An Allegiant A319 in Las Vegas (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Allegiant Air recently announced in a press release that it will be partnering with the NBA team, the Detroit Pistons. The partnership will coin Allegiant, the “Official Airline of the Detroit Pistons.”
The partnership with the Pistons will officially take effect next month on July 1.
The airline — headquartered in Las Vegas — currently acts as one of the state’s larger operators with bases in both Flint and Grand Rapids, Mich. As stated in the press release, the partnership supports the airline’s ongoing commitment to serving the local communities in which the airline’s employees work and live.
Allegiant initially marked the state as a key component of its operation in 2009 when the airline began service to Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids. Since then, the carrier has expanded rapidly, connecting the state of Michigan to the rest of the United States at lower costs than existing carriers. The airline has added service to Traverse City, Mich.’s Cherry Capital Airport and Flint, Mich.’s Bishop International Airport. The airline has grown to operate 29 routes from the three cities.
Allegiant invested over $117 million into the Grand Rapids and Flint bases — permanently stationing nearly 200 employees in the state.
In addition to already having a presence in the community, the two companies share similar values, making for a strong partnership. One example of an element the companies share is their stance on achieving equality. Allegiant will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Pistons Pride Night, an annual event recognizing the efforts of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
“Sports have the universal power to break down social barriers and bring people together to celebrate their teams and communities,” Scott DeAngelo, Allegiant’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, said “We believe the same can be said about air travel. The Pistons are an ideal partner for us because of our shared core values, especially our commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
The ultra-low-cost airline intends to also engage basketball fans throughout Michigan through the organization of sweepstakes and company-sponsored events.
During the NBA season between October and June, Allegiant will allow fans to participate in specially designed sweepstakes that will connect them to largely anticipated matchups, giving fans unforgettable game-day experiences.
“We are excited to welcome Allegiant as the official airline of the Detroit Pistons,” said Brenden Mallette, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships & Engagement for the Detroit Pistons. “Both Allegiant and the Pistons organization share a core value of commitment and service to Michigan and our communities.”
Allegiant Air is no stranger to the United States sports industry. A few notable partnerships include the Oakland Raiders NFL team, Vegas Golden Knights NHL team, FC Cincinnati MLS team, Indianapolis Colts NFL team, and are also the Official Airline of Minor League Baseball. Additionally, Allegiant is also the main sponsor with GMS Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series.
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