Olivia R. April 9, 2019
The Houston Outlaws have partnered with Texas-based grocery chain H-E-B.
"Our local communities comprise key elements of the Houston Outlaws' identity, and H-E-B continues to play a major role in supporting the Houstin, Austin, and San Antonio markets," Infininite Esports and Entertainment president Ryan Musselman said.
He went on to explain how H-E-B will provide "proper food and nourishment" to the players. The San Antonio, Texas grocery chain will also produce branded reusable grocery bags, deliver food to fan watch parties, and host meet-and-greet sessions with the Outlaws.
The Houston Outlaws will feature the H-E-B logo on its official home and away jerseys. These new jerseys will be debuted April 13 during the team's debut match of Stage 2.
“This partnership marks Houston Outlaws’ first partner branding integration on the sleeves of their uniform,” Houston Outlaws said in an official announcement.
Partnerships like this are particularly important going into the 2020 season, since all 20 teams will host games in their home markets with the goal of growing and engaging each team's local community. The Dallas Fuel and Houston Outlaws previously announced a $10 million esports stadium project based in Arlington, Texas.
H-E-B is a privately-owned grocery company that boasts 400 combined stores across Texas and Mexico. This is the grocery chain's first esports sponsorship deal.
"We are excited to be an official sponsor of the Houston Outlaws. Our customers are participating in esports, and we're looking forward to our first esports sponsorship in the Overwatch League," said H-E-B Group vice president of marketing and advertising Cory Basso.