AKRON (Aug. 5, 2013) — Bridgestone Americas is extending its title sponsorship of the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron and continue as the official tire of the PGA Tour and Champions Tour, both through 2018.
Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Bridgestone first sponsored the Bridgestone Invitational in 2006 and had agreed to sponsor the event through next year. Prior to that the event was called the NEC Invitational.
Bridgestone said it role as official marketing partner and official tire of the PGA Tour gives it opportunities to access a "distinguished consumer demographic."
Speaking at a press conference during this past weekend's event, Bridgestone CEO Maasaki Tsuya said: "This sponsorship will further enhance the power of the Bridgestone brand and continue to provide additional worldwide channels for us to grow."
PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said Bridgestone is one of the PGA Tour's largest partners, leveraging its position on a global scale.
The Bridgestone Invitational annually donates about $1 million to charities throughout northeast Ohio. Over the years, Bridgestone said, professional golf events at Firestone Country Club have donated more than $22 million to worthy causes throughout the area, including Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeastern Ohio, Akron Children's Hospital, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, and The First Tee Chapters of Akron, Cleveland and Canton.
"Our sponsorship of the Bridgestone Invitational is a tremendous vehicle to promote the Bridgestone brand. It also reconfirms our commitment to the PGA Tour, worldwide golf fans and our Akron-area neighbors," said Gary Garfield, CEO and president, Bridgestone Americas. "As proud corporate citizens, we are thrilled with the impact the Bridgestone Invitational has in the region."