NFL teams look to vending machines as sales option

[October 02, 2010]  INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The venerable vending machine -- familiar to anyone who's ever bought a candy bar, soda, smokes or stamps -- is getting a long look from NFL teams.

Indianapolis-based MainGate Inc. has installed a vending machine with Minnesota Vikings merchandise at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. The hope is that it will be profitable and the idea will catch on with six other NFL teams who have hired the merchandise company.

Reebok, the NFL's official outfitter, is also considering putting some of its products in vending machines by the end of the season. An NFL spokesman says the league is excited about MainGate's venture.

MainGate's NFL clients are the Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Rams.

[Associated Press; By CLIFF BRUNT]

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