MANHATTAN — A new, multi-year agreement among Kansas State University, K-State Sports Properties and Pepsi-Cola of Manhattan, KS will keep Pepsi as the official beverage provider to the university and K-State Athletics.
The contract continues a longtime relationship between K-State and Pepsi, which retains its rights as the exclusive beverage provider to the university’s campuses and athletic facilities. Pepsi has held exclusive pouring and vending rights with the university since 2000. The new contract, reached through a competitive bid process, is effective July 1 and continues through June 30, 2022.
“This new agreement is great news for the university, and we’re very pleased about the continued partnership with Pepsi,” said Kirk Schulz, Kansas State University president. “As K-State works to become a Top 50 public research university by 2025, it’s vital to have resources available to ensure our success. This also will help K-State continue its commitment to the highest levels of service and support for our students, faculty, staff and athletic programs.”
Funding from the contract will continue Pepsi’s support of campus recycling efforts and scholarships as well as supplying student organizations and campus entities with free Pepsi products for various events.
The university and K-State Sports Properties also will continue their long-standing relationship with Gatorade, a division of PepsiCo, as K-State Athletics’ official sports fuel provider. Inside the new Vanier Football Complex at Bill Snyder Family Stadium will be the Gatorade Fuel Bar, which will provide Gatorade product to all 450-plus Wildcat student-athletes, highlights the importance of proper nutrition and contributes to K-State’s goal of providing a world-class student-athlete experience.
“Gatorade is committed to helping Kansas State University athletes compete at the highest level and improve sports performance through scientifically tested products, equipment and proven research,” said Jeff Kearney, head of sports marketing, Gatorade. “Our partnership with K-State Athletics will include construction of the Gatorade Fuel Bar, which provides a dedicated area for athletes to fuel themselves before and after training or a game. In addition, the Fuel Bar’s built-in digital applications provide fueling information and instruction for student-athletes, coaches and athletic trainers alike.”
“Pepsi has been a terrific longtime partner of not only K-State Athletics, but the entire Kansas State University community,” said John Currie, K-State Athletics director. “We are excited to continue that relationship with the Wassenberg family and the entire Pepsi and Gatorade family for years to come.”
Pepsi-Cola of Manhattan, KS is the family-owned Pepsi franchise serving northeast Kansas.
“We value this partnership with Kansas State University,” said Jake Wassenberg, general manager and vice president of Pepsi-Cola of Manhattan, KS. “It is our belief that the Manhattan area, as well as the entire state of Kansas, benefits greatly from strong universities and we’re committed to helping to make sure that continues in the future.”
The athletic sponsorship component of the agreement, which includes venue signage, third-tier television presence, game sponsorships, sampling events, and digital and social media, will continue to be managed by K-State Sports Properties, the exclusive multimedia rights holder for K-State Athletics and a property of Learfield Sports.
“Long before we were filling our venues to capacity on a regular basis, Pepsi and the Wassenberg family were here building the Pepsi brand with K-State fans,” said Ben Boyle, general manager of K-State Sports Properties. “We’re excited to extend this partnership into the next decade and continue promoting it to yet another generation of loyal Wildcat fans.”