Thursday Night Football Gains Yardage With New Courtyard "Greatness on the Road™ Award"

BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As fans get Back to Football and prepare for the upcoming season, the National Football League (NFL) and its official hotel sponsor, Courtyard by Marriott, today announced an exciting new feature on NFL Media platforms, the new "Greatness on the Road™ Award."  The first "Greatness on the Road™ Player of the Week" will be awarded on Tuesday, September 11 on NFL.com and then mentioned on-air on Thursday, September 13 when the Chicago Bears visit the Green Bay Packers with an announcement during the Thursday Night Football broadcast. 

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Each week during the season, the "Greatness on the Road™ Award" will be announced on Tuesday on NFL.com with a mention on NFL Network during Thursday Night Football.

Bringing the spirit of the new "Greatness on the Road™ Award" home, Courtyard will also be announcing every Thursday its own road warrior hero among its guests to coincide with the NFL award. The business guest winner will be featured on Courtyard's Facebook page and honored with Marriott Rewards points.  The weekly winners also will be entered for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans and attend the second-annual NFL Honors show on Super Bowl Eve, where the ultimate 2012 Greatness on the Road™ Award winner will be named.

"Just like an athlete, frequent business travelers have to perform under stressful circumstances when they are on the road," said Janis Milham, vice president and global brand manager for Courtyard by Marriott. "This is an exciting opportunity for us to incorporate our NFL sponsorship into something fun and meaningful for our most loyal guests."

Alongside announcing this prestigious award, Courtyard today also rolls out several activities this season that are sure to give guests at more than 800 Courtyards in North America and Canada* something to look forward to including:

• Courtyard's Greatness on the Road™ Sweepstakes:  A Facebook sweeps will run from September 5, 2012 to February 3, 2013  featuring the ultimate grand prize of trips and tickets to all the winner's favorite NFL team's 2013 regular season road games, including airfare, transportation, hotel accommodations and more. Enter at www.facebook.com/courtyard  
• Instant Win Scratch-Off: To elevate the partnership on property, starting September 15, all guests checking in on football weeknights (either Monday or Thursday) will receive an instant win scratch off card. Prizes include NFLShop.com gift cards and Courtyard Refreshing Savings^SM Weekend Coupons.
• NFL Fan Package: Guests booking this special package to follow their team on the road will receive a $50 Courtyard Refreshing Savings^SM Weekend Coupon, 15% off orders of $100+ at NFLShop.com and late checkout as available. Reservations require a minimum stay of one night with a Friday or Saturday included. The package is available starting September 20, 2012 – February 3, 2013. To book visit www.courtyard.com/NFLpackage

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 or visit us at www.facebook.com/courtyard

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.   

*Excluding Quebec  

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.