Corner Store Gets Creative With Soccer Sponsorship

SAN ANTONIO -- Corner Store is going for the goal -- and for a cause. The convenience store chain is now the official sponsor of the San Antonio Scorpions, a team whose Soccer for a Cause program benefits special needs children and adults, as well as their families.

Through this partnership, Corner Stores will help the San Antonio Scorpions raise funds for Morgan's Wonderland -- a 25-acre theme park that receives 100 percent of the team's net profits. The Scorpions' owner, philanthropist Gordon Hartman, is the visionary behind Morgan’s Wonderland, which features more than 25 rides, playscapes and attractions. The park just completed its second season and has already attracted more than 200,000 guests from all 50 states and more than 30 other countries.

"We are thrilled to build a relationship with a sports organization that cares as much about our city as we do. Soccer for a Cause is an admirable business model, and we are proud to get in on the early days of a team and franchise we are confident will be a huge success," said Hal Adams, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for CST Brands Inc., Corner Store's parent company.

Under the agreement, Corner Store's signage at Toyota Field in San Antonio will resemble the yellow storefront of a real Corner Store, and the company will be the official sponsor of all corner kicks and a free kick taken from the corner when the soccer ball is driven out of bounds.

"It is a privilege for the Scorpions, Morgan's Wonderland and Toyota Field to be associated with Corner Store," said Hartman. "This special partnership is yet another example of the corporate leaders in San Antonio recognizing the importance of Soccer for a Cause and assisting us in our mission to help those with special needs."

In addition, after every home game win, fans will walk out of the stadium with a coupon for a free Whoopie Pie -- a signature Corner Store treat made with sweet icing sandwiched between two slices of moist cake. During breaks in the game, fans can win prizes by participating in Whoopie Pie-eating contests.

"We're planning to have lots of fun with this sponsorship," Adams said. "Just like Corner Store customers, soccer fans are active, they love the electric atmosphere at games and they like to have a good time."

CST Brands Inc. operates approximately 1,900 North American convenience stores and gas stations.