Sunbelt Conference Corporate Sponsor

[UNTLifer]

New Orleans — The Sun Belt Conference has announced the signing of Aéropostale to a two-year sponsorship agreement to be the title sponsor of the Sun Belt Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament. The sponsorship will provide Aéropostale with on-site marketing and exposure at all Sun Belt championships events throughout the year, including the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship at E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky. on March 6-11, 2003. In addition, the sponsorship agreement grants Aéropostale the promotional use of the Sun Belt marks, media, grass roots marketing initiatives, internet opportunities and merchandising, as well as marketing benefits at several of the individual Sun Belt member institutions.

"Our sponsorship of the Sun Belt is an important part of Aéropostale’s commitment to college athletics, not only from a marketing and promotions standpoint, but for the philanthropic avenues that can be explored as well," said James Buford, Director of Aéropostale’s Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. "We’re pleased with our new association with the Sun Belt and look forward to many exciting years together."

"We are extremely excited about our new partnership with Aéropostale for the Sun Belt Conference corporate sponsorship program," added Wright Waters, Sun Belt Conference commissioner. "We look forward to helping Aéropostale reach our students and fans, while at the same time allowing the Sun Belt Conference continue its commitment to excellence in the classroom as well as in the athletic arena."

Aéropostale is a 100% private label brand for both guys and girls with over 370 stores in 35 states. Aéropostale carries a focused selection of affordably priced cool graphic tees, casual bottoms, dorm gear, accessories and the latest in denim that makes the company stand apart. This unique selection of clothing, the company’s entrepreneurial spirit, and its dedicated team members make Aéropostale a favorite for today’s teens.

For 27 years, fans of the Sun Belt Conference have enjoyed following their favorite student-athletes and teams. Founded in 1976, the Sun Belt is comprised of 11 full-time member institutions and two affiliate members competing in 18 Division I sports, including IA football. The current full-time membership includes the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Arkansas State University, the University of Denver, Florida International University, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Middle Tennessee State University, New Mexico State University, the University of New Orleans, the University of North Texas, the University of South Alabama and Western Kentucky University. The University of Idaho and the University of Louisiana at Monroe are affiliate members in IA football. ULM also competes in Sun Belt women’s swimming and diving. Utah State University will join the league next season as a football-only member with full membership coming in 2005-06.

[CMJ]

Speaking on the conference tourney...if Louisiana Lafayette and Western Kentucky play as good a game in the finals as they did last night it'll be a great showcase for the conference.

Did anyone else watch it? Really good game.

[GreenEggs&Ham™]

Aéropostale is listed as the sponsor in ads for this year's Sunbelt conference basketball tournament here in Bowling Green. They also just opened a store here which always looks very busy when I walk by it in the mall.

[GMoney]

CMJ, I watched the game and really thought both teams represented the conference well. It also made me realize (after seeing us play ten or so times this year) that we've got some way to go, but I'm sure JJ will get us there.

[CMJ]

I think both squads could potentially be a major test in the NCAA tournament. Both have fast players who can take people off the dribble. WKU has proved in the past they can win tourney games(I think it was about 7-8 years ago they got to the Sweet 16) and I like LA Lafayette too.

Here's hoping for the conference rep to have a good showing in the tournament.