Visa Inc. will sponsor the Visa Federation Internationale de Volleyball Beach Volleyball International tournament, which will take place Aug. 9 to 14 at the Horse Guards Parade in London.
The event is part of the London Prepares series of test events leading up to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, of which Visa is also a sponsor.
It also marks the first time London has hosted a women's international beach volleyball tournament, Visa said in its May 27 announcement.
As with other Olympic events, Visa is the official payment service provider of the London Prepares series, and consumers will be able to use only Visa debit, credit or prepaid cards to purchase tickets to the events. Visa will be the only card accepted on site for purchases.
"As a long-term sponsor of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, sponsoring the beach volleyball test event as part of the 'London Prepares' series gives us an opportunity not only to be at the heart of the action as excitement around the games builds, but it also allows us to prepare for London 2012, where we will be showcasing our latest payment technology," Colin Grannell, Visa Europe's head of partnership marketing, said in a press release. A representative said Visa will feature contactless technology and mobile payments.
