London To Mexico City And Everywhere In Between: Marriott International Is Taking Global Hospitality To A New Level With NFL Programming This Season

BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In its eighth year as an NFL partner, Marriott International is packing its bags and taking its partnership more global than ever before. As the NFL continues to strengthen its international fan base, with more than 95 million NFL fans living in the NFL's key international priority markets,¹ the global hospitality company will use its international expertise to create unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for passionate NFL fans all over the world.

"We are excited to create incredible moments for passionate NFL fans no matter where they live," said Karin Timpone, Global Marketing Officer for Marriott International. "We've taken our NFL partnership to a new global level – from seeking the first-ever Courtyard NFL Global Correspondent, creating interactive consumer events in London and Mexico City, and offering incredible Moments for members of Marriott Rewards and SPG all over the world."

Courtyard by Marriott seeks passionate NFL fan to serve as first-ever Courtyard NFL Global Correspondent 

There are 180.2 million NFL fans in the United States¹, but only one will get the chance to pursue their NFL passions and travel the world to attend exclusive NFL events as the first-ever Courtyard NFL Global Correspondent. The lucky fan will embark on a dream season of international travel and exploration to discover the passion that unites NFL fans around the world and share their findings with fans, followers, Courtyard guests – and the world at large.

"As a brand, we have always enabled our guests to pursue their passions both personally and professionally on the road, so they can continuously move forward," said Janis Milham, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Classic Select Brands. "This year we are extending that shared mindset to our NFL programming, giving one lucky fan the chance of a lifetime to pursue their passion for the NFL in a season-long capacity."

This season-long opportunity will include travel to NFL events around the world, including games in London, Mexico City and Minnesota, culminating in Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII. Courtyard is seeking individuals who have a love for and knowledge of the NFL, are comfortable in front of a camera, are passionate and enthusiastic storytellers and are always looking to move forward in their personal and professional journeys.

From Sept. 6^th through Sept. 24^th, interested fans are encouraged to submit a :60 second video online at www.CourtyardCorrespondent.com, or in-person during Courtyard's NFL Kickoff experience located within the NFL Kickoff Experience in Philadelphia on Sept. 6^th. Courtyard's Kickoff experience will also feature talent appearances, NFL trivia and giveaways throughout the day including signed merchandise, game tickets and tickets to see the Philadelphia Eagles play in London on Oct. 28^th.

Aspiring correspondents must be passionate about the NFL, football, food and travel and be a member of either Marriott Rewards or SPG. Entries will be judged based on charisma, passion and overall NFL expertise. Finalists will advance to an interview round and the Courtyard NFL Global Correspondent will be announced on Oct. 16^th.

Marriott Rewards and SPG announce epic experiences for members throughout 2018-19 NFL season

Similar to previous seasons, Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) members continue to have access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences available exclusively on Marriott Rewards Moments and SPG Moments.

This season, in partnership with the NFL, Marriott is offering over 200 experiences exclusively for members, including for the first-time, the ability to bid for and win the ultimate Super Bowl LIII Suite Sleepover which will be up for auction later this year. Other experiences include:

• Join NFL Hall of Famer, Jerry Rice, as he leads a member only "Punt, Pass & Kick" Master Class with an Atlanta Falcons Legend on December 17^th. 
• See what it's like to be a sportscaster through a members-only tour of the NFL Network studios and a live viewing of the November 11^th Game Day Morning Show in Los Angeles. Later that day, head over to the L.A. game with lower bowl tickets.
• Join former NFL player (TBD) as he leads a member only "Punt, Pass & Kick" master class with a Minnesota Vikings Legend on November 25^th. 
• See the players warm up on the sidelines from the coach's point of view and find out if you have what it takes to make the team by kicking field goals post-game at the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings stadiums. 
• Shadow legendary sportscaster Michele Tafoya during a behind-the-scenes experience prior to a Minnesota Vikings Sunday Night Football Game.
• Get VIP access to the 2018 London Games at Wembley, which includes field access and luxury suite tickets.
• Enjoy members-only access to the 2018 Mexico Game at Azteca Stadium with great seats, VIP reception, meet and greet with an NFL Legend, field passes and more.

