DETROIT - GMC, together with the NFL, will launch its second annual Monday Night Football Tour this weekend undertaking United Way community projects in Dallas, followed by Tampa Bay, Detroit, New York City, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Boston, New Orleans and Seattle.

This year’s expanded tour program invites fans to test their football skills against the pros for a chance to win Monday Night Football game tickets, NFLshop.com gift cards and signed memorabilia. Fans can also meet current and former NFL players such as Jamaal Charles, Wes Welker and Tony Dorsett, as well as ESPN Monday Night Football announcer Mike Tirico.

After testing their skills and meeting the pros, fans will have the opportunity to test drive the GMC Acadia, Sierra, Terrain and Yukon and discover why GMC is the official vehicle of the NFL. Register for the events here.

“GMC is taking its game plan for Monday Night Football to the next level by delivering a more engaging interactive event for NFL fans,” said Craig Bierley, GMC Advertising and Sales Promotion director. “In its first year, GMC’s Monday Night Football Tour helped the brand connect with NFL fans in a fun and engaging way. We’re looking to build on that success in 2011.”

As part of the tour, GMC is teaming up with United Way volunteers, including NFL players, to build playgrounds in local communities as part of United Way’s nationwide effort to get 1.9 million more kids active and healthy by 2018.

The United Way Healthy Kids Zones—Driven by GMC will offer children the opportunity to climb, build upper body strength, promote balance and agility, and develop strength and endurance. The playground equipment, paid for by GMC and supplied by GameTime, is designed to help children develop active, healthy bodies, as well as personal and social skills.

“Experts recommend that young people engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for at least 60 minutes a day,” said Kitty Hsu Dana, vice president of Health at United Way Worldwide. “This gift from GMC will offer thousands of children and families the opportunity to improve physical fitness with fun, interactive activities.” Now in its 37th year, the NFL-United Way partnership connects NFL PLAY 60 with United Way’s goal to increase youth health and wellness. Studies show the obesity rate among children has nearly doubled in the last 10 years, with approximately 9 million American children over six years old considered obese and at high risk for health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. “GMC recognizes how important it is to raise awareness about the issue of childhood obesity and to create new opportunities for young people to lead healthier lifestyles,” Bierley said. “By working with the NFL and United Way, GMC is helping make communities stronger.”

Tour Schedule

September 27  Dallas
October 11  Detroit
October 18  New York
November 1  Kansas City
November 7  Philadelphia
November 22  New England
November 29  New Orleans
December 13  Seattle