CONTINENTAL Tyres has become a major sponsor of the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, giving it exclusive naming rights of the AFL Trade Period and the official sponsor of the AFL runners.

To celebrate the new partnership, Continental Tyres last week held a special screening at the Coburg drive-in in Melbourne showing the 2021 opening Round One match between Carlton and Richmond played last Thursday at the MCG.

The free Continental Tyres Drive-In Footy event offered fans a complete football experience, including free meat pies, giveaways and live sounds from the MCG.

Continental Tyres will now be featured as part of the AFL on social media channels, while the company’s yellow and black logo will appear on the back of all AFL runners’ shirts.

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin and Carlton co-captain Patrick Cripps have been named as the official 2021 Continental Tyres ambassadors.

AFL executive general manager of customer and commercial Kylie Rogers said it was pleasing to be partnering with the global leaders in tyre safety.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Continental Tyres for the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season and welcome them on board as the exclusive naming rights partner of AFL Trade Period and AFL runners,” she said.

“Both the AFL and Continental Tyres share a rich history which spans for more than a century, and we couldn’t be prouder to team up with the global leaders in tyre safety ahead of the 2021 season.”

Continental Tyres managing director Mitchell Golledge said the brand was thrilled to launch the Drive-In Footy experience for AFL fans to enjoy.

“With many Victorians starved of live football last year, we hope this initiative can provide more football fans with the opportunity to get excited for the upcoming season, cheer on their teams and celebrate this great game in a unique experience,” he said.

By Neil Dowling