The New Orleans Saints and Rouses Markets announced today a multi-year partnership naming the Louisiana-based supermarket chain as the official supermarket of the Saints.

To celebrate and spread the news, Rouses and the Saints will kick off the 2017 season by being an associate partner of 2017 New Orleans Saints Training Camp presented by Verizon. Rouses will provide a much-needed area for Saints fans to cool off during the team's sweltering hot practices in the Louisiana heat with a Cool Zone misting area and shaded tents. Saints fans will have the opportunity to avoid long lines with fast pass entry into Saints training camp (limited numbers apply) and reserved shaded seating from Rouses. Be on the lookout for a post from the Saints twitter account the week of training camp for your chance at this great opportunity.

Additionally, Rouses will also actively participate in a celebration of "Back To Football" with Saints-themed promotions throughout July, August and September. Rouses will offer special promotions and placements throughout their stores with leading national vendors, which will provide Saints fans with incredible savings all the while celebrating a return to rooting on the Black-and-Gold.

While the immediate focus of fans is naturally turned towards watching their favorite team prepare for the upcoming NFL season, Rouses commitment to the Saints will begin this summer and arch over an extended period of time, highlighting the relationship between the team and the iconic regional supermarket chain through special promotions throughout the entire calendar year, including Rouses Pre-Game Tailgate Sweepstakes, in-game promotions and branding, and a chance to be a Saint for A Day and travel to an away Saints game this season.

"Rouses is a true Louisiana success story," said Saints President Dennis Lauscha. "They have grown from a single store in Houma, Louisiana, to a major force across the Gulf South region and one of the largest independent grocers in the United States. Besides offering all of the national brands, they are committed to supporting local farmers, fishermen, chefs and food manufacturers, and highlighting the unique culture and tastes across this great region. We are excited about our partnership with Rouses and are confident our fans will find all of their needs at any of the countless Rouses locations in our communities. We welcome them as part of our team and look forward to a great partnership."

"We live, eat and play local," says Donny Rouse, CEO. "We're die-hard Saints fans. This is more than just a sponsorship. It's a partnership between two home teams and a shared commitment to everything Gulf Coast."

Known for being one of the region's top employers, Rouses is also highly regarded for their employee programs that reward and motivate their over 6,400 team members. As part of the partnership with the Saints, Rouses employees can earn the opportunity to be rewarded for their outstanding customer service with unique experiences ranging from coveted Saints tickets and pre-game field access, VIP experiences at training camp, as well as a trip to the Pro Bowl, among other incentives.

About the New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints were established in 1967. In addition to posting one of the top records in the NFL since 2006 and winning Super Bowl XLIV, the Saints have emphasized being a leader off the field in the Gulf Coast community. Community service and participation in making positive, lasting impacts on the community are core beliefs and expectations of the organization.

About Rouses
Rouses Markets was founded in 1960 by Anthony J. Rouse, Sr. His grandson, Donny Rouse, Jr., is the third generation to run the family business. In Louisiana alone, Rouses Markets operates 47 stores. The company's remaining eight stores are located in Mississippi and Lower Alabama. Rouses Markets has consistently been voted Best Supermarket and Best Place to Work.