Blockparty Joins USL's Thriving Preferred Supplier Program

Blockparty, a fan-focused hospitality and entertainment company, announced today it has entered into an agreement with the United Soccer Leagues, LLC, to become the Official Tailgate Services Supplier of all related properties, including the United Soccer League – one of the most prominent Division II professional leagues in the world – the USL’s Division III, the Premier Development League (PDL) and the Super Y League.

The USL’s historic 2017 season is set to culminate at 9 p.m. ET from Slugger Field on Monday, as Eastern Conference champion Louisville City FC hosts the Western Conference champion Swope Park Rangers in the 2017 USL Cup – which will be broadcast live on ESPNU and SiriusXM FC.

As the Official Tailgate Services Supplier of the USL, Blockparty will have exclusive rights to temporary and pop-up hospitality both inside and outside all venues for the USL Cup Playoffs and other league-governed activations. In addition, Blockparty will be the official partner for all league teams.

“As the USL continues its meteoric growth, we’re looking for partners that allow us to bring the latest in hospitality and entertainment while maintaining a superior level of customer service for our fans,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “The work Blockparty has been doing in intercollegiate athletics and with Live Nation has proven them to be at the forefront of the ‘experience economy,’ and we’re confident they can assist all of our clubs with providing a world-class experience for their fans.”

The USL is expected to add 30-40 new franchises at the second and third divisions of professional soccer over the next five years. To support this enormous growth, the USL instituted the Preferred Supplier Program to help new franchise owners provide the best experience possible for fans from day one.

“We are excited to get in on the ground level of the USL’s growth and set the standard for an exceptional fan experience across the league,” said Blockparty co-founder Adam Ward. “Their strict quality standards are in perfect alignment with our commitment to providing unparalleled customer service and unforgettable game day experiences.”

Blockparty has developed its reputation as the go-to operator of pop-up fan communities by partnering with venue owners and operators to provide a best-in-class service to fans, while working closely with venue leadership to create engaging digital and social campaigns, as well as distinctive sponsorship opportunities.

Other partnerships include sports properties across the college football landscape, including Mizzou, North Texas, San Diego State, SMU, Temple and UCLA, and with Major League Baseball’s Milwaukee Brewers and Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company.

Current members of the USL Preferred Supplier Program include:

• InProduction

• MUSCO Lighting

• SCG Fields

• Act Global

• Monument Sports Group

• Odell Architecture

• VX Sport

• The Promotions Dept.

• Ruffneck Scarves

• Esto Retractable

For more information on the USL Preferred Supplier Program, contact Josh Keller at Josh.Keller@uslsoccer.com.

About Blockparty: Founded in 2014, Blockparty, formerly known as Block Party Suites, is a fast-growing hospitality and entertainment business that partners with sports and music properties to develop pop-up fan communities inside and outside venues. By combining strategic partnerships with temporary infrastructure, mobile technology, and an obsession with customer service the Blockparty team has created the ultimate street-to-seat experience for fans nationwide. Blockparty is an official partner of college football programs such as Mizzou, North Texas, San Diego State, SMU, Temple, and UCLA. In addition, Blockparty provides premium tailgating options for Major League Baseball’s Milwaukee Brewers and at select Live Nation events. For more information, visit www.blockpartypresents.com.

About USL: The USL is one of the most prominent Division II professional soccer leagues in the world, with 30 markets in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces for the 2017 season. In total, the USL reaches a population of 75 million people, fueling the growth of professional soccer across North America.
 
In 2016, more than $100 million were invested league-wide into stadium infrastructure to create venues that deliver an unforgettable fan and competitor experience. The USL has national media partnerships with ESPN and SiriusXM, and recently invested $10 million to create USL Productions – which includes a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute nearly 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates, USL’s Match Center and international markets.
 
A growing league, the USL has more than doubled in size since 2014, with Ottawa Fury FC, Reno 1868 FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies debuting in 2017. Three new clubs are set to debut in 2018, with Nashville, Tenn., Fresno, Calif., and Las Vegas officially announced as new markets. The league will then add a new club in Birmingham, Ala. in 2019, and make its return to Austin, Texas, the same year. The USL regularly features international exhibitions against leading Premier League, Liga MX, and Bundesliga clubs, among others. 
 
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship. Follow the USL at USLSoccer.com, the USL Match Center, and on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.