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January 17, 2013
CHICAGO --(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 17, 2013-- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced it will become the exclusive hotel and resort partner of the Chicago Cubs , Wrigley Field , Chicago Cubs Spring Training, Cubs Destinations and Chicago Cubs Charities . As part of the new long-term partnership, Starwood's award-winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest(R), will give members exclusive access to a variety of once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the Chicago Cubs through SPG Moments(SM), beginning with the 2013 season.
"Establishing a strategic partnership with the Chicago Cubs allows Starwood to tap into our members' passion for sports and create unique and memorable experiences," said Mark Vondrasek , Senior Vice President, Distribution, Loyalty & Partnership Marketing. "An enhanced presence at Wrigley Field is an important platform for Starwood to continue delivering unforgettable moments for our members at one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago."
Some of the planned experiences include: 'Surprise and Delight' seat upgrades during every home game at Wrigley Field , VIP experiences with players and team management such as serving as 'Honorary Team Manager for a Day,' access to the SPG luxury suite behind home plate, and opportunities to bid for VIP access to Cubs Spring Training and Cubs Destinations trips. To explore Cubs Spring Training packages, please visit spg.com/moments.
"We are excited to partner with Starwood and their SPG loyalty program to provide our fans with nine lifestyle hotel brands and over 1,100 distinctive properties to choose from around the world," said Wally Hayward , Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Chicago Cubs . "Starwood's innovative properties will also make players and fans feel at home when we're on the road this season."
Cubs fans can book Starwood hotels for Cubs home and road games thru cubs.com or spg.com. The Starpoints® earned for their stays can then be transformed into unique Cubs experiences through SPG Moments.
New Hotel to be Developed Across from Wrigley Field
Starwood also announced today the Ricketts family has signed an agreement to develop a boutique hotel affiliated with the Sheraton brand across the street from Wrigley Field .
"We look forward to collaborating with the Ricketts family to bring a global hotel icon to one of North America's most beloved baseball teams and the vibrant Lakeview community," said Simon Turner , President of Global Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "We share the Ricketts family's vision to bring new jobs and help to create a diverse, center of economic activity."
The exterior design and décor of the hotel will be a one-of-a-kind collaboration, which will be uniquely designed to fit within the current neighborhood landscape and community.
"Once we know how we can save Wrigley Field , the Ricketts Family is looking forward to the opportunity to build a hotel across the street. It could complement the neighborhood and its establishments while also serving fans and tourists," said Ricketts Family spokesman Dennis Culloton . "Most importantly, building this hotel is a critical part of a more than $500 million plan to reinvest in Wrigley Field and the neighborhood. The family wants to create 800 construction jobs and 1,300 full-time jobs, preserve Wrigley Field as one of the top three tourist destinations in the state and grow the ballpark's $650 million in annual economic impact to Chicago and the region."