Boise State is bringing a corporate logo to the middle of the Blue Turf this fall.
The school announced Tuesday that Progressive Insurance has joined the Broncos as a new sponsor, with the company’s wordmark set to appear between the 45-yard lines at Albertsons Stadium, just beneath the Bronco head logo at midfield. The partnership, arranged through Learfield, is being pitched as a way to support the growth and long-term stability of the Boise State Athletic Department.
The Progressive branding won’t just sit on the field. Boise State said it will also show up throughout game day production, including in-game video board features, LED signage and other digital and social media integration.
The debut is scheduled for Boise State’s home opener against Memphis on Sept. 12.
“This is about making an investment in the future of our student-athletes and Boise State Athletics,” Boise State Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey said in a release. “We are never a finished product, and we will continue to look for opportunities that position the Broncos for long-term success. We also appreciate Bronco Sport Properties and Learfield for helping bring this sponsorship together.”
The deal lands as Boise State continues to adapt to the shifting economics of college sports. The Broncos are opening their newly renovated North End Zone complex this season, a project that includes field-level suites, loge boxes, ledge seating and other premium fan offerings designed to generate revenue.
That push comes against a more difficult financial backdrop. Last week, Boise State’s Athletic Department reported a $2 million deficit to the Idaho State Board of Education, Idaho Education News reported, and the figure could climb to $18 million this fiscal year.
Boise State cited its move to the Pac-12 and new Name, Image and Likeness rules under the House vs. NCAA Settlement, which allows schools to pay athletes directly up to $21.3 million this year.
The school did not disclose the terms of its agreement with Progressive.
“Sponsorships like this are an important part of creating a sustainable future for Boise State Athletics,” Landon Day, Vice President and General Manager of Bronco Sports Properties, said in a release. “Progressive’s investment provides Boise State with additional resources to continue elevating the game day experience for Bronco Nation while supporting the department’s long-term growth. We are proud to help bring together two strong brands in a way that is authentic to Boise State and delivers meaningful value to the university, its fans, and the Treasure Valley community.”
Boise State is one of 13 schools to announce a similar Progressive partnership on Tuesday, and it’s the only Group of Six program among them. Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Purdue, SMU, Syracuse, Texas Tech, USC and Wake Forest are also set to have the Progressive logo displayed on their fields. All 13 schools work with Learfield to handle their multimedia rights deals.
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