United Poolplayers Association Announces Long-Term Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships for Michelob Amberbock World Summit of Pool 

New York, Sept. 1, 2004 – Fresh off the announcement of the title sponsorship from Michelob AmberBock, the television partnership with ESPN and the exciting new venue at New York City’s Grand Central Terminal for its marquee event, the Michelob AmberBock World Summit of Pool, the United Poolplayers Association (UPA) has announced sponsorship agreements with several of the industry’s most prominent manufacturers.

Brunswick, Simonis Cloth and Aramith Balls have each signed 3-year agreements to be the Official Table, Official Cloth and Official Balls, respectively, of the UPA.  The companies will receive a variety of benefits from the partnerships including television exposure, event visibility and use of their products at UPA events.

In addition to the long-term partnerships, the UPA has also named the American CueMaker’s Association and Sardo Tight Rack as Official Sponsors of the World Summit event. 

“We welcome each of these respected companies to the UPA and the future of men’s professional pool,” said Robert Lipson President of the UPA.  “Launching these ground-breaking partnerships at this high-profile tournament is a sign of big things to come for the UPA and our sponsors.”

“Now is a great time to join forces and establish a long-term relationship with the UPA,” said Mark McCleary, VP of Marketing for Brunswick Billiards.  “We look forward to working together to help strengthen and grow the UPA Tour, and to bring more visibility to the men’s professional game.”

Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall will be the most spectacular setting ever for a billiards tournament.  Given New York’s historic ties to the sport, the 600,000 commuters who pass through Grand Central each day, and the television exposure o­n ESPN, the 2004 Michelob AmberBock World Summit of Pool will be a fantastic weekend of high drama for pool fans and great exposure for our products. 

The double-elimination, 9-ball billiards tournament features defending champion and current number o­ne ranked Johnny Archer, former world champions Nick Varner and Mika Immonen, number two ranked Charlie Williams and New York City’s own Tony Robles fresh off his victory at the BCA Open.  In all, 64 of the top professionals from around the world will be competing over four days.

“We joined forces with the UPA because we felt confident that they would work hard to grow the sport,” said Ivan Lee, President of Simonis Cloth.  “If this first event is any indication of things to come, the future looks bright for the UPA, its partners and the sport of billiards.”

“The UPA will be a great vehicle to showcase our products and continue to build our brand and grow the visibility and popularity of men’s professional pool.  We look forward to a mutually beneficial long-term partnership,” said Yves Bilquin, Sales & Marketing Manager for SALUC SA Aramith Billiard Balls.

The UPA and its sponsors will also present an expo-style display at Vanderbilt Hall during the 2004 Michelob AmberBock World Summit of Pool.  It will feature products from all of the UPA sponsors as well as displays from twelve of the top custom cue manufacturers represented by the American Cuemakers Association.

“It’s a great opportunity for all of our members because the UPA is providing us with a chance to showcase our products to the top billiards fans in the world; a worldwide television audience o­n ESPN and thousands of affluent New Yorkers,” said Dan Dishaw of the American Cuemarkers Association.”

Research has shown that there are nine million Americans who play pool 25 or more times a year, which by that definition, makes it the most frequent participation sport in the nation. 

Ticket information for the 2004 Michelob AmberBock World Summit of Pool is available by calling 1-800 595-4TIX (595-4849) or by visiting www.tix.com.  Tickets will also be available o­n site o­n the days of the event.

The Michelob AmberBock World Summit of Pool is produced by the United Poolplayers Association in conjunction with Dragon Promotions.  For sponsorship opportunities and public relations questions:

Contact: Marty Appel Public Relations (212 245-1772)

Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news from the sport of billiards and pool.