Old Kent and WMU form promotional partnership
Aug. 8, 2000
KALAMAZOO -- The Western Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Old Kent Bank have agreed to a major partnership that guarantees giveaway items at all home football, men's and women's basketball, hockey and volleyball events for the next three years. The items will reward Bronco fans that arrive early to each contest.
The first 5,000 fans at every WMU football game will receive premium items such as a bike bottle, a set of Bronco trading cards or other souvenirs. For basketball, hockey and volleyball events, fans will typically have to be among the first 1,000 in attendance to receive premium items.
"We want people to leave our buildings with a closer tie to the Broncos," says Director of Sports Marketing Chris Hanna. "By providing a Bronco item at every event, we hope fans will be reminded of the great time they had in our venue and wish to return for another great event."
"Old Kent Bank has historically been a large supporter of the Kalamazoo community," stated John Paul, president of Old Kent Bank. "This opportunity with Western Michigan University allows us to partner with an important institution while also giving back to the Western Michigan University fans."
Attendance at home events has increased across the board for Bronco sports. In football, WMU has broken the Mid-American Conference single-game home attendance record three times while in women's basketball, the Broncos have drawn record school crowds for a single-game and season. WMU is also the defending MAC volleyball attendance champion.
"The Bronco product and image continue to improve," Hanna says. "Much of our improvement can be directly attributed to the growing fan base. This partnership will allow us to reward the Bronco fans for making the difference at our home events. We are very grateful to Old Kent Bank for making this partnership possible."
Information on promotional dates will be available at wmubroncos.com throughout the 2000-01 season.
Media contact: Daniel Jankowski, 616 387-4122; daniel.jankowski@wmich.edu