All American Games Highlight Partnership Between Coca-Cola, McDonald’s

For more than 40 years, the best high school basketball players in the country – many of whom would go on to become legends in the sport – have held their coming-out party at the McDonald’s All American Games, and Coca-Cola was right there to provide support for both the game and the charitable cause it benefits.

Tonight, the tradition continues with another loaded lineup of prep stars on the verge of greatness, and as a bonus, the 41st All American Games is returning to Atlanta for the first time since 1992, allowing Coke’s sponsorship and hospitality to be in full bloom during a weeklong celebration of these hoops phenoms.

“We are really excited about it,” said Patrick Belinski, vice president of customer strategic initiatives for Coca-Cola. “Moving to Atlanta really creates a special connection for us. When you talk about a labor of love, there are hundreds of people involved to build awareness and help sell tickets to the event. That’s our commitment to the Games and to the charity.”

Coca-Cola has been a sponsor of the All American Games for more than 25 years, helping to raise millions of dollars for Ronald McDonald House Charities through its network of local chapters. This year’s All American Games will benefit Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities and support the operations of Atlanta’s two Ronald McDonald Houses, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

To that end, Coca-Cola and McDonald’s have expanded the events around the Games, starting Sunday with a Fanfest at Atlanta’s Atlantic Station, featuring unique basketball experiences and a concert from rising rapper KYLE, an ambassador for the exclusive MIX by Sprite: TropicBerry flavor found only at McDonald’s. On Tuesday, the players’ reception was held at the World of Coca-Cola in downtown Atlanta, another chance for the hoopers to experience another side of Coca-Cola.

One of the Games’ signature events, the POWERADE Jam Fest, was held Monday at Morehouse College. The electric showcase that is a perennial fan favorite featured the players participating in the Legends & Stars Shootout, the 3-Point Shootout and the Slam Dunk Contest on a specially made Powerade black court featuring the brand’s new slogan “That’s Some Kind of Power.” Instagram influencer Nico (@nicodunks) served as a judge and voice of the fans, and people using the hashtag #poweradejamfest can help influence his vote.

“We’ve also created some over-the-top trophies that are really eye-catching and cool,” said Jack Elmore, sports marketing manager for Powerade. “Our brand is really focused on young athletes and this is one of the best events to work with that target. It’s nice to see the players on a personal level, with their families around. It’s a coming-out party for these guys and they are proud.”

More than 1,300 players have been named McDonald’s All Americans, including some of the greatest names in basketball history: Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Grant Hill, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, James Harden, Candace Parker, Maya Moore, Elena Delle Donne and Breanna Stewart have all taken part in the game. The lineup for this year’s game, which will be held at Philips Arena and feature a halftime performance from Ludacris, features top prospects like Zion Williamson, Christyn Williams and natives Jenna Brown and Reggie Perry.

“These are some of the last experiences these 24 boys and girls from around the country will have where they can still be a kid,” Belinski said. “They will have just finished their state championships, but they are still at the high school level before they enter the collegiate arena. Before long, they’ll be on a whole different level. So, for us, it’s important to help celebrate that and have a huge fundraising opportunity that will benefit Atlanta and Ronald McDonald House Charities.”