Jose Cuervo to Title Sponsor Pro Beach Volleyball Series

LOS ANGELES, July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- International Management Group (IMG), USA Volleyball (USAV) and Jose Cuervo today announced the 2011 "Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series."  The three-event series is USAV sanctioned and features a $500,000 cumulative prize purse, the richest in the U.S. this year.  The three-day, double elimination tournaments will be televised live on VERSUS.  More information is available at www.josecuervoprobeachvolleyballseries.com.

"IMG has a long history in pro beach volleyball and we're thrilled to get back in the game here in the States," Senior VP James Leitz said.  "With great partners like USAV and Jose Cuervo, and a tremendous field of very talented athletes, we envision consistent growth and success for the sport in the coming years."

"Beach volleyball and Jose Cuervo are both known for intensity and lifestyle appeal, and the opportunity to help the sport return to prominence not only for the players but also for fans was one we're excited about," said Brian Radics, Brand Director, Jose Cuervo.  "Given the Jose Cuervo brand's deep history in professional beach volleyball and as one of the sport's first corporate sponsors, this just feels right for everyone involved."

Jose Cuervo's beach volleyball roots can be traced to 1978 when they became the sport's first major sponsor.  Cuervo again played a significant role in the sport during the mid-80's ultimately leading to the Cuervo Gold Crown in 1988, considered the Triple Crown of beach volleyball.  The Gold Crown events were among the first televised in the sport and helped pave the way for pro beach volleyball to become an Olympic sport.

The Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series will debut on Aug. 26-28 at the $200,000 Manhattan Beach Open in California, a tournament with the longest history in the sport.  A field of 64 teams in both genders will battle for the largest domestic purse of 2011 and the winners will be enshrined with a permanent plaque on the Manhattan Beach Pier.  Known as the 'Wimbledon of beach volleyball,' winners will join the ranks of beach volleyball legends Karch Kiraly, Phil Dalhausser, Todd Rogers, Sinjin Smith, Randy Stoklos, Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh and Holly McPeak.

The series then moves to Miami Beach on Sept. 16-18 for the $150,000 Miami Beach Pro followed by the $150,000 Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series National Championship on Sept. 23-25 in Hermosa Beach, California.  Prior to the official series launch in August, Jose Cuervo will stage a "pro shootout" in Bradford Beach, Wisconsin on July 23 and 24.  The Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Shootout features top players, an amateur tournament, clinics and a festival village.

"I am pleased and excited to begin this relationship with Cuervo as the title sponsor of our Pro Beach Series," USA Volleyball Chief Executive Director Doug Beal said.  "This is exactly the kind of partnership we have been looking for as we develop high-profile, quality beach events.  Cuervo has a rich history in our sport and to open up our Series in Manhattan Beach is only fitting.  USA Volleyball is committed to grow our beach involvement at all levels."

The Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series provides both superstars and rising talent the opportunity to play in world-class, purpose-built stadiums in front of enthusiastic crowds in proven beach volleyball markets.  IMG, USAV and Jose Cuervo will turn up the fan energy through ancillary events, attractions, sponsor activations, hospitality programs and more in order to build a beach lifestyle festival as a backdrop for each tournament.  The inaugural Series is slated to expand in 2012 to include up to seven events hosted in the United States.

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 100% Agave Reposado and Silver, 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 IMG: IMG Worldwide is a global sports, entertainment and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in 30 countries around the globe. IMG's areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG's Joint Ventures in China, Brazil and India; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academies; IMG Action Sports; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing.  More information is available at www.imgworld.com/.

About USA Volleyball: Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) as the National Governing Body for the sport of Volleyball in the United States. USA Volleyball is responsible for both the Olympic disciplines of indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. USA Volleyball has over 262,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,300 clubs nationwide. With an annual budget in excess of $18 million dollars, USA Volleyball supports the USA men's and women's senior national team programs, youth and junior national teams, national championship events, coaching education and certification programs, grassroots development, and programs for the disabled and Paralympic Teams. USA Volleyball has a rich tradition of success as evidenced by winning an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984 and capturing numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball is committed to and works toward opportunity for all to participate. It is an advocate for all Americans endeavoring to assure universal access to opportunities at all levels of the game. For more information please visit www.usavolleyball.org.

SOURCE International Management Group