Plaza Coca-Cola: Where Fans Come to Celebrate During Mexican National Team's U.S. Tour

Special Gathering Place Brings Pre-Game Excitement and Fun to Soccer Fans in the U.S.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- All around the world, fans gather at well-known places to cheer for their favorite teams. From La Puerta del Sol in Madrid after the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) to the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina when the national team won in the 80s, these iconic sites have served as gathering places for national celebrations.

With the launch of Plaza Coca-Cola, Hispanic soccer fans in the U.S. will have a place to call their own where they can celebrate with fellow fans and pay tribute to their favorite teams. The creation of Plaza Coca-Cola is part of the brand's ongoing commitment to bring soccer fans experiences that allow them to open happiness and come together over one common goal. The special fan zone will debut at the first stop of the Mexican National Team's (MNT) five city U.S. Tour in Atlanta.

Plaza Coca-Cola is a canvas, embodying places, symbols, activities and music that convey happiness to fans and inspire new celebrations. At each MNT game in the U.S., Plaza Coca-Cola will be part of Futbol Fiesta, an interactive zone that spans more than 120,000 square feet and includes live music, games, celebrity appearances and prize giveaways.

Plaza Coca-Cola will celebrate the return of the MNT to the U.S. by bringing a little piece of Mexico to fans. A 25-foot replica of the Angel de la Independencia (El Angel), a victory column located over Paseo de la Reforma in downtown Mexico City, will be a signature part of Plaza Coca-Cola. Built to commemorate the centennial of Mexico's War of Independence and later converted to a Mausoleum, El Angel is one of Mexico City's most recognizable landmarks and a focal point for celebrations across the country.

El Angel and Plaza Coca-Cola will travel around the U.S., following the MNT as it plays its first five games outside Mexico since the FIFA World Cup. Plaza Coca-Cola will energize fans as they await the start of the Gold Cup, the biennial championship of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

"Plaza Coca-Cola is the perfect setting for fans to gather with friends and family to welcome the MNT back to the U.S.," said Fernando Fiore, host of Univision's Republica Deportiva. "I can't wait to see how people react when they realize that Coca-Cola has brought one of the most iconic and well-known Mexican images to the U.S. in celebration of the MNT."

Univision's Fiore will host the unveiling of the Angel de la Independencia when Plaza Coca-Cola makes its debut on Wednesday, February 9 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta from 4-8 p.m., in advance of the MNT's first match of its U.S. tour. Plaza Coca-Cola and El Angel will be prominently featured as the MNT also visits Oakland, San Diego and two additional cities still to be announced, between March and June. All events are free, open to the public and will feature a variety of activities for youth and adults alike, including:

    --  "Coca-Cola Happiness Dome" -as they prepare to enter the stadium, fans
        have the chance to perform their own Karaoke-style rendition of the
        popular song, "Cielito Lindo"
    --  "Coke Zero Impressive Moments" - fans can take an audio-visual tour of
        the MNT's most impressive moments
    --  Powerade Challenge - fans are challenged to complete three physical
        obstacles enabling a jolt of energy before participating in the main
        celebration

"Coca-Cola has developed strong roots in communities across the country by hosting events that are important to people and connect with their passions and dreams," said Reinaldo Padua, Assistant Vice President, Hispanic Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. "Plaza Coca-Cola gives fans a special venue where they can enjoy a Coke, Open Happiness and celebrate their passion for futbol and their teams in the presence of an authentic link to their heritage.

Coca-Cola invites fans to visit Plaza Coca-Cola on the following dates:

Date    City       Venue

9-Feb   Atlanta    Georgia Dome

26-Mar  Oakland    Oakland Coliseum

29-Mar  San Diego  Qualcomm Stadium

28-May  TBD        TBD

1-Jun   TBD        TBD

For more than 30 years Coca-Cola has been one of the major partners of the MNT in Mexico and expanded the relationship to the U.S. in 2003. Through this partnership, Coca-Cola has been able to leverage the passion that many consumers have for the MNT by creating specific programs and hosting memorable occasions for fans. They include autograph signings, personal appearances, soccer clinics and players meet and greets with consumers and local community organizations.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio features 14 billion dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia. 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 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, 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.

    Source: The Coca-Cola Company

Released February 9, 2011