The Islands Of The Bahamas Host Hurricanes Football Home Opener As Offficial Destination Partner
PHOTO: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation I. Chester Cooper alongside members of the BTO Plantation Verticals Team in the FanZone at the UM X Islands of The Bahamas sponsored game.
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Oct. 2, 2024 – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) was excited to be the presenting sponsor of the football game on Sept. 7, that saw the University of Miami Hurricanes go head-to-head against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Hard Rock Stadium. The ‘Canes took the win in their home opener by toppling the Rattlers, 56-9.
The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation attended the game, marking the second year of this strategic broad-based partnership with University of Miami Athletics that includes game presenting sponsorships, Bahamian themed promotions and on-site activations, across UM’s football and basketball programmes. During this year’s activation, attendees who visited the bustling fan zone were treated to giveaways, games, swimming pigs themed popsicles and a rhythmic Junkanoo rush out.
One lucky ‘Canes fan dominated the pineapple eating contest and won the chance to stamp his passport to paradise and attend ‘Canes Weekend at the Atlantis, Paradise Island Resort from Nov. 8 to Nov. 11. DPM Cooper presented the winner with the grand prize during a special on-field presentation.
The exclusive ‘Canes Weekend at Atlantis, will bring the spirit of the U to the stunning shores of The Bahamas and give the ‘Canes family an unforgettable experience at the larger-than-life resort. The weekend will be hosted by UM alumni football Legends with a series of exciting events and activities slated. Attendees can look forward to VIP meet and greets, networking opportunities, a special kid’s football camp, exclusive access to the UM vs Georgia Tech game day watch party and a myriad of island adventures in between.
“This is a great partnership that we have with the University of Miami,” the DPM said. “We want to solidify our reach in the Florida market and UM has a strong following in The Bahamas, with its students, alumni, lecturers and fan base. We are really looking to expand what we do in Florida, given that this is one of our main source markets.”
DPM Cooper also took the opportunity to meet with industry partners across the sports, boating and investment markets. He added: “This is the second of three years with this agreement, and we are looking forward to rolling out some exciting initiatives to get more heads in beds in The Bahamas.”
Latia Duncombe, Director General, BMOTIA underscored how the sporting engagement will springboard various opportunities for networking, training, education and doing business in The Bahamas. She said ‘Canes Weekend in The Bahamas will be a must-attend event, showcasing the diversity of exciting activities and adventures available across the 16-island destination.
“I invite all ‘Canes fans and sports enthusiasts to mark their calendars for this November and to take some leisure time to explore Nassau with its colourful history, dynamic attractions and mouthwatering authentic Bahamian cuisine,” said Duncombe. “We are looking forward to the great energy and excitement that is already surrounding this event and the new ambassadors of The Bahamas that will emerge after visiting paradise.”
The Bahamas has been the backdrop of many successful major international sporting events, training sessions and more throughout its history and continues to lead the travel market as a mecca for sporting events. This multi-year partnership with UM will continue to strengthen the country’s national “Sports in Paradise” initiative by positioning The Bahamas as the ideal destination for sports related meetings/conferences, tournaments, events and more. The partnership was facilitated by Legends, which has managed corporate sponsorships and multimedia rights for UM Athletics since April 2021.
“We are excited to continue to evolve our partnership with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism by collaborating with them on a fun-filled weekend.” said Chris Maragno, Senior Vice President, Hurricanes Global Partnerships. “Our fans are always looking for new experiences and what better way to do that than with a weekend in The Bahamas at Atlantis Resort.”
For more information on ‘Canes Weekend and The Islands of The Bahamas partnership with UM Athletics partnership, visit: www.www.bahamas.com/TheU
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ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
With over 700 islands and cays, and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy flyaway escape that transports travellers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.
University of Miami Athletics
The University of Miami’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), supports more than 400 student-athletes across 18 sports. Miami has won 21 team national championships and 85 individual national championships in its storied history. UM Athletics is dedicated to developing and supporting its student-athletes in their efforts to achieve personal, academic, and athletic excellence, resulting in the highest standards of achievement. For more information visit www.miamihurricanes.com.
About Legends
Founded in 2008, Legends is a premium experiences company with six divisions operating worldwide – Global Planning, Global Sales, Global Partnerships, Hospitality, Global Merchandise, and Global Technology Solutions – offering clients and partners a 360-degree data and analytics fueled service solution platform to elevate their brand and execute their vision. Currently, Legends works with marquee clients across business verticals including professional sports; collegiate; attractions; entertainment; and conventions and leisure. We are the industry leaders in designing, planning and realizing exceptional experiences in sports and entertainment. For more information, visit www.Legends.net and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TheLegendsWay.
MEDIA CONTACTS
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Carter Toole Sr. Associate AD of Communications and Digital Strategy |
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Anita Johnson-Patty
Director, Global Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation