Brookings, SD (Jan. 31, 2011) – In a milestone move for South Dakota State University, Learfield Sports has been named the Jackrabbits’ exclusive athletics marketing partner and multimedia rights holder beginning with the 2011-12 season as announced today by Director of Athletics Justin Sell.
This marks the first time SDSU has outsourced its multimedia rights in a comprehensive package. Although the multi-year partnership officially kicks off with the 2011 football season, Learfield Sports has been working with SDSU Athletics to add Jackrabbit Radio Network affiliates across the state through an agreement that went into effect this current football season. Extending radio reach for the Jackrabbits and creating athletics-related programming, such as coaches’ shows, will be just one component of the SDSU-Learfield Sports’ relationship.
Learfield Sports soon will establish a Brookings-based entity known as “Jackrabbit Sports Properties” that will oversee all aspects of the partnership including managing and selling multimedia and sponsorship rights for South Dakota State Athletics; signage and sponsorships at all venues; certain radio and television programming; corporate hospitality and print sponsorships; marketing and official athletic website advertising: as well as management of existing corporate sponsor relationships.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to get things started with Learfield Sports, a proven industry leader and well-respected collegiate marketer for nearly 40 years,” said Sell.
“Our athletic program has made tremendous strides. I look forward to generating more revenue and exposure for all of Jackrabbit sports programs throughout this ten year agreement. While Learfield is a truly national company, its roots and heritage are in the Midwest and that’s reflected in the number of other schools it represents in this region of the country. We’ve already started a successful partnership this season as Learfield has helped us build a radio network of six stations, anchored by our tremendous flagship station, WNAX 570 AM.”
“We look forward to the opportunity of working with Justin and the entire athletic administration,” said Greg Brown, Learfield president and chief executive officer. “South Dakota State has a solid athletics foundation and it will be our privilege to help play a part in growing the Jackrabbits’ program in the future.”
Learfield Sports is an operating unit of Learfield Communications, Inc., which entered the world of sports marketing in 1975 as the radio rights holder for the University of Missouri. In addition to Mizzou, Learfield Sports manages the multimedia and sponsorship rights for more than 50 collegiate institutions, conferences and associations, including the Big Ten Conference, Missouri Valley Conference, Western Athletic Conference and Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA). It also titles the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup in conjunction with award co-founders NACDA and USA Today. To learn more about the company, its history and comprehensive collegiate portfolio, visit learfieldsports.com.
Posted on Monday, January 31, 2011