Four Points by Sheraton and Major League Soccer today announced a partnership marking Four Points’ return as the official hotel brand of MLS. Four Points first joined as a partner last year. Four Points is the fast-growing global hotel brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

As part of the wide-ranging partnership, North American soccer fans will gain access to special Four Points offers via MLSsoccer.com, Major League Soccer’s official website. And, Four Points properties will become Major League Soccer central for fans during MLS Cup, MLS’ championship game.

The sponsorship will also deliver exclusive Four Points promotions to fans via video board announcements at special events like the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star Game on July 27 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, and MLS Cup 2011.

Through the partnership, fans will also get the chance to win game tickets through exclusive contests. Four Points and MLS will unveil special offers for fans throughout the season.

To ramp up the excitement even more, three lucky members of Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) - the most sought-after travel rewards program in the world - will be able to transform SPG points into VIP opportunities at Major League Soccer events as part of the SPG Moments program of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

“The response from guests to our first Major League Soccer sponsorship was tremendous, and we’re looking forward to an even broader partnership with MLS,” said Brian McGuinness, Starwood’s Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “Because soccer resonates with fans around the world, Major League Soccer is an ideal fit for a global brand like Four Points, and we’re eager to share the excitement of the league with guests everywhere.”

“We are excited to welcome Four Points by Sheraton to the MLS family,” said Kathy Carter, President of Soccer United Marketing, MLS’ marketing arm. “Major League Soccer’s passionate and loyal fans are traveling in record numbers to follow their Clubs. Four Points, a brand that is committed to the sport of soccer in North America, provides them with great hotels at great rates making it easy for fans to travel and support their teams in each MLS market.”

Four Points’ return to the soccer field comes as the sizzling brand continues a turbo-charged global expansion. Four Points will open 22 new hotels around the world in 2011. Two new hotels will open in each of several key global markets, including China, India, Thailand, and Malaysia; twelve new properties will debut in the U.S., and one in Canada. With the openings, Four Points will command a presence in 26 countries, up from 24 in 2010.

At Four Points, guests travel the way they like with genuine service and modern style. Four Points is always an honest value, with great amenities like free bottled water, free Wi-Fi in public spaces, and free internet access in all guestrooms. A delicious breakfast with great coffee - and refreshing, local beer with Best BrewsSM - help guests start and end the day right. Four Points gives travelers everything they need to be comfortable and productive on the road.