Courtyard by Marriott's Winning Guests to Touch Down in Cities Across the U.S. for Once-in-a-Lifetime NFL Experiences

BETHESDA, Md., March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Courtyard by Marriott, The Official Hotel Sponsor of the NFL, announced the winners of its Great NFL Road Tour Sweepstakes, handing off trips to 2012 NFL draft and 2012 Pro Bowl, as well as season tickets to all of the 2012 away games to one winner's favorite team.

"Courtyard guests love pro football, so awarding football lovers with experiences of a lifetime is a great feeling," said Janis Milham, Vice President and Global Brand Manager for Courtyard by Marriott. "We go the extra yard at Courtyard to provide our guests with a comfortable, fun, and fan-filled place to watch the game, and nothing beats the energy of football fans in a football stadium."

Grand prize winner David Sutter of Texas scored the grand prize, including two 2012 season game tickets, airfare, hotel accommodations, and spending cash to every away game of the team of his choice, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sutter, an Alquippa, Pennsylvania, native, has supported the Steelers as long as he can remember. While he did not have the chance to attend football games on a regular basis, that didn't stop his love for the team.

"I've been a huge Steelers fan all of my life and have always wanted to be cheering at the stadium but didn't have the chance to attend many home games in Pittsburgh," said Sutter. "This year, the NFL football season will mean more to me than it ever did before since I've been lucky enough to win Courtyard's grand prize. Traveling around the country to support my team is something I never dreamed I'd be able to do."

This year's 2012 NFL season will feel very different for David than years past. He will be waving his "terrible towel" with pride at every away game during this upcoming NFL season set to kick-off in August 2012. The now Texas resident didn't hesitate when it came to choosing the Steelers despite his relocation from Pennsylvania to Texas years ago.

David still has one decision ahead of him: who gets the other ticket? According to David, it's between a childhood Pittsburgh friend and his wife. Whoever he chooses, David's got a more than willing travel companion ready to embark on the journeys with him.  

Other selected winners include Tina Cotnoir of Deltona, Fla., who will be heading to the 2012 NFL Draft, Karen Block of Tulsa, Okla., who will be cheering on teams at this year's 2012 Pro Bowl, and Brian Hoare of San Clemente, Calif., who will be attending the ultimate football event of the year, the Super Bowl. 

Along with the Great NFL Road Tour Sweepstakes, Courtyard by Marriott—The Official Hotel Sponsor of the NFL—recently showcased a prototype of its newly renovated lobbies at the NFL Experience at the Indiana Convention Center. The new lobbies feature full-service bistros, comfortable dining areas, and open communal areas, perfect for sitting with fellow football fans (or even rivals) to enjoy a game.

Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive, and balanced. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests' needs for choice and control. With more than 900 locations in 37 countries, Courtyard by Marriott hotels participate in the award-winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, go to www.courtyard.com.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

SOURCE Marriott International