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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowLocal merchandiser MainGate Inc. inked its fourth deal with an NFL team in less than a year. MainGate CEO Dave Moroknek recently
announced a 10-year deal with the Detroit Lions, making the Indianapolis-based company the team’s exclusive retail and merchandise
company.
The team’s No. 1 overall draft choice in April should mean a big boost in jersey sales — especially if the team lands
a quarterback.
The partnership, which formally begins April 1, positions MainGate to operate all merchandise locations at Ford Field, including
a year-round pro shop, training camp shop, and the official e-commerce store. MainGate also will act as the Lions’ internal-merchandise
department. Industry sources said it could end up being a six-figure annual deal for MainGate.
Last spring, MainGate notched deals to handle merchandise sales for the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams. For the Colts,
MainGate handles sales at Lucas Oil Stadium and Circle Centre mall stores as well as online. In January, MainGate signed
a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs and Rams are three-year, online-only deals.
MainGate, founded in 1963, first made its mark in National Hot Rod Association drag racing. Now, the firm does business for
Indy Racing League, Danica Patrick, golfer Jack Nicklaus, NCAA, Harley-Davidson, Budweiser King Racing, John Force Racing
and other well-known brands.
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