U.S. Scores: FIFA World Cup(TM) Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola Makes Houston Landfall as Finale of 225-Day World Tour

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Latin GRAMMY(R)-Winning Sensation David Bisbal and African Artist K'NAAN to Conclude Houston Festivities

Coca-Cola(R) Invites Consumers to Join the Global Celebration(TM) of the FIFA World Cup

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- He cuts right. He cuts left. He kicks...He scores...Goooal!

If you love soccer, but you can't wait for the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament and you want to see the world's most coveted trophy, you're in luck. The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is coming to Houston, TX on May 1-2, 2010. The event is open to the public and admission is free when you bring any empty Coca-Cola can.

This press release has an accompanying Smart Marketing Page providing further details about the organization, products and services introduced below. You can access the Smart Marketing Page via the following link: http://www.businesswire.com/smp/FIFAWorldCupTrophyTourbyCoca-Cola/ .

Additionally, to celebrate Houston as the final stop on the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, a specially designed can has been created to help promote and honor the trophy's arrival. The limited-edition, FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola can will be available throughout Texas during March and April, while supplies last.

"We want to invite all consumers to celebrate the thrill and passion of soccer with an ice cold Coca-Cola," said Reinaldo Padua, assistant vice president, Hispanic Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. "Houston is a unique city that is home to a multitude of people with diverse backgrounds, nationalities, cultures and languages. It's a natural fit for the world's most beloved beverage brand to celebrate the world's biggest sporting event by bringing the authentic FIFA World Cup Trophy to its passionate fans."

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is scheduled to arrive in Houston on May 1 for a two-day visit. The Houston stop will feature a weekend filled with activities, including a fabulous outdoor festival on May 2 at the University of Houston, where the FIFA World Cup spirit will come to life. For admission to the May 2 festival, fans must bring any Coca-Cola can, which may include the collectible Trophy Tour can, or go online to www.mycokerewards.com/celebration to print a free ticket.

"Since the University of Houston has such a large international student body - and we host a professional soccer team in our stadium - we are very excited to be the last stop of the FIFA Trophy Tour," said Renu Khator, president of the University of Houston.

The festivities will commemorate the final stop of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola through a series of exhibits and fun activities that allow soccer fans to express their love of the sport. To showcase the rich history and culture of South Africa, Coca-Cola has partnered with the South African Tourism Board to bring to life the energy and culture of the first African country to host an event of this magnitude. The festival will kick-off with a Celebration Parade, festive dances and the introduction of Zakumi, the official 2010 FIFA World Cup mascot.

At the all-day event fans can enjoy an exclusive 3-D FIFA World Cup movie, ball juggling acts and a Celebration Booth. They also will have an opportunity to play EA SPORTS 2010 FIFA World Cup. The main event will be the FIFA Trophy Viewing Experience, where fans will have the opportunity of a lifetime to have a souvenir photo taken of themselves with the original FIFA World Cup Trophy.

To top it off, Latin Grammy-winning international pop sensation David Bisbal will perform at the event, as well as African artist K'NAAN, whose recording of 'Wavin' Flag is Coca-Cola's official "celebration mix" and the anthem of the brand's FIFA World Cup marketing campaign. The Company also recently released the official video and remix of K'NAAN's 'Wavin' Flag sound track featuring David Bisbal. Other recording artists who will perform during the festivities include Ana Isabelle, the winner of Univision's Viva el Sueno!.

"Like all soccer fans, I can't wait for the action to begin in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and I understand what the Trophy represents. This event is the culmination of a worldwide phenomenon and it's exciting to be part of the conclusion of the Trophy's incredible journey," said David Bisbal.

In addition, Coca-Cola is partnering with Adidas to host a series of soccer clinics with professional soccer players throughout the day. These soccer clinics are part of Coca-Cola's 'Live Positively' philosophy of making positive contributions to communities around the world.

"'Live Positively' is ingrained in everything we do, from our global partnership with FIFA to the communities that we serve," said Padua. "As part of this commitment, we want to encourage fans to be physically active and lead healthy lifestyles."

Beyond The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola in Houston is one part of a fully integrated program designed to connect with everyone -- from soccer moms to teens to Hispanics. The Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup marketing platform offers many elements that encourage people to express their passion for soccer, open a Coke and Open Happiness(TM), including: 

    --  Coca-Cola International Soccer Camp

This summer eight young soccer players will live their dream of training like a superstar and attending a FIFA World Cup match as they participate in the Coca-Cola International Soccer Camp in Pretoria, South Africa. Two groups of four teens, ages 13-16, who will be selected in a nationwide online contest, will join other teens from around the world at the camp. Held June 15-20, the camp will offer soccer training and skills demonstrations led by professional coaches. The nomination process is open until April 5, 2010. For Official Rules and complete details visit www.cokesoccercamp.com. 

    --  Limited-Edition FIFA World Cup Packaging

The FIFA World Cup only comes around every four year and to commemorate the first truly global sporting event to take place in the African continent, Coca-Cola has created limited-edition 2010 FIFA World Cup packaging. Featuring dynamic graphics, soccer imagery and vibrant colors, the packaging encourages fans to join the worldwide celebration of the FIFA World Cup. 

    --  Coca-Cola RAIN "Water for Schools"

Coca-Cola is inviting consumers to join its soccer-themed, global Coca-Cola RAIN "Water for Schools" initiative to help provide safe drinking water for schoolchildren in Africa and around the world. Starting May 3, consumers across the U.S. will be able to donate their My Coke Rewards points to help bring water to Africa by going to www.mcr.com/celebration.

Coca-Cola's marketing campaign for the 2010 FIFA World Cup is an extension of the brand's "Open Happiness" platform, which invites people around the world to share a Coke and enjoy life's simple pleasures. No other brand and sport symbolizes hopefulness, collaboration and unity on a global scale like Coca-Cola and soccer.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Together with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 14 billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

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    Source: The Coca-Cola Company

Released March 26, 2010