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Airline strengthens local ties in hub city with high-impact, multiyear
sports sponsorship
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – American Airlines, which operates its
second-largest hub at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), today
announced a multiyear partnership with the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC.
This collaboration establishes American as an Official Airline Partner of the
Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC and includes exclusive travel benefits and
experiences for customers. It also includes promotion of the airline during
football games and soccer matches at Bank of America Stadium.
As a proud partner of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, American is
bringing fans and members of its award-winning AAdvantage® loyalty
program closer to the action with unique gameday and matchday experiences.
Through the partnership, AAdvantage® members will have the chance
to win exclusive prizes, including giveaways and sweepstakes to away games and
VIP experiences with the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC. AAdvantage®
members can also redeem AAdvantage® miles for access to games,
making it easier than ever to turn loyalty into unforgettable moments.
American will be part of the gameday fan experience through in-stadium
advertisements, on team websites and apps and through both teams’ away travel
series, which will feature a summary graphic of miles traveled during the
season and behind-the-scenes content from the American Airlines experience
across social and digital platforms.
The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC have joined American’s growing sports
roster, which already includes the Charlotte Sports Foundation. This expansion
reflects American’s continued investment in the community and its commitment
to supporting local organizations.
“At American, we’re passionate about bringing people closer to the moments
that matter most — whether it’s the joy of cheering on their favorite team
or the unforgettable energy of a live event,” said Caroline Clayton,
American’s Chief Marketing Officer. “As Charlotte’s hometown airline, we’re
honored to deepen our roots in the Queen City as an Official Airline Partner
of the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC and the Charlotte Sports Foundation.
It’s a privilege to celebrate and support the vibrant sports spirit that
brings this community together.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome American Airlines as a Proud Partner of the
Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC,” said Eric Sudol, Chief Revenue Officer
at Tepper Sports & Entertainment. “With more than 15,500 employees in
the city and its position as the largest airline at Charlotte Douglas
International Airport, American is deeply rooted in our community. This
partnership not only strengthens the connection between two of Charlotte’s
most beloved sports franchises and one of its largest employers — it also
creates exciting opportunities to deliver exclusive travel benefits and
unforgettable experiences for fans, while elevating the energy at Bank of
America Stadium.”
American will also serve as the partner airline for international trips,
including staff and fan group travel packages.
To kick off the partnership, American, the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC
will distribute 10,000 co-branded rally towels to team members and travelers
at CLT on Aug. 27.
About American Airlines
As a leading global airline, American Airlines offers thousands of flights per
day to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries. The airline is a
founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve
more than 900 destinations around the globe. Shares of American Airlines Group
Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. Learn more about what’s
happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. To Care for People on Life’s Journey®.
About the Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers became the 29th National Football League franchise on
October 26, 1993. The Panthers began play in the 1995 season, winning an
expansion-team-record seven games. In 28 seasons, Carolina has won six
division titles, including three consecutive NFC South division titles from
2013-15. The Panthers have played in 17 playoff games, winning two NFC
Championships and appearing in Super Bowl XXXVIII and Super Bowl 50. David A.
Tepper, the founder and president of global hedge fund Appaloosa Management,
L.P. and a well-known philanthropist, is the owner of the Carolina Panthers.
Truly representing both Carolinas, the Panthers play their home games at Bank
of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., just miles from the North
Carolina-South Carolina border. Serving the two-state region is a priority for
the team. The Panthers work with over 3,800 community partners, non-profit
agencies and schools in the Carolinas each year and are committed to
positively impacting the region by providing philanthropic funding, resources
and opportunities throughout the Carolinas.