Rascal Flatts sponsored by J.C. Penney and continue tour

Multi-platinum selling group Rascal Flatts played in New York City last week and have become the first country act to sell out Madison Square Garden three consecutive times on three consecutive tours- 2006’s “Me & My Gang Tour,” 2007’s “Still Feels Good Tour” and this year’s “Bob That Head Tour.” Nearly 45,000 fans attended the three tour stops at Madison Square Garden. The “Bob That Head Tour” will run through March 14 with Epic/Columbia Nashville's Jessica Simpson opening.

“We love the energy when we play in the Garden,” says Joe Don Rooney, lead guitarist. “There is nothing like performing for our fans in New York City!

Since their career launched in 2000, Rascal Flatts has sold over 18 million albums, scored 10 #1 singles and five of their albums are multi-platinum sellers. Their new album Unstoppable is due in stores April 7.

Remaining dates:
2-25 Boise, ID Idaho Center
2-26 Salt Lake City, UT Energy Solutions Arena
2-28 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
3-5 Memphis, TN FedEx Forum
3-6 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
3-12 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Wireless Pavilion
3-13 San Diego, CA Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
3-14 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
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J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP) today announced its official sponsorship of the “Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour” presented by JCPenney. The tour will promote American Living, the retailer’s affordable, all-American lifestyle brand developed exclusively for the JCPenney customer by Polo Ralph Lauren’s Global Brand Concepts. The fully integrated two-year sponsorship will kick off June 5, with the tour hitting approximately 60 cities across the nation each year.

In conjunction with the tour, Rascal Flatts has written a new song inspired by the spirit of the brand titled “American Living,” which will serve as the soundtrack for the new American Living commercial. The song will only be available on a special version of the Unstoppable CD sold at JCPenney stores.

“Representing true Americana, Rascal Flatts’ music transcends genres and resonates strongly with our customers – the more than half of America that shops at JCPenney each year,” said Mike Boylson, chief marketing officer for JCPenney. “With Rascal Flatts’ significant crossover appeal and passion for the brand, our fully integrated sponsorship of ‘Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour’ is a perfect canvas to highlight American Living and its true American values.”

Rascal Flatts’ support of American Living began when the band played at the launch party for the brand in February 2008.

“No brand better represents Rascal Flatts than American Living,” said Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts. “We’ve felt a strong connection to American Living since it first launched last year. High-quality and affordable, American Living represents a classic, American lifestyle – it’s a brand we wear and are proud to share with our fans.”

“American Living” Tribute Song:
The new Rascal Flatts song “American Living” will be available exclusively on a special version of their new Unstoppable album, to be sold at JCPenney beginning on April 7. All net proceeds from the sale of albums will be donated to the JCPenney Afterschool Fund, which provides children in need with access to life-enriching afterschool programs that inspire kids to be smart, strong and socially responsible.

As part of the fully integrated sponsorship, the original song will also serve as the soundtrack for a new JCPenney commercial featuring the band and the American Living brand. The commercial is set to air May 17 – June 6 on prime time and cable television programming.

American Living on Tour:
Rascal Flatts will share their passion for American Living throughout the upcoming tour:
Rascal Flatts band members – Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney – will wear American Living apparel in concert.
The American Living commercial, as well as behind the scenes footage from the filming of the commercial, will run on two large side stage screens during the concerts.
The band’s fleet of semi trucks and the JCPenney touring bus will feature imagery of the brand.
Special American Living merchandise promoting the tour will also be available for purchase at concert venues.

In addition, fans interested in learning more about Rascal Flatts and the American Living brand will be able to enjoy an online experience, set to launch April 1. Visitors to the site will be able to watch interviews with the band on the road and enter a sweepstakes to win concert tickets.

A complete list of tour dates and concert venues for the “Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour” presented by JCPenney will be announced later this spring. JCPenney’s partnership with Rascal Flatts will also include the sponsorship of the band’s 2010-2011 tour, which will also highlight the American Living brand.