When fans walked through the eight-story rotunda entrance of Tropicana Field during the World Series matchups between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies, they were treated to the sights, sounds — and smells — of the baseball stadium.

As part of the fan experience at Tropicana Field, Austin, Texas-based DMX Inc., a leader in sensory branding, provided a scent called Citrus Burst that baseball fans smelled as they entered Tropicana Field. The Rays’ home field is thought to be the first Major League Baseball stadium to use scent in this way.

During the 2009 season, the Rays plan to keep using an orange scent in the Tropicana Field rotunda and are looking at adding other scents throughout the domed stadium — a cotton candy scent in the carnival area and a bubble gum scent in the Topps “make your own” baseball card alcove. Scents evoking fresh-cut grass, suntan lotion and sea spray also are under consideration.

“Tropicana Field is one of the most fan-friendly ballparks in Major League Baseball,” Eric Weisberg, manager of fan experience for the Tampa Bay Rays, said. “The addition of scents is meant to optimize the fan experience among all five of our senses. Research has shown that sense of smell is most connected with emotion. We introduced the Orange Burst scent from DMX as a logical tie-in with Tropicana, and as a way to boost the fun and positive experience at Tropicana Field.”

Brian McKinley, vice president of marketing at DMX, said the Citrus Burst scent helps Tropicana Field convey the feeling that the stadium is clean and fresh.

“When fans return to their homes, to work and to their lives and encounter a similar citrus aroma, the positive memories and experiences they had at Tropicana Field are likely to come rushing back,” McKinley said. “This will remind them that it’s time to go catch another game.”

“There are many scents that people associate with a ball game, such as the aroma of hot dogs or peanuts,” McKinley said. “With the help of DMX, the Tampa Bay Rays have taken an innovative step toward providing another memorable scent — one that is uniquely tied to the experience at Tropicana Field.”

Businesses from an array of industries already tap DMX to harness the power of scent to enhance their brands and customer experience.

“Tampa Bay is the first Major League Baseball team that DMX has worked with, and we’re pretty certain it won’t be the last,” McKinley said. “Sports organizations — from baseball to hockey and more — are recognizing the need to provide a true experience from start to finish. Scent is a powerful way to create an immediate and lasting connection with fans.”

About the Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays debuted in Major League Baseball’s American League in 1998 and won this year’s American League championship. For more information, visit http://www.raysbaseball.com/.

Source: DMX Inc.

Red Cross Racing Kicks Into High Gear

As the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup continues, NASCAR’s Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 Ford Fusion, takes every safety precaution necessary during each and every race. He’s equipped with a fire suit, helmet, and immediate medical care.

In everyday life, car accidents, illnesses and unexpected emergencies are far too common. That’s why Biffle, an American Red Cross blood donor and member of the Celebrity Cabinet, is encouraging people across the country to give blood through the American Red Cross.

“I’m proud to be an American Red Cross blood donor,” said Biffle. “I give blood because it’s easy to do and helps support our community. I hope NASCAR fans across the country will join me this racing season to help save lives, one drive at a time.” Biffle proudly wears the Red Cross logo on his fire suit, and the No. 16 Ford Fusion sports the Red Cross logo on the rear side panel of the 3M car.

The American Red Cross has teamed up with 3M Company and Roush Fenway Racing to present Red Cross Racing, a campaign to encourage NASCAR fans to become dedicated Red Cross blood donors, and raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood.

The Red Cross will have an at-track exhibit at Texas Motor Speedway from October 31-November 2 where race fans can complete their live Red Cross Racing registration via the Internet, play educational games, learn about blood donation and other Red Cross services, and take a tour of the Spirit of America, a mobile kitchen that can produce up to 30,000 meals each day during a large-scale disaster.

More than 28,000 people have already joined Red Cross Racing, resulting in nearly 22,200 blood donations. Registrants have the chance to accrue points and exchange them for NASCAR-themed prizes such as caps, tee shirts and limited edition die-cast cars. Fans can join the program one of two ways, either at the track, or by visiting redcrossracing.com. Once registered, individuals are automatically entered for a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to an upcoming 2009 race. The prize package includes airfare, hotel, two race tickets and pit and garage tours.

Source: American Red Cross

November Brings BIG night of Boxing!

BOXING FANS … prepare for a rousing action-packed night as Table Mountain Casino, in association with Roy Englebrecht Events, brings not just one, but TWO Championship Bouts to Table Mountain Casino!

Tickets are now on sale for this November night of professional boxing that pits Chino, California’s Roger “Speedy” Gonzalez against Bernalillo, New Mexico’s Frankie Archuleta. Only one of these boxers will realize their lifelong dream on November 18th and leave the ring as the IBA World Junior Lightweight Champion. These veteran contenders come with formidable records. Gonzalez comes to the ring with a record of 27-2, 18 KO’s. Archuleta squares off with a record of 25-5-1, 14 KO’s.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, a Second Championship Bout has been added to the night that will feature two undefeated female warriors when Kaliesha West (10-0, 2 KO’s) meets Ava Knight (4-0, 2 Draws, 2 KO’s) for the IFBA North American Bantamweight Belt. With these two undefeated fighters facing off, all eyes will be on this tough twosome as they square off in this fight for the IFBA North American Title Fight.

John Mayewski, President and CEO of Table Mountain Casino, welcomes fight fans to the Table Mountain Event Center for this electrifying event, “Table Mountain Casino is fast becoming ‘home’ for Championship boxing. If our past bouts are any indication, this upcoming world championship event is bound to be an early sellout. The fourth world title event in just two years at Table Mountain, we keep all our fight fans close to the action.”

The five bout card will also feature undefeated Aaron Martinez of Los Angeles who will face Hilario Lopez of Nampa, Idaho in a six round welterweight bout. Martinez comes in at 8-0 and Lopez at 10-6.

Middleweight action will see Fresno’s own Loren Myers (6-4, 2 KO’s) as he faces Orange County’s Derrick Thomas (2-5, 1 KO).

In a four round bout, two fighters will make their debut in a match that features Jorge Roque of Hayward and Francisco Andrade of Stockton.

Tickets for the Tuesday, November 18th event are on sale now at tmcasino.com or by calling (559) 822-7777. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., fights at 7:00 p.m.

For more information, contact John Mayewski or Dan Casas at (559) 822-7777.

Ticket prices are $55 VIP, $45 Gold, $35 Reserved, $25 General Admission. Members of The Club save $5, Platinum Members save $10. No refunds, cameras or video. Must be 18 years or older to attend.

Source: Table Mountain Casino