Marriott has dunked over its competition by becoming the official hotel of the NBA Global Games 2015-16, NBA Africa Game 2015, and NBA Canada Series 2015 using the promotional hashtag, #AroundTheWorld.
The NBA is now giving all 50 million Marriott Rewards members exclusive access to these special events with offers for hotels within a total of 19 brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Renaissance Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Protea Hotels and AC Hotels.
The special partnership kicked off in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the first-ever NBA game in Africa, and will include NBA events in 11 other cities across Brazil, Canada, China, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and the UK.
There’s also the chance to score private meet-and-greets with NBA legends and players for its Elite members and invite fans to take a virtual trip in the #AroundTheWorld photo and social sharing experience. The first Marriott Rewards NBA legends meet-and-greet was co-hosted by The Protea African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel in Johannesburg.
The South African game proved to be an awesome spectacle, with Team World defeating Team Africa in the exhibition, 101-97. One of the highlights was when Lagos-born Hakeem Olajuwon made an appearance and deftly netted some points - despite now being 52 years old.
Additionally, Marriott Rewards members in the U.S. can look for the opportunity to enter in an upcoming sweepstakes for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a trip and tickets to an upcoming NBA global event.
“Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and our partnership with the NBA gives us an opportunity to tap into a passionate fan base and communicate the breadth and depth of our portfolio,” said global marketing office Karin Timpone.
“Similar to what we are doing with music and entertainment, our NBA partnership helps us create memorable experiences for our Rewards members and amplify the benefits of the program for both new and loyal guests.”
The NBA Global Event Schedule:
NBA Africa Game 2015:
Aug. 1 – Johannesburg, South Africa
NBA Canada Series 2015:
NBA Global Games 2015-16: