PROVIDENCE – The 2017-18 Brown University athletics season will include additional sponsorship from local, regional and statewide corporate partners, according to a September statement from the Ivy League athletics department and its media rights holder, Learfield’s Brown Bears Sports Properties.
Jack Hayes, Brown director of athletics, said he is “excited” about the new season, adding, “Our rights partner, Learfield, has done a tremendous job steering our sponsorship sales and creative initiatives, and we’re particularly thrilled with what’s being ushered in for this year.”
Previously, Plano, Texas-based Learfield has helped match the athletics department with local companies, including Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Elite Physical Therapy and Rhode Island Medical Imaging, with multiple locations across the state, as well as Mercedes-Benz Warwick.
“Impactful partnerships” are the goal for Learfield, said David Vinturella, general manager for Brown Bears Sports Properties.
The 2017-18 season marks the second year a Mercedes-Benz Warwick car will be displayed on Brown Bears Boulevard during football game days. This partnership, said Dan Rickerman, general manager for Mercedes-Benz of Warwick, “has exceeded our expectations and delivered tangible, measurable business results. We have been able to engage a qualified and targeted fan base and our partnership has allowed us to build relationships with the Brown community.”
In addition, Brown students will be able to watch on-campus games from “The Bear Den,” a Coca-Cola-sponsored students section new this season. On football game days all fans can enjoy entertainment offered on Brown Bears Boulevard, free, open to the public and located on the Lot A grass field, which will include additional sponsored activities and giveaways.
NBC Sports Network will air two Brown Bears football games on national broadcast this season – the first, against Yale, on Friday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. and the second against Dartmouth on Friday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. The latter game will be played at Fenway Park in Boston. Game commentary will also be available on 790 WPRV-AM.
BBSP is in final negotiations to air expanded television coverage for Brown men’s and women’s basketball as well.
In addition to Brown, Learfield manages the multimedia rights and sponsorship initiatives for nearly 130 collegiate properties nationwide.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
