Spending on sponsorship of sports, music, arts, events and causes by North American companies will exceed $6 billion in 1998. Worldwide spending is in excess of $15 billion. Sponsorship has realized record growth because it is tailor-made for the marketing environment of the 90s. It offers companies a way to cut through media clutter and replace bogus commercial messages with meaningful alliances.
1998 IEG Sponsorship Report
John Ulkman, Publisher of the 1998 IEG Sponsorship Sourcebook cites:
"Sports, arts and causes are the worlds universal calling card . . . as the planet becomes smaller through satellite TV and more inter-dependent through global problems like the environment, a calling card that transcends language, politics and prejudices is crucial."
According to the 1997 Sponsorship Report, the average yearly sponsorship increase over the past four years was 20 percent. The biggest growth occurred from 96 -97, which showed a 30 percent increase:
Average sponsorship revenue was $533,000, with 38 percent "in-kind".
Sponsorship revenues averaged 36% of budgets.
Renewal rates from 96-97 averaged an impressive 88 percent.
The American Fighter Aces Museum and The Wings of Freedom Foundation, both tax exempt, 501(c)(3) corporations, offer very cohesive quality aviation venues that are one-of-a-kind compelling market opportunities. It is befitting the aces, being the most celebrated of the American fighter pilots, that this immediate area of the world-renown Alamo shrine -- an icon of courage and freedom -- become their future home. Both are one-of-a-kind!
These two sponsorship venues offer tremendous corporate-character relevancy. As one considers the characteristics represented by the 189 men who died defending their freedoms at the Alamo, and the 1,445 men of the American Fighter Aces, many of whom died defending our freedom -- feeling of pride, hope and faith swell within all who thoughtfully consider such. It is our opinion, that once recognized, corporate sponsors will readily embrace these two concepts with all their dramatic imagery.
The American Fighter Aces Museum and The Wings of Freedom Foundation have an established affinity with those who both reside and visit San Antonio. The vision of their respective "mission" is clear and relevant to the city and as a culture. Reflecting the passion and personality -- from the earliest mission days on the wild Mexican frontier, to "Tejas" citadel, to what San Antonio is today -- an exquisite melding of the past and present -- not to be duplicated elsewhere.
This sponsorship opportunity is befitting of any organization which desires a permanent, high-traffic, compelling presence, espousing relevant corporate characteristics, cultural diversity and historical authenticity.