Skittles Signs Multiyear Partnership With Washington Nationals

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rain delays at Nationals Park just got more colorful.

As part of a multiyear partnership with Mars Inc., the Washington Nationals revealed a Skittles-branded “Taste the Rainbow” tarp along the third-base line in early July, reported The Washington Post. The tarp reads, “If raindrops were Skittles, this wouldn’t be that bad.” 

The pact also includes packages of Skittles being passed out to fans in one random section of the park at the conclusion of every home game. Additionally, M&M's signage appears on the left field wall and on one of the garages adjacent to Center Field Plaza.

The Nationals are the latest in a small group of teams that have entered the creative tarp sponsorship arena. The Chicago Cubs kicked off the momentum in 2015 when the team struck a deal with Illinois-based Reynolds Consumer Products. Now when it rains at Wrigley Field, it looks as if the infield is covered by Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil, the news outlet reported.

The Boston Redsox followed suit with outdoor apparel and camping gear company L.L. Bean-branded tarp in 2016. The tarp says, “L.L. Bean Keeping Your Sox Dry Since 1912.” The New York Yankees also have a Glad Products-branded tarp for rain delays during home games.

The Skittles brand of fruit-flavored sweets is produced and marketed by the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., a division of Mars Inc.