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Škoda Auto extends partnership with IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship after 30 years as the Official Main Sponsor
Škoda Auto continues 30 Year partnership with the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship as the Official Main Sponsor since 1993. As ice hockey is a national passion in Czechia, the IIHF WM is an integral part of Škoda’s involvement in the international sports scene. The car manufacturer is providing a fleet of 45 vehicles, the majority of which are all-electric or plug-in hybrids, to the organisers of the tournament, which is taking place from 12 to 28 May 2023 in the Finnish city of Tampere and the Latvian capital, Riga.
“Škoda and ice hockey go hand in hand. We have been the Official Main Sponsor of the Ice Hockey World Championship for 30 years, and last year we extended this special partnership until 2027. The upcoming event is the perfect stage for us to showcase our new brand identity and current electric models. Fans in the stands can look forward to exclusive features in the Škodaverse: Under the banner ‘Explore the action’, they will be closer to the game than ever.”- Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing.
Longstanding sponsorship
From 12 to 28 May 2023, the world’s top 16 national teams will go head-to-head at the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in the Finnish city of Tampere and the Latvian capital, Riga. Škoda Auto has supported partnership with the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship since 1992. The following year, the carmaker became the Official Main Sponsor. In 2022, the partnership contract was extended for five years until 2027.
Škoda Auto presents new brand identity and provides vehicle fleet to organisers
In keeping with tradition, the Škoda logo will feature prominently in the centre circle of the ice rink, the stand boards and other places around the arenas. However, this year the look will be much different than in previous years as the brand presents its new brand identity at the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. This is not only expressed in the new picturemark and wordmark but also in the new brand strategy, which will be highlighted by product and brand presentations in and around the stadiums. Škoda will be presenting the Enyaq Coupé RS iV in the iconic Mamba Green and the Enyaq RS iV in Phoenix Orange on the ice rink in Tampere, while spectators in Riga will get to see the Enyaq Coupé Sportline iV in Phoenix Orange and the Octavia Combi RS iV in Mamba Green. In addition, the car manufacturer is positioning its electric models in the Škoda Fan Zones within the event’s Official Fan Zones.
What’s more, cars kitted out in full World Championship style will be seen on the streets of the Host Cities. Of the 45 vehicles shuttling the organisers, practically all are plug-in hybrid or electric models, such as the Enyaq iV, the Enyaq Coupé iV and the Enyaq Coupé RS iV 4×4. They are all branded in Emerald or Electric Green colours and bear the logos of Škoda Auto as the Official Main Sponsor of the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.
Experience even more with Škodaverse
During the tournament, Škoda Auto will be introducing the spectators to Škodaverse, which was launched in 2022. Fans at home and in the stadiums will be able to experience the world of ice hockey through virtual 3D reality. This creative approach aims to strengthen the connection between ice hockey enthusiasts and the Škoda brand, with the Škodaverse concept rolled out under the banner ‘Explore the Action’.
Škodaverse offers an array of exciting features: games, interactions with other visitors using custom Škoda avatars, an NFT gallery and much more. The NFT tokens create a unique goalie helmet that represents the cultural heritage of each participating nation. The initial design was created using artificial intelligence and then realised using 3D visualisation techniques. The designers set out to create unique masks that goalkeepers would not normally have the opportunity to wear, while celebrating the distinct cultural heritage of each country. Among the highlights is a virtual reproduction of the actual fan zone in Tampere. Once the tournament begins, users can also claim unique tokens and even be in for a chance of winning a trip with tickets to the Ice Hockey World Championship Final in Tampere. To take part, fans can log into Škodaverse and enter the competition. More information is available on the Škoda Storyboard.
2023 IIHF app powered by Škoda
This year, Škoda Auto is the exclusive partner of the 2023 IIHF app, which offers ice hockey fans exciting background reports and interesting statistics. The live ticker with goal alert also keeps supporters in on the action. In addition, users can guess the match outcomes and share their predictions with friends. The app is available in several languages and for both Android and iOS.
Source: Škoda Auto
