As the weather heats up, rum cocktails and beach volleyball will play a winning game, as two great summer traditions come together in a tour de force of sand, surf, sunshine and spirits.  Today, Malibu®, the number one selling Caribbean Rum with natural Coconut Flavor, has been named the official spirits sponsor of the AVP Crocs Tour for the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Featuring more than 150 of the top male and female pro beach volleyball competitors, the 16-venue event series will deliver “amazing athletic contests surrounded by unforgettable beach parties this Spring and Summer,” said Jason Hodell, CEO, AVP Pro Beach Volleyball.

“Beach volleyball is not just a sport played by top professional athletes,” Hodell said. “It is a lifestyle, and the Malibu brand embodies all that which is associated with the AVP...the beach, the fun atmosphere and that little bit of Southern California that we bring to all our tour stops. We are looking forward to working with Malibu Rum to create some great brand activation activities for all our adult fans nationwide."

As the official and exclusive spirits sponsor, Malibu will be integrated into the nationally televised AVP events that will air on NBC, Universal Sports or cable networks, through visible signage, lifestyle shots from the sponsor village and suite and other on-screen exposure. In addition, the sponsorship includes extensive on-site signage, a Malibu ‘Get Your Island On’ cabana in the sponsor village where guests (LDA+) can enjoy interactive games, contests, special promotions and sample delicious Malibu cocktails, a full hospitality suite and player “meet and greets.” Malibu is supporting the program with local advertising, on-premise bar night activity and retail display programming materials.  

“Volleyball and Malibu are a natural partnership, given the evocative nature of both in elevating the summer experience,” said Lisa McCann, Senior Brand Manager, Malibu Rum.  “We feel this partnership is perfectly aligned with Malibu’s vibrant and energetic island spirit and is a fantastic opportunity for the brand to engage and sample consumers in a relevant environment,” added McCann.