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COPA BRIDGESTONE LIBERTADORES INVITES FANS TO LIVE THEIR PASSIONBrand takes part in its third year as title sponsor of the most important soccer tournament in the Americas.

Nashville, Tenn. (February 2, 2015) – Bridgestone, the world’s largest tire and rubber manufacturer, through its Bridgestone Latin America Tire Division (BATO LA), announces the 56th edition of the Copa Bridgestone Libertadores. This year’s tournament, which will take place between Feb. 3 and Aug. 5, 2015, marks the tire brand’s third year as title sponsor of the most important soccer championship in the Americas, bringing together teams from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela

Through its title sponsorship of the Copa Bridgestone Libertadores, Bridgestone is reinforcing its commitment to sports at an international level, which unites fans from different countries, no matter distance or language.

"In our third year as title sponsor of Copa Bridgestone Libertadores, we want to continue proactively engaging millions of soccer fans across the Americas,” said Alfonso Zendejas, Vice President of Operations of Bridgestone Latin America Tire Division. “In addition to the title sponsorship and the exciting on-field action, Bridgestone has created a series of innovative contests and activities across Latin America so fans can live their passion for the sport of soccer.”

These new, interactive Libertadores-focused activities will strive to engage fans away from the field of play:  

- Soccer Sweepstakes. Participants can predict game results on a per-stage basis, with a winner announced every two weeks by each participating country: Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela. The grand prize winner will take home a smart TV valued at $1,000, while others will receive a $500 gift card. This sweepstakes activity will run from Feb. 18 until April 22.

- Reporter Contest.  Fans can participate in a video contest showcasing their on-air reporting talent during the tournament. The male and female reporters who best display their passion for the sport and the Copa Bridgestone Libertadores will receive an all-expenses paid trip to a match during the finale. The Reporter Contest runs from April 22 to May 22 in these participating countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.

- Virtual Wall and Bridgestone Libertadores Blog.  Fans can interact with Bridgestone in the virtual space to upload photos, videos or audio clips that highlight the intensity of soccer and their passion for their favorite teams. Fans will also be invited to share their blogs or articles about the tournament. The Virtual Wall space is available via the official tournament website for the entirety of the tournament.

In addition to the professional tournament, Bridgestone seeks to combine its passion for soccer with the skills of its fans through various tournaments, such as the Bridgestone Freestyle Cup, Regional Bridgestone Amateur Tournament and the brand-new Bridgestone Gaming League Pro Evolution Soccer, within Libertadores. Participation details will be released at a later date.

The spirit of Copa Bridgestone Libertadores shares the core values of the Bridgestone brand: performance, teamwork and innovation. The company became title sponsor of the Copa Bridgestone Libertadores, the major tournament of clubs, in agreement with the South American Football Confederation’s (CONMEBOL) in 2013. Fans can visit www.bridgestonelibertadores.com for tournament details, dates of major matches, and for information on activities and promotions during the championship.

For more information about Copa Bridgestone Libertadores and other local and international tournaments please visit: http://www.BridgestoneLA.com / http://www.BridgestoneLibertadores.com / http://www.BridgestoneFutbol.com
Facebook: Bridgestone Latinoamérica / Twitter: @BridgestoneLA

About Latin American Tire division, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations:
Bridgestone Americas maintains an established and strong presence in Latin America through the subsidiaries that make up the Latin American Tire division (BATO LA), which is part of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. BATO LA, through seven manufacturing and sales subsidiaries, operates six tire production plants — two in Brazil, and one each in Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico and Venezuela — along with proving grounds in Acuna, Mexico, and São Pedro, Brazil. In addition, through Bandag do Brazil Ltda. and Bandag de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., the companies manufacture and market pre-cure retread for truck and bus tires.

About South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL):
The South American Football Confederation is the continental governing body of association football in South America and it is one of FIFA's six continental confederations. The oldest continental confederation in the world, its headquarters are located in Luque, Paraguay, and its current president is Juan Angel Napout. CONMEBOL is responsible for the organization and governance of South American football's major international tournaments. CONMEBOL national teams have won nine FIFA World Cups (Brazil five, Argentina and Uruguay two trophies each), and CONMEBOL clubs have won 22 Intercontinental Cups and three FIFA Club World Cups. Argentina and Uruguay have also won two Olympic gold medals each. With 10 member football associations, it is the smallest confederation in FIFA.