LONG BEACH, Calif. -- The centerpiece of the April 16-18, 2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach race weekend, Sunday's IndyCar Series race, got a boost on Thursday when the Indy Racing League announced the multi-year signing of Phillips-Van Heusen's IZOD apparel brand to be its title sponsor.

The IZOD IndyCar Series, which marks the League's first title sponsorship since 2001, introduced its new logo and partnership details in a press conference today. Key elements of the agreement are expected to include multi-year, multi-million dollar activation plans around the League's television partners, ESPN on ABC and VERSUS, as well as online initiatives and promotions.

"We're delighted of hear of this new partnership with IZOD," said Jim Michaelian, President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. "It makes a strong statement about the corporate attractiveness of the IndyCar Series, especially in these tough economic times. We look forward to partnering with IZOD in showcasing their apparel to the fashion-conscious Southern California market next spring."

IZOD, which has been the official apparel partner of the Indy Racing League since 2008, will retain that designation under the new arrangement as well.

"Our relationship with the IZOD brand has been on the fast track since the day we began our partnership in 2008, and we are thrilled they have taken a bigger and more vital role in our sport," said Terry Angstadt, president of the Commercial Division of the Indy Racing League. "We're confident that we have found a partner with a strong brand, a bright future and a vision for growing the IZOD IndyCar Series that will benefit fans, drivers, teams, owners and tracks."

The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will scorch the downtown Long Beach streets with continuous action from six racing series. In addition to the IZOD IndyCar Series, the weekend will include drifting, Firestone Indy Lights, SPEED World Challenge and two fan favorites on Saturday, April 17: the sports cars of the American Le Mans Series and the 34th Annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, with film star Keanu Reeves expected to return as a "pro" and try for a second straight win.

Ticket prices for the three-day event remain unchanged from 2009, and range from $25 for a Friday General Admission ticket to $125 for a three-day ticket that includes Sat./Sun. reserved seating in grandstand upper levels. Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, IndyCar Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of Hospitality Club packages including the all-new Vista Club located high atop the Hyatt Regency Long Beach.

Credit card orders for the 2010 event weekend can be placed at the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 82-SPEED, or online by visiting www.gplb.com. The Web site also includes updates on 2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach news, ticket information downloads and ongoing announcements of special race week activities.

A printed ticket brochure that includes a circuit map, ticket prices, order form and other information can be obtained by calling the hotline.