The reigning World Champion Texas Rangers scored a partnership with American Airlines on Wednesday, February 14, the same day when pitchers and catchers reported for Spring Training at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona, 25 miles northwest of Phoenix. Here’s why the Texas Rangers and American Airlines are a winning combination.
Surprise Stadium Fast Facts
Surprise Stadium, which seats 10,500 fans and is on a 124-acre field with six full practice fields, one-half field, and separate clubhouse and office facilities, is the Spring Training home of the Rangers and Kansas City Royals.
American Airlines Press Release
FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines is teaming up with the reigning World Champions, the Texas Rangers. The multiyear deal taps American as the Official and Exclusive Airline and Airline Rewards Program of the Texas Rangers and includes additional marketing and sponsorship benefits that will engage fans in the community and beyond.
“This partnership is a home run for both American and baseball fans,” said Ron DeFeo, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at American. “Just as our airline connects people and places, we look forward to connecting fans with the excitement of baseball and unforgettable moments, especially for our AAdvantage members. It’s a celebration of teamwork, passion, and the thrill of the game.”
The collaboration will extend beyond the diamond, offering fans unique opportunities to travel to the games and enjoy exclusive perks. From throwing out the first pitch at a game and suite seats to once-in-a-lifetime meet-and-greets with popular players, American is set to enhance the fan experience and bring them closer to the action.
The only way to unlock access to these experiences is by becoming an AAdvantage® member. Fans who are U.S. residents, ages 18 and over, can sign up once daily at aa.com/RangersPerks for a chance to win that specific prize. Not an AAdvantage® member? Sign up.
American’s activation of the sponsorship will also include an American Airlines-branded field-level First Base Lounge at Globe Life Field. This partnership isn’t the first time American has teamed up with the Rangers. In recent years, the airline and Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation have partnered in community efforts for Make-A-Wish, Medal of Honor Museum, Stand Up to Cancer, Seats for Heroes, Faces of Freedom, and other organizations.
“American has been a great partner of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation since 2022, working closely with our team to provide meaningful opportunities to deserving recipients,” said Jim Cochrane, Executive Vice President, and Chief Revenue Officer of the Texas Rangers. “With our new multiyear agreement, American will be known as the Rangers’ Official and Exclusive Airline and Airline Rewards Program, allowing our organizations to partner on more fan-oriented initiatives like an exclusive rewards program that will give AAdvantage members access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences and the American Lounge, which offers an unmatched viewing experience at Globe Life Field.”
American is Dallas-Fort Worth’s largest carrier and the largest airline in Texas. The airline connects customers to more than 230 destinations from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the most destinations from a single hub in Texas. American flies nonstop from DFW to all major cities where the Rangers play.
American Airlines Group 101
“To Care for People on Life’s Journey®.”
The American Airlines Group’s purpose is to care for people on life’s journey – a mission that extends beyond the airline and into the communities they serve. The Group’s efforts are focused on three areas: social good (basic needs of global citizens), global health and well-being (raising awareness and funds, bringing treatments and hope to patients), and heroes (supporting U.S. military members and honoring their selfless sacrifice).
The shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the company’s stock are included in the S&P 500. Learn more about what’s happening at American Airlines by visiting news.aa.com and connecting with American @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.
Snapshot of Texas Rangers Baseball Club
The Texas Rangers are the 2023 World Series Champions after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games in the 2023 World Series. It was the Rangers’ first World Series title.
In 2022, the Rangers celebrated their 50th anniversary since the team moved from Washington, D.C. to Arlington, Texas, in 1972. The Rangers advanced to the postseason nine times since 1996, winning seven AL West Division titles and advancing to the World Series in 2010, 2011, and 2023.
In 2020, Texas opened Globe Life Field, which is the Rangers’ home field, along with a multipurpose sports and entertainment venue with capabilities for hosting numerous local, regional, and national events. The $1.25 billion facility includes a 5.5-acre retractable roof for maximum comfort of guests year-round.
The Rangers have partnered with the City of Arlington, The Cordish Companies, and Loews Hotels & Co. on the development of the Arlington Entertainment District into a world-class sports and entertainment destination.
Rangers Baseball Express LLC became the sixth owner in Rangers history when it purchased the club on August 12, 2010.
Final Thoughts
American Airlines and Texas Rangers’ partnership is great for the Fort Worth-based commercial airline, the Arlington-based MLB team, and the State of Texas.
American Airlines is the largest airline in the world in terms of fleet size, revenue passenger mile, and scheduled passengers carried. American operates one in 18 of the world’s flights.
The Texas Rangers are an MLB team in the AL West. Although the team’s name came from the historic law enforcement agency, Texas Rangers, with statewide jurisdiction, Texas is arguably an underrated team in an overlooked city in Arlington. Additionally, the Rangers’ rivalry with the Houston Astros is an under-the-radar one compared to the New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs, and San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers.
By partnering with American Airlines, the Texas Rangers benefit in more ways than one. Both the players and fans can catch nonstop flights from Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport to where the Rangers play. Also, American can help the Rangers improve Globe Life Field from the inclusive fan experience to the overall revenue growth. And, who knows, maybe there will be an American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum location in Arlington in the future. I can dream, right?
