Leafs, Coca-Cola Zero launch fans first game ticket giveaway

For the third year, the Maple Leafs have added a preseason game to their schedule in partnership with Coca-Cola Zero to thank fans for their support

TORONTO, July 28 /CNW/ - The Toronto Maple Leafs open the 2010-11 NHL preseason with fanfare and excitement by teaming up with Coca-Cola Zero to open the doors to Leafs fans for free. The Maple Leafs will host their provincial rivals the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, September 21 at Air Canada Centre in the Coca-Cola Zero Fans First Game to recognize the outstanding support of Toronto's fans. This additional game has been made possible through Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment's partnership with Coca-Cola Zero.

"Maple Leafs fans are the greatest hockey fans in the world, so recognizing them with the Coca-Cola Zero Fans First Game, is just one way we can thank them for the passion and commitment to their team," said David Hopkinson, senior vice-president of business partnerships for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "The Coca-Cola Zero Fans First Game is one of the more exciting promotions in professional sports. We've created a host of initiatives around the game to make it into a memorable experience for Leafs fans who don't typically have an opportunity to experience a live Leafs game at Air Canada Centre."

The Maple Leafs and Coca-Cola Zero launched the third year of the popular Fans First event at the MasterCard Centre Tuesday, July 27 by making the impossible possible for one lucky hockey fan. David Marshall of Mississauga won the opportunity to be a Leaf for a Day after he and his men's recreational hockey league teammates participated in a series of hockey drills and competitions that were conducted by Leafs Assistant Coach Keith Acton and Leafs players Mike Komisarek, Kris Versteeg and Colby Armstrong.

Marshall will get a chance to attend a Leafs practice, have a pregame meal with the team, watch the Leafs game from the media gondola with Leafs President and General Manager Brian Burke, dinner at Air Canada Centre's Air Canada Club and an opportunity to attend the Leafs postgame news conference.

"The Coca-Cola Zero Fans First Game has become Toronto's most exciting fan-focused event," said Hayley Shay, manager of integrated marketing for Coca-Cola Zero. "We're proud to showcase Coca-Cola Zero's ability to make the impossible, possible, not only by providing real Coca-Cola taste with zero calories, but by presenting an opportunity to see real Leafs hockey with zero cost."

On Wednesday, July 28, all Leafs fans will have an opportunity to get a pair of tickets by visiting the Leafs Mobile Fan Zone along one of its many stops in Toronto. Besides getting a pair of tickets to the Coca-Cola Zero Fans First game, Leafs enthusiasts may have a chance to meet Leafs players and alumni, and sample Coca-Cola Zero. The Mobile Fan Zone stops include:

• RioCan Yonge & Eglinton Centre - noon to 2 p.m.
• Danforth Avenue - 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• Yonge & Dundas - 4 to 5 p.m.
• Queen's Quay Terminal - 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Maple Leaf Square - 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Starting July 28 and through August, tickets for the Coca-Cola Zero Fans First Game will also be distributed through a variety of channels including contests, events, icoke.ca, promotions, giveaways and participating retailers - Metro Ontario, Pizza Pizza, Mr. Sub, Mac's Convenience Stores, Cineplex and the Pickle Barrel.

The Coca-Cola Zero Fans First game will have the look and feel of Leafs opening night with a tailgate party, live music, pregame festivities and giveaways that will be enjoyed by the 20,000 fans who will receive free tickets to the game.

For more information or enter to win free tickets for the Coca-Cola Zero Fans First Game, visit www.mapleleafs.com

About Coca-Cola Canada: The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. In Canada, the Company is represented by its subsidiary, Coca-Cola Ltd. (Coca-Cola Canada). Coca-Cola is Canada's largest beverage company. Coca-Cola Canada markets three of Canada's top nonalcoholic sparkling beverage brands, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Sprite. In addition, Coca-Cola is the largest juice and juice drinks company with Minute Maid, Five Alive and Fruitopia and the leading ready to drink tea producer with Nestea. The Company also markets DASANI, PowerAde and other hot and cold beverages. For more information, visit www.coca-cola.ca.

For further information:

Media Contacts:
Rajani Kamath, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, [phone]
Jamie Deans, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, [phone]
Craig Downey, Toronto Maple Leafs, [phone]