Pepsi® Zero Sugar Teams Up With CC Sabathia To Bring Local Bronx Community Organization To Baseball’s Biggest Stage

Former Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia knows a thing or two about being center stage at Yankee Stadium. Now, with the help of Pepsi® Zero Sugar, he’s showing local youth in the Bronx how it’s done by supporting their performance to be played on the HD-Videoboard at the iconic venue as part of the brand’s “What’s Your Walk-Up?” campaign, celebrating the intrinsic connection between baseball and music.

While the campaign allows consumers to record and upload their own walk-up to iconic songs via the brand’s artistic Instagram filters, Pepsi Zero Sugar – which offers the same delicious taste of Pepsi that people love with zero sugar – is taking that moment further for the students at UpBeat NYC. Pepsi Zero Sugar is donating $25,000 to the Bronx non-profit in support of their efforts to enhance youth music education in the borough and bringing its students’ performance to Yankee Stadium for an ultimate moment in the spotlight. The brand partnered with Sabathia to share the news and hype the community group up for their big debut.

“‘What’s Your Walk Up?’ is about celebrating music moments in baseball and the texture of the game and for that, the Bronx is a perfect backdrop to celebrate this tradition as the home of the Yankees, which sit at the intersection of music, sports, culture, and community in New York and around the globe,” said Justin Faiber, PepsiCo’s Director of Brand Marketing, NYC. “With UpBeat NYC, we saw an opportunity to elevate and highlight their commitment to music education locally in the Bronx in a big way – what better way than partnering with a Yankees legend like CC Sabathia and featuring their Latin jazz ensemble in one of NYC’s and the sport’s most iconic venues.”

For Sabathia who has already been a strong community figure in the Bronx, the partnership was a natural fit.

“I know first-hand how the power of music can bring a baseball game to life and I love that Pepsi Zero Sugar wants to bring aspiring musicians from the community on that journey,” Sabathia said. “I love the Bronx and it’s great to be involved with a brand and an organization like UpBeat NYC that are looking to create positive change in the borough’s youth.”

The UpBeat NYC performance will debut on the HD-Videoboard at the New York Yankees home game on August 21, 2021, where they have been invited to attend and see their pre-recorded show courtesy of Pepsi Zero Sugar.

“For the students at UpBeat NYC, this support from Pepsi Zero Sugar is more than just a monetary donation. For us this means new instruments, equipment repairs, and even more opportunities to reach local youth,” said Liza Austria, Co-Founder of UpBeat NYC. “Seeing these aspiring musicians rewarded for their hard work with a visit from a hero like CC Sabathia and a trip to Yankees Stadium is something really special and we’re thankful to Pepsi Zero Sugar for that.”

For consumers, they can record their own performances via the “What’s Your Walk-Up?” Instagram promotion, selecting their preferred social filter, and posting their video for the chance to win prizes like Yankees tickets, autographed memorabilia, and an exciting grand prize package consisting of a unique Pepsi x Yankees experience. For more information visit www.pepsipromos.com/yankees.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $70 billion in net revenue in 2020, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker, Tropicana and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 23 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages by Winning with Purpose. “Winning with Purpose” reflects our ambition to win sustainably in the marketplace and embed purpose into all aspects of our business strategy and brands. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

About UpBeat NYC

UpBeat NYC uses the pursuit of musical excellence and ensemble performance to bring about positive change in the lives of South Bronx youth. Organizational values are centered around supporting families, and focus on key ideals like inclusion, joy, cooperation, and aspiration. UpBeat’s year-round classes (and instruments for use) are provided free of charge, to participants up to 21 years of age. All students participate in frequent performances as ensemble members and soloists, with concerts and special events held at our program site in Mott Haven and throughout New York City. Music education programs are designed to provide participants with high-quality musical training through their teenage years. While some participants may go on to become professional musicians, our primary purpose is to promote children’s cognitive, emotional and social development.

Source: PepsiCo Beverages North America