15 PM, MST
  • Week 13 vs. Raiders, Dec. 5; 1:05 PM, PST
  • Week 14 vs. Chiefs, Dec. 12; 1:15 PM, PST
  • Week 15 vs. 49ers, Dec. 16; 5:20 PM, PST
“This is another example of our ongoing effort to provide Chargers fans with a safe, family-friendly experience at Qualcomm stadium,” said Chargers Executive Vice President A.G. Spanos. “The Good Sport program is a great way to both engage and reward fans in this effort. In addition to promoting the use of designated drivers, the program will give our fans another fun way to compete against the Broncos.”

“The competitive nature of both teams will really come out as neither the Chargers nor Broncos want to lose to their division rival,” said Kathy Casso, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility for Anheuser-Busch. “Even though there will only be one victor in the Designated Driver Challenge, every fan who includes a designated driver in their game plan is part of the winning team.”

San Diego Chargers fans can find the Budweiser “Good Sport” designated-driver booths in five locations throughout Qualcomm stadium, including in the stadium parking lot at the Chargers Bud Light Power Party (located in Lot F2) and inside the stadium at Elevators 1, 2, 4 and Stair P. Officers from the California Highway Patrol staff the booths on game day. Fans who pledge to be designated drivers receive a complimentary bottle of water or O’Doul’s non-alcohol beverage and a chance to be selected as the Designated Driver for the Game. Designated Drivers for the Game are recognized and receive a special gift from the Chargers and Budweiser.

“We commend all the Designated Driver Challenge partners for creating a unique incentive to bring the Chargers and fans together to make the responsible decision to designate a driver,” said California Highway Patrol, Border Division, Chief Jim Abele.

Denver Broncos fans can sign up at one of eight designated driver booths, supported by Budweiser “Good Sport” and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Fans who pledge to be designated drivers receive a complimentary soft drink or O’Doul’s non-alcohol brew and a chance to be selected as the Designated Driver for the Game. Designated Drivers for the Game are recognized on the stadium video board and receive a $100 gift card for the Broncos’ team store.

At the end of the regular season, one winner – the Designated Driver for the Season – will be selected and receive a $1,000 gift certificate to the Broncos’ team store. New for the 2010 Broncos season, one of the designated-driver locations at Invesco Field at Mile High is staffed by Colorado State Patrol Officers.

“With the Chargers and Broncos’ support, this designated driver challenge takes the Budweiser ‘Good Sport’ program to the next level,” said Jill Pepper, Executive Director, TEAM Coalition. “This is truly a team effort, with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP), California Highway Patrol (CHP), Anheuser-Busch and Centerplate all in the starting line-up.”

About TEAM Coalition
TEAM Coalition is an alliance of professional and collegiate sports, entertainment facilities, concessionaires, stadium service providers, the beer industry, broadcasters, traffic safety experts and others working together to promote responsible drinking and positive fan behavior at sports and entertainment facilities. TEAM Coalition members and supporters include the National Football League, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, National Collegiate Athletic Association, ARAMARK, Delaware North Companies – Sportservice, Ovations Food Services, Beer Institute, National Beer Wholesalers Association, Anheuser-Busch Companies, MillerCoors, Live Nation, National Association of Broadcasters, Contemporary Services Corporation, Elite Show Services, International Association of Assembly Managers, Stadium Managers Association and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For more information, please visit www.TeamCoalition.org or www.rhir.org.