#USA #Washington D.C. #Mars Inc #Washington Spirit #Petcare Partner

Mars and Washington Spirit: A New Chapter in Partnership

In an exciting development for sports and pet lovers alike, Mars, Incorporated has officially extended its partnership with the Washington Spirit, the professional women's soccer team based in Washington, D.C. This partnership takes on new significance as Mars becomes the team's Official Petcare Partner for the 2025 season. With this collaboration, Mars aims to enhance community connections while promoting initiatives that benefit not just sports fans but their furry companions as well.

Building on Previous Collaborations

Mars has a long-standing history of supporting the Washington Spirit, having sponsored the club through its popular SNICKERS® brand in 2024. The extension into a dedicated pet care partnership marks an evolved commitment to the organization. The prominent Mars logo will proudly adorn the game jersey sleeves, as well as feature prominently in stadium signage, allowing loyal Spirit fans to identify with the trusted pet care brand even more.

Kim Stone, the CEO of the Washington Spirit, expressed enthusiasm about the extended partnership: "We are proud to wear the Mars logo on our game jerseys and thrilled to expand our partnership with Mars, deepening our collective ability to drive impact and foster meaningful connections across the DMV."

Community Engagement and Initiatives

In line with the new partnership, Mars plans to introduce a myriad of creative activations to enhance game-day experiences for fans and their pets. Mars will contribute to the Spirit's community donation program by offering twenty tickets to each home game for local organizations, reinforcing its commitment to community involvement.

Additionally, the collaboration will introduce special events such as 'Pitchside Pups' Theme Night, set for May 2. Fans will have the unique opportunity to bring their dogs to the game, creating a perfect blend of sport and pet-friendly fun. On October 5, the Fan Appreciation Night will celebrate the supporters who fuel the Spirit’s passionate community.

The Positive Impact of Pets

Research consistently shows that pets provide a multitude of mental health benefits, enhancing well-being much like sports. With initiatives like the Pets and Wellbeing Study program – anticipated to be the world’s largest research project exploring the impact of pets on mental health – Mars emphasizes the fundamental role pets play in our communities. "Pets bring people together and strengthen communities, much like sports. Our partnership with the Washington Spirit allows us to connect with the local community in a meaningful way, creating experiences for pet-parent fans and their pets to enjoy together," said Alanna McDonald, Regional President of Mars Pet Nutrition North America.

Recognizing D.C. as a Pet-Friendly City

Moreover, Washington, D.C., is notably among the 180 cities certified under Mars' BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to promote pet-friendly environments in urban spaces. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Mars' mission to foster pet-friendly activities and environments within cities.

As the Washington Spirit embarks on its 2025 season, kicking off with an away match against the Houston Dash, the excitement among fans is palpable. The first home game is scheduled for March 22 against the Kansas City Current, where supporters can witness firsthand the integration of Mars into the Spirit’s dynamic and community-centered atmosphere.

About the Organizations

Founded in 2012, the Washington Spirit has swiftly risen in prestige within the National Women's Soccer League, delivering thrilling matches at the state-of-the-art Audi Field. Meanwhile, Mars, Incorporated is a powerhouse in the food and pet care industries, driven by profound values that support quality, responsibility, mutuality, efficiency, and freedom. With brands such as ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, and SNICKERS®, Mars reaches millions of people and pets worldwide, continuing to strive for a better tomorrow.

For more information about the Washington Spirit's games, events, or to purchase tickets, fans are encouraged to visit WashingtonSpirit.com. For details on Mars and its commitment to improving the lives of pets everywhere, explore Mars.com or follow their social media channels.