Ultimate Super Bowl LIII experiences to launch on Marriott Rewards Moments and SPG Moments later this year.

Courtyard asks UK NFL Fans, "How far would you go for the Super Bowl?"

As Courtyard expands its presence in the UK this year with the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Luton Airport, the brand is introducing new and exciting programs to engage fans throughout the season. In the UK, Courtyard is launching a new sports content series titled, "Courtyard's - How far would you go for the Super Bowl?" as an extension of its 'Passion Moves Us Forward' campaign.

The series, co-hosted by NFL Legends Osi Umenyiora and Jason Bell, brings together two British sports pundits to share their passion, expertise and personal anecdotes with NFL fans. The first episode will kick off on October 10^th inviting fans across the UK to share their own passion for the sport for a chance to win two tickets to the Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta on February 3^rd, 2019.

Super Bowl winner and British-born running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jay Ajayi as well as former international Rugby Sevens player and current tight end for the Atlanta Falcons, Alex Gray will be guests on the series. The fifth and final episode will highlight the lucky winners' unprecedented gameday experience through a Courtyard lens at the Super Bowl LIII, in early February 2019.

Exclusive Marriott Loyalty Moments packages, designed specifically for the UK audience, are available to loyalty members and include premium seating at the stadium, pre-game field access to watch the team warm ups, NFL gifts, and exclusive access to the Pitchview Suite with complimentary hospitality, complete with full length panoramic windows, providing unbelievable views across the Wembley pitch for the final game featuring NFL Super Bowl LII Champions: The Philadelphia Eagles, as well as invitations to an NFL Influencer Party.

Courtyard offers unique experiences in Mexico City for the 2018 NFL Season

The NFL has enjoyed growing popularity and a sizeable fanbase in Mexico for years. As an official sponsor of the 2018 NFL Mexico Game, on Monday, November 19^th, Courtyard by Marriott is planning a series of memorable experiences for passionate fans in Mexico City this year. The NFL Fan Fiesta at Azteca stadium will allow game attendees to enjoy pre-game festivities and activations, including player meet and greets and the chance for one lucky fan to win two tickets to Super Bowl LIII at Courtyard's NFL Fan Fiesta experience.

Three exclusive Marriott Loyalty Moments packages, designed specifically for the Mexico City game, are available to loyalty members and may include premium seating at the stadium, a pregame VIP reception, access to pre-game field passes, hotel accommodations, and transportation to and from the game.

¹Source: "Power of the NFL" presentation by the NFL (2018)

About Courtyard by Marriott

Courtyard is the hotel brand of choice for ambitious and enterprising guests who see business travel as a driver of personal fulfillment and professional growth. Courtyard provides opportunities for guests to pursue both their personal and professional passions on the road. With more than 1,100 locations in over 50 countries and territories, Courtyard is proud to participate in the company's award-winning loyalty programs – Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The programs, operating under one set of unparalleled benefits, enable members to earn points toward free hotel stays, achieve Elite status faster than ever, and seamlessly book or redeem points for stays throughout our loyalty portfolio of 29 brands and more than 6,700 participating hotels in 130 countries & territories. For more information or reservations, visit courtyard.marriott.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow @CourtyardHotels on Twitter and Instagram.

About Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards

Marriott International's award-winning loyalty programs – Marriott Rewards, SPG, and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards – unite 29 unique and iconic global brands and over 6,700 distinctive properties in 130 countries and territories around the world, providing members with endless inspiration to travel the world. The programs, operating under one set of unparalleled benefits, enable more 110 million members to earn points toward free hotel stays, and achieve Elite status faster than ever, seamlessly and easily book or redeem points for stays throughout the portfolio. To enhance their travels, member may also indulge in 120,000 experiences offered on moments.marriott.com. When booking direct on Marriott.com, SPG.com or any of Marriott's mobile apps, members can take advantage of exclusive Member Rates, free and enhanced Wi-Fi, mobile check-in and checkout, Mobile Requests and, wherever available, Mobile Key. To enroll for free or for more information about the programs, visit Marriott.com or SPG.com. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Rewards on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and learn more about #spglife on Facebook, https://twitter.com/spgTwitter and Instagram.

About Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 6,700 properties in 30 leading hotel brands spanning 130 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

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