MUMBAI: In a bid to elevate the “experiential spectacle” of football legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s inaugural India visit, which is hosted by Tilak Gaurang Shah, a dedicated Manchester United fan and founder of Ace of Pubs, ten brands have been onboarded for the three-city tour.
Taking place at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru on February 9, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai on February 10 and ITC Maurya, New Delhi on February 11, the tour is set to seamlessly connect fans with the Norwegian football icon in a premium experiential manner.
“We are thrilled to associate with ITC Hotels which is the world’s largest chain with maximum LEED zero carbon certified hotels. Also, Club ITC which is the signature Loyalty program for ITC Hotels offers a wide range of exclusive member benefits and memorable money can’t buy experiences, so this will be a great opportunity for their members to interact with football legend Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Inspired by an endeavor to blend Responsible Luxury with the thrilling world of sports, this partnership will be the first of many engaging interactions, creating memorable moments for their members.” stated Shah.
American Express has been roped in as the official lifestyle partner to contribute its expertise and enhance the overall experience for the attendees.
Sanjay Khanna, CEO and country manager, American Express Banking Corp India, said: “We understand our card members well and look to create special experiences in areas they love across dining, sports, retail and entertainment. We are excited to be part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s maiden tour to India by collaborating with Ace of Pubs to give a memorable experience to football fans in India. We know when our Card Members attend one of these events, they tend to be more engaged with our brand.”
The event will be curated by Zomato Live, with tickets exclusively available on the Zomato app which will provide a convenient and hassle-free way for fans to secure their spot at this historic event.
Zeenah Vilcassim – CEO, Zomato Live, said: “We are thrilled to bring the Manchester United Legend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tour to India. This landmark event is poised to captivate football enthusiasts nationwide, as we are looking forward to bringing this experience to our audiences and to his strong Indian fanbase. This continues our dedication to delivering exceptional experiences and fostering vibrant communities across India.”
Radio City has come on board as the official Radio partner to build the excitement and buzz around the event in all three event cities. Truefitt & Hill, the world’s oldest barbershop, has been signed as the official grooming partner. Simba, the official roaring partner, will add an element of excitement to the event, whereas Outcry Entertainment, a new-generation integrated experiential and marketing agency, has been signed as the official production partner, promising a visually stunning and entertaining experience for fans.
12th Man Brewing, which has come on board as the official gameday partners in Mumbai, will contribute to creating a unique atmosphere in the city surrounding the event. Corporate engagements for the tour will be orchestrated by Ace of Trades, ensuring that corporate partners have an unforgettable experience with the legendary Solskjaer.
Cinepolis, the first international exhibitor in India, will be the official multiplex partner, while Oscar Foundation, a leading Indian NGO focusing on sports development for underprivileged children, stands as the official community partner.
According to a survey, out of about 160 million football fans in India, 35 million are Manchester United fans.