Regions Bank and ESPN announced that Regions will continue its 21-year position as the Official Bank of the SEC and is now the newest sponsor of the soon-to-be-launched SEC Network. Regions’ position also includes category exclusivity at all SEC Championship events throughout the year.
In addition to a large media presence from Regions on the new SEC Network, including heavy involvement in SEC Nation, the network’s traveling campus-based pre-game show during college football season, the collaboration also provides Regions with intellectual property rights and category exclusivity in retail banking for all marketing and promotional activities involving the SEC and its FanFare activities.
The six-year deal includes Regions’ continuing sponsorship of the popular Regions Bank SEC Coaches Luncheon, which is held annually in conjunction with the SEC Football Championship in Atlanta.
“Regions is proud to continue our 21-year history as the Official Bank of the Southeastern Conference. The SEC generates significant economic impact and greatly enhances the quality of life within the communities we serve,” said Paul Hodges, head of Regions Corporate Sponsorships. “The expanded platform offered by the SEC Network allows Regions to continue to build strong brand preference and provides opportunities to create new financial education programs targeted towards students, alumni and fans of the SEC.”
Added Ed Erhardt, President of Global Customer Marketing and Sales at ESPN, “Given their long history with the SEC, Regions is a natural fit in this exciting new chapter for the conference. Aligning with the SEC Network will not only provide Regions with great exposure in their key markets, but also with a growing presence among the SEC fan base.”
The SEC Network, a multiplatform ESPN network devoted to the Southeastern Conference, will air 45 college football games in 2014, in addition to an array of daily studio shows providing in-depth commentary on all 14 SEC teams. AT&T U-verse, DISH and NRTC have agreed to carry the network. Additional ESPN and SEC Network college football announcements will be made in the coming weeks.
