The Kansas City Royals announced today several new corporate partners for the upcoming season, in addition to partnership extensions with several current Royals partners as the Club heads into the 2016 season.
"We're grateful for the support from our current and returning partners who were able to be a part of our 2015 World Championship" said Michael Bucek, Royals Vice President-Marketing & Business Development. "We also welcome our newest partners to the family as we begin our defense of the title."
Extended Partnerships:
Academy Sports + Outdoors: The Official Sporting Goods Retailer of the Royals, Academy Sports + Outdoors will continue to have a presence throughout Kauffman Stadium and Kansas City, highlighted by the sponsorship of the Royals-themed Youth Baseball League in conjunction with 3&2 Baseball Club of Johnson County.
Bats Stock Exchange:  The Royals and Lenexa, Kan.-based Bats Global Markets, a leading operator of stock exchanges in the U.S. and Europe, will continue its longtime partnership in 2016, continuing to be highlighted by Bats' sponsorship of The K's premier seating area, the Bats Crown Club.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City has been a part of the Kansas City community since 1938 and is a proud partner of the Kansas City Royals.
Chevrolet & the Kansas City Chevy Dealers: Continuing a longstanding partnership, the Royals, Chevrolet and the Kansas City Chevy Dealers will again team up to showcase the latest vehicles in the Chevy portfolio and offer fans an opportunity to have one-of-a-kind experiences at The K.
Edelman & Thompson:  For the fourth straight year, Edelman & Thompson will partner with the Royals and Royals Charities as presenting sponsor of the Royals Charities 50/50 Raffle at Kauffman Stadium. In 2016, fans will have access to purchase 50/50 Raffle tickets at a new location in the Outfield Concourse, made possible by Edelman & Thompson's support of the program.
KCP&L: The Official Power Partner of the Royals, KCP&L will begin a new, long-term strategic partnership with the Royals focusing on sustainability awareness and community outreach. In addition to an expanded presence at Kauffman Stadium, the partnership will continue to feature the "Moose Lodge" foster care program, which works to benefit local foster care organizations as well as area foster families and the children they serve.
Midwest Ford Dealers:  Expanding upon a partnership that began last season, the Midwest Ford Dealers will continue to have a large presence inside Kauffman Stadium and on the Royals Radio Network.
Smithfield Foods:  Smithfield Foods has extended its partnership with the Kansas City Royals, with Farmland as the Official Bacon and Sausage Partner and Smithfield as the Official Fresh Pork Partner. Smithfield Foods will continue to have a presence at The K, serving high-quality, great tasting Farmland products at the Farmland Grill.
Sonic Drive-Ins: A Royals partner for more than a decade, Sonic Drive-Ins will again be prominently featured at Kauffman Stadium as presenting sponsor of the "Sonic Slam" section. Fans seated in the section will receive a $5 re-loadable MySonic card if the Royals hit a home run into the section. The "Sonic Slam Inning" sweepstakes will also return in 2016, offering fans who fill out an entry form at a participating Sonic location a chance to win up to $25,000 should the Royals hit a Grand Slam in the 6th Inning.
The University of Kansas Hospital: The Official Healthcare Provider of the Royals since 2011, The University of Kansas Hospital and the Royals will continue to partner on first class healthcare for both the players and fans at The K, as well as three "Health Awareness Nights" (May 13, August 6 and September 16) focusing on Colon Cancer, Epilepsy and Leukemia & Lymphoma.
New Partnerships:
Chick-fil-A:  Chick-fil-A is pleased to serve freshly prepared food to Royals fans at their 13 Kansas City area restaurants.
Creighton University: A top ranked education in Jesuit Catholic tradition, Creighton University will be sponsoring the Wade Davis bobblehead this summer, as well as the Sunday July 24 matchup against the Texas Rangers.
Flowers Baking Co.: Lenexa-based Flowers Baking brings fans fresh and delicious bakery products such as Nature's Own, Wonder and Tastykake to Kauffman Stadium.
Old Dominion Freight Line: Old Dominion is proud to be a partner of the World Champion Kansas City Royals. Both organizations stand for excellence and quality every day. As part of the partnership, Old Dominion will be giving away a $50 coupon for its self-moving service, OD Household Services, at select home games.
Planet Fitness: An official fitness partner of the Royals, Planet Fitness was a participating partner of the Royals Trophy Tour and will be sponsor the 7th inning stretch on the Royals Radio Network this season. Additionally, the Planet Fitness purple and yellow will be on display with new signage at Kauffman Stadium.
Re/Max: Re/Max is the official real estate partner of the royals. Celebrating its 40th year in Kansas City in 2016, Re/Max shares the same Midwestern roots and values as the Royals.
Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center: Providing an outstanding home-away-from-home experience near Kauffman Stadium as an Official Hotel Partner, Stoney Creek looks forward to enhancing the game day experience with a restful stay for devoted Royals fans.
Phillips 66:  Phillips 66 is a proud partner of the Royals. The partnership includes prominent signage in the stadium, media and in-market promotional rights. Fans will have the opportunity to win Royals tickets, merchandise and experiences, courtesy of Phillips 66.
For additional information, members of the media may contact the Royals Publicity Department at (816) 921-8000.