Gildan and ESPN

A press release came out this week that may not register as huge news, but it is a big deal for a big event in this town.  And yes, I certainly am biased and have a vested interest in this. It was announced on Tuesday that Gildan and ESPN have renewed their agreement for the apparel manufacturer to remain the title sponsor of the New Mexico Bowl for three more years.  This is a big deal first off, our State's premier annual sports event enters a new bowl cycle with renewed stability with a great title sponsor.  Gildan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of T-shirts, fleece, sport shirts, underwear and socks, invested in this community and this event in 2010 with no tie to Albuquerque or New Mexico.  They embraced this event and community and in turn, the sponsorship of the bowl game and other ESPN owned events has increased their brand recognition and retail sales.  If you look around the college football bowl landscape, you will notice that many bowls have changed title sponsors in the past few years.  There are many right now who do not have title sponsors.  It says quite a bit for this event and this community, that a large, successful international company has not only invested in a New Mexico event, but renewed their commitment.  The Gildan New Mexico Bowl will play its ninth annual game this December.  NINTH!  I remember when we started the bowl…doesn't seem like that long ago, and there were all kinds of questions about longevity and lasting power.  You've done a great job supporting this event, growing it into something this State can be proud of.  Keep it up….See you on December 20th.