NASCAR: Ford Racing Zone Debuts at GameWorks
11 November 1999
Ford Racing Zone Debuts at GameWorks
MIAMI, Nov. 11 -- Ford and GameWorks, the Steven
Spielberg-inspired entertainment destination, have teamed up to form a
marketing alliance which debuts today at GameWorks Miami at The Shops at
Sunset Place. Ford is now the official automotive company of GameWorks and
the title sponsor of the popular Racing Zone now to be known as the Ford
Racing Zone.
We're thrilled to announce our partnership with Ford, the world's greatest
automotive company," said Michael Staskin, GameWorks' vice president of
marketing. "Creating the Ford Racing Zone represents a unique business
approach for us and an exciting opportunity to showcase our state-of-the-art
racing attractions within our overall entertainment experience."
"We are so pleased to have Ford become part of this first-class
entertainment destination," said David Ropes, director Ford corporate
advertising and integrated marketing. "Partnering with GameWorks gives Ford
the opportunity to reach our customers and potential customers in a brand new
atmosphere. GameWorks sites provide such a high-visibility marketing venue
and I'm sure the Ford Racing Zone will become the most popular and
action-packed area at each GameWorks location."
Ford NASCAR Winston Cup drivers Rusty Wallace, Bill Elliott and Ted
Musgrave will join Ford and GameWorks to announce the partnership and
demonstrate their own simulated driving skills against fans and members of the
media. Musgrave will drive the #75 Ford Racing Zone at GameWorks Taurus in
the Pennzoil 400 this weekend at the Metro-Dade Homestead Motorsports Complex.
The partnership features a unique zone in GameWorks themed as the Ford
Racing Zone, full-scale NASCAR racing replicas on display -- including the
Dale Jarrett #88 Ford Taurus, Ford themed racing graphics, driver appearances,
co-branded advertising and various promotions. Miami is the first GameWorks
venue to incorporate the Ford Racing Zone. Future plans are to have all
remaining GameWorks flagship locations follow suit.
As part of the alliance, Ford and GameWorks will execute joint promotions
at each venue including a chance to win a new Ford car, truck or SUV. The new
Ford Focus will be the featured vehicle in the year 2000 promotions. The
inaugural Ford Focus giveaway will begin on November 26th at the grand opening
of the newest GameWorks venue at the Irvine Spectrum in Southern California.
Also set to be unveiled is the exclusive GameWorks Speedway, a highlighted
feature of the Irvine Ford Racing Zone, which gives guests the chance to
experience the thrill of fast, high-performance go-kart racing.
GameWorks was created as the ultimate entertainment destination where
guests can meet, eat, party and play in a dynamic and energetic environment.
Each location features a full service bar and restaurant in addition to a
multitude of interactive games and exclusive attractions including the Steven
Spielberg inspired Vertical Reality. The GameWorks Grill features a variety
of offerings including salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches and burgers in a
relaxed and intimate atmosphere. The Arena Bar puts the guest in the heart of
the action as they quench their thirst with their favorite brew or cocktail.
There are 11 venues in the United States and two international locations
(Guam and Brazil).
The managing members of Sega Game Works, L.L.C. are wholly-owned
subsidiaries of Sega Enterprises, DreamWorks SKG and Universal Studios.
Universal Studios is a unit of The Seagram Company Ltd., a global
entertainment and beverage company.
For further information, please contact Rachel Solt of Ruder Finn,
310-979-4050, or Melissa Schumer or Manny Rodriguez, 305-667-4263, all for
GameWorks.