Jose Cuervo to MLB Commissioner: Reschedule Game 3

NEW YORK, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Jose Cuervo, the world's best-selling tequila, publicly appeals to Major League Baseball (MLB) to reschedule Game 3 of the World Series. Jose Cuervo is making this request in an effort to help MLB avoid the embarrassment of rating drops due to the CuervoGames National Finals in Las Vegas taking place simultaneously on Saturday, Oct. 30.  

Just as the World Series is the culminating event to crown the best team after an entire season of competition, the CuervoGames National Finals is the championship event for a seven-month long tour across the country pitting teams of four against each other in a contest of unparalleled athletic prowess.  The events have stood for extreme competition followed by intense – yet responsible – celebration.

"The CuervoGames National Finals in Las Vegas is an intense competition of the Nation's best, battling to win their spot in Jose Cuervo history," said Ami-Lynn Bakshi, Vice President, Tequila Marketing, Diageo.  "Sports fans everywhere will be overcome with the anticipation of who will be crowned CuervoGames Champions, taking all the attention away from Game 3.  It would be a travesty for Major League Baseball to endure any backlash as a result of our success."

CuervoGames has been described as a cross between Wipeout and American Gladiators, featuring teams of four battling for supremacy in four events that are each tied to the tequila-making process.  Beginning its national tour in Tempe, AZ on April 3, CuervoGames has traveled to 15 cities – including Orlando, Tempe, Ariz., San Diego, Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, Baltimore, Santa Barbara, Calif., Champaign, Ill., West Palm Beach, Fla., and Austin, Tex. – challenging the brave and grabbing the attention of millions across the nation.  The culmination of the inaugural CuervoGames is finally here, leaving fans and competitors anxiously waiting for Halloween weekend and a competition unlike any other.

Jose Cuervo urges the MLB Commissioner to see its recommendation through as it will save him and the league unnecessary embarrassment.  "We've all seen how overlapping sports seasons and events can become cannibalizing," said Bakshi.  "Since we're the newcomers this season and the obvious front runners in this situation, we want to be proactive, because if the MLB makes their viewers choose, I assure you the result will not be in their favor."

If and when the MLB decides to change the date of Game 3, Jose Cuervo offers to show true sportsmanship by sending the CuervoGames National Champions to the game to ensure that the "rain date" is not overlooked by consumers and media. "We'd even be willing to look into having the CuervoGames National Champions throw out the ceremonial first pitch for Game 3," added Bakshi.

"Jose Cuervo constantly reminds our consumers to make responsible choices when drinking, and we hope that MLB also makes the responsible choice here and moves Game 3 for their own benefit," Bakshi continued.

The CuervoGames National Finals in Las Vegas will include both original and intense new CuervoGames competitions plus everything for which Las Vegas is known – elaborate pool parties, performances by nationally acclaimed talent, dinners and late-night parties at Las Vegas' top nightclubs – all cued by Cuervo.  All consumers in attendance will be privy to an epic, yet responsible VIP experience, and Jose Cuervo will be reminding attendees throughout the weekend to always drink responsibly.  

For more information on CuervoGames, visit www.Facebook.com/Cuervo, and remember, whether enjoying the spirit or offerings of Jose Cuervo please do so responsibly.

About Jose Cuervo

Jose Cuervo is the largest producer of tequila throughout Mexico and around the world. The Jose Cuervo portfolio of tequilas includes Jose Cuervo Especial Gold, the number one tequila worldwide, Jose Cuervo Especial Silver, Jose Cuervo Black Medallion, Jose Cuervo Tradicional, Jose Cuervo Platino, Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia, Jose Cuervo Golden Margaritas, Authentic Jose Cuervo Margaritas and Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix. For more information, visit www.josecuervo.com.

About DIAGEO

Jose Cuervo Tequilas are imported and marketed in the United States by Diageo North America, a subsidiary of Diageo plc. Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

When enjoying its products, Diageo reminds its adult consumers to drink responsibly.  As the world's largest spirits, wine and beer company, Diageo is committed to social responsibility and the responsible marketing of its brands.  The Diageo Marketing Code is one of the most stringent in the industry.  Diageo is a founding member and major supporter of The Century Council, a not-for-profit organization whose programs are designed to combat drunk driving and underage drinking.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.

JOSE CUERVO and the other Trademarks listed under Products are owned in the U.S. by Tequila Cuervo La Rojena, S.A. de C.V. and in the rest of the world by Tequila Cuervo, S.A. de C.V., Jalisco, Mexico. Trademarks and Copyright © 2009 Tequila Cuervo. All rights reserved. Imported and/or bottled in the United States by Heublein or Productos Finos Ltda, Norwalk, CT. Tequilas 40% Alc. by Vol,; Margaritas 9.95% and 12.7% Alc by Vol.

SOURCE Diageo