WHY IT RATES: Travelers who love basketball will enjoy the partnership between Delta Air Lines and the Los Angeles Lakers.—Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.
Delta Air Lines and the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a long-term partnership extension, solidifying Delta’s status as the team’s official and exclusive airline partner.
To celebrate the renewed relationship, Delta and the Lakers are launching “Showtime Seat Exchange,” a charitable game-seat-for-plane-seat trade-in opportunity for ticket holders who cannot attend four specific home contests this season.
The new partnership will provide the following core benefits:
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—Delta retains its position as the Lakers’ official airline with category exclusivity;
—An increased presence on Lakers social and digital channels, via unique and innovative programs such as the Showtime Seat Exchange;
—The customization of courtside seatbacks, to be changed throughout the season, showcasing Delta brand initiatives;
—Continuation of monthly Salute to Troops programming, which honors U.S. Military living and stationed in Southern California by recognizing them during games and providing honorees tickets to that night’s game, a custom Lakers jersey, a challenge coin and the opportunity to attend practice to meet Lakers players and coaches.
Through the “Showtime Seat Exchange” program, fans unable to use tickets to one of four games on Nov. 15, Dec. 22, Jan. 31 and March 15 have the opportunity to gift two or four of their tickets to a local non-profit. Donation seats are limited.
In exchange for paying it forward, Delta will provide the ticket holder with a flight voucher for domestic, round-trip air travel. The local charities receiving the game tickets will be After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles; Bob Hope USO; Junior Achievement of Southern California; and KIPP LA Public Schools.
“As the Lakers’ official airline since 2011, we are proud to support the 16-time World Champions and to work together to create unique experiences for Lakers fans and the community,” said Scott Santoro, Delta’s Vice President – Los Angeles and West Sales. “The launch of ‘Showtime Seat Exchange’ allows our organizations to make a strong, aligned impact, connecting our community and customers through this unique program.”
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Delta on the launch of ‘Showtime Seat Exchange’,” said Lakers President of Business Operations, Tim Harris. “For almost a decade, Delta has worked together with the team to create unique and innovative programs that give back, and this initiative is yet another example of their continued commitment to Lakers fans and the community.”
Starting today at noon Pacific time, fans can log on to Lakers.com/showtimeseatexchange to exchange their tickets for the Nov. 15 game between the Lakers and Sacramento Kings. The first 50 eligible tickets exchanged will receive flight vouchers for domestic travel on Delta to be used within one year from the date of issue.
The exchange will close once 50 game tickets have been verified or at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time on Nov. 5, whichever comes first. Exchanged tickets from this game will be donated to After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles, a youth organization that provides free, comprehensive after-school programs to keep children safe and help them succeed in school and life.
Delta’s Showtime Seat Exchange allows Lakers fans to trade “the most entertaining seats in Los Angeles for the most entertaining seats out of Los Angeles.” The exchange will reopen for three additional games later in the season, as follows:
—Game 2: Dec. 22, 2019 vs. Denver – the exchange will be open from Dec. 2-9, 2019, or until all 50 tickets are exchanged and verified.
—Game 3: Jan. 31, 2020 vs. Portland – the exchange will be open from January 3-9, or until all 50 tickets are exchanged and verified.
—Game 4: March 15, 2020 vs. Denver – the exchange will be open from February 18-25, or until all 50 tickets are exchanged and verified.
Showtime Seat Exchange is part of Delta’s significant commitment to community in the Los Angeles area, where the airline is actively helping to build a better LA for the future through its $1.86 billion Delta Sky Way project at LAX, its support of dozens of organizations near and dear to the hearts of Angelenos and much more.
Delta has built a robust hub in LA, with more than 4,500 LA-based employees powering more than 170 peak-day departures to more than 60 global destinations. In addition to the Lakers, Delta serves as the Official Airline of STAPLES Center, Los Angeles Kings and Los Angeles Football Club.
For more information, reach out to your local travel agent.
SOURCE: Delta Air Lines press release.
