Xbox Lounges pair Microsoft and Vans
SeattlePI | at | by Mike
An operator of skateboard parks said it will open lounges featuring Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox video-game console in 11 locations tomorrow, a move that expands a promotional relationship between the two companies. Vans Inc., of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., said its home-theater environments, dubbed Xbox Lounges, will each include four 27-inch RCA flat-screen televisions, four Xbox consoles, 16 controllers, headsets and sofas. Microsoft paid an undisclosed sum to reach customers at the skateboard parks, a spokesman for Vans Inc. said. The software vendor is already a partner in the Vans Triple Crown Series athletic competition and sponsors competitions in skateboarding, motocross and surfing. Microsoft also entered into a loosely defined marketing relationship with Anheuser-Busch last month to promote Xbox.