What’s the News?
Cricket Wireless announced today that it will continue to support HBCU football by extending its title sponsorship with ESPN Events for the season opening Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff and the Cricket Celebration Bowl through 2027.

Cricket has worked with ESPN Events, the MEAC and SWAC since 2018 to bring its hometown of Atlanta the opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) at these events.

The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff – a week zero matchup of HBCU football teams from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) – is played at Georgia State’s Center Parc Credit Union Stadium. The Cricket Celebration Bowl, the HBCU national championship game, is played in December each year. The game typically opens the college football bowl season, from Mercedes Benz Stadium and is broadcast on ABC.

What are we saying?
“Serving as the title sponsor of the MEAC SWAC Challenge Kickoff and the Celebration Bowl for the past three years has been rewarding on every level,” said John Dwyer, President, Cricket Wireless. “The MEAC and SWAC are two of the premier HBCU conferences in the country, with passionate fanbases that have shown up to support their schools. It’s been a privilege hosting these bookends to the season in Cricket’s hometown of Atlanta, and we’re looking forward to building on this tradition for the next four years.”

What are they saying?
“We are pleased to have Cricket Wireless extend their title sponsorship of these iconic football games” said John Grant, executive director for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff and Celebration Bowl. “This commitment reflects the value these events provide in showcasing the importance of HBCUs who develop quality students and competitive athletic programs. Having an Atlanta based partner like Cricket speaks to their desire to support the diversity of sports and its impact in their hometown. We look forward to continuing our work together building and highlighting a culture of excellence.”

Cricket’s Commitment Extends Beyond the Conference Games
Through its support of HBCUs, Cricket is working to create more meaningful connections within the communities in which they operate, helping to drive greater awareness of the black college experience.

Cricket’s Campus Ambassador Program provides a unique opportunity for students at HBCUs that have an interest in marketing to gain experience developing and executing marketing plans on their campuses with support from local Cricket Field Marketing Managers and Authorized Retailers. Additionally, top performing Ambassadors are considered for post- graduation internships with Cricket and their supporting partners.

Information regarding the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff and Cricket Celebration Bowl can be found at www.meacswacchallenge.com and www.TheCelebrationBowl.com.

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