Contact:
Chris Widmaier
National Football League
212-450-2000
Ellen Golden
Universal Records
212-373-0683
New York, August 19 -- As part of its efforts to enhance the in-game experience for NFL fans across the country, NFL Properties has signed new singing sensation Samantha Cole to perform at halftimes of NFL games as part of the league’s "New Artists" tour.
Cole, who was signed by Universal Records in the spring of 1996, is a 21-year-old pop/R&B singer with a sultry, mellifluous voice. In just three weeks, the singer’s debut single, "Happy With You" is already Top 40 on radio stations around the country. The single, which Cole describes as a "young, fun pop song," comes from Cole’s self-titled debut CD, which will be released by Universal Records on September 9.
As part of the NFL’s "New Artists" tour, Cole will perform the national anthems and at halftimes of selected NFL games during the season. Her first appearance will be at Tampa Bay’s Houlihan’s Stadium during the NFL’s Kickoff Weekend on August 31, where the Buccaneers will host the San Francisco 49ers. Cole will sing the national anthem and perform a halftime show of songs from her album including "Happy With You."
Following Kickoff Weekend, Cole is expected to perform at a different stadium each week of the NFL season, concluding December 22 at Miami’s Pro Player Stadium, when the Dolphins host the New England Patriots. A complete schedule of her appearances will be released when all dates are confirmed.
"We always investigate new ways to enhance the NFL experience for our fans," stated David Newman, vice president of events for NFL Properties, Inc. "With the NFL New Artists Tour we will be able to present some of the hottest up-and-coming musical entertainers to our fans. In Samantha Cole, we have a dynamic performer with tremendous hit potential who we expect will really wow our fans."
"Universal Records was
looking for additional opportunities for Samantha Cole outside of
traditional venues. The NFL with its huge audience and resources
was the perfect choice to broaden the fanbase for this vivacious
singer," said Ellen Zoe Golden, vice president of media
relations for Universal Records."
The NFL new artist program is one component of the league’s overall efforts at enhancing in-game and stadium experiences for its fans. In addition to Samantha Cole, NFL Properties is working with TNT to put on Tailgate parties featuring elements from the NFL Experience and other Universal Record entertainers in Phoenix on September 7, and Tampa on September 21. The League also provides elements from its NFL Experience to a number of clubs for pre-game festivities on game days.