Florida Citrus Sports is the non-profit organization that hosts several major sporting events in Central Florida, most notably the Citrus Bowl college football game. Like other major sporting events and organizations, Florida Citrus Sports relies on corporate sponsorship to help fund its operations and events. The organization’s premier partners and sponsors include some of the biggest companies in Florida and beyond.
Quick Overview of Florida Citrus Sports
Florida Citrus Sports was founded in 1938 and was originally known as the Orlando Citrus Growers Association. The organization was focused on promoting the Florida citrus industry. In 1983, the organization changed its name to Florida Citrus Sports and shifted its focus to hosting various sporting events in Orlando.
In addition to the Citrus Bowl, which was established in 1947, Florida Citrus Sports today hosts the Camping World Bowl (formerly the Champs Sports Bowl), the Florida Classic football game between Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M, the Florida Blue Florida Classic football game between Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge between teams from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and Southwestern Athletic Conference, and the Cure Bowl.
Florida Citrus Sports works closely with a number of partners to organize and promote these annual bowl games and events. Like any major sports organization, corporate sponsorships are crucial to providing funding and promotional support.
Premier Sponsors
Florida Citrus Sports divides its corporate partners into different sponsorship categories based on their contribution level. Here is an overview of their top premier official sponsors:
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is a national restaurant chain specializing in chicken wings and sports bar fare. They signed on as a premier sponsor of Florida Citrus Sports in 2016. As part of the sponsorship agreement, Buffalo Wild Wings receives exclusive category rights as the organization’s official wings, sports bar, and hand-crafted beverages partner. This includes prominent brand exposure at all Florida Citrus Sports events.
Camping World
The Camping World company focuses on RV sales and outdoor recreation gear. Headquartered in Illinois, Camping World has been a sponsor since 2016 when they acquired the naming rights to the Camping World Bowl in a multi-year agreement. As the bowl’s title sponsor, Camping World receives exclusive advertising rights during the televised game broadcast.
Chick-fil-A
As a fast food chain specializing in chicken sandwiches, Chick-fil-A is a natural fit for sponsoring major sporting events. They signed on as a premier sponsor of Florida Citrus Sports in 2014. The agreement grants Chick-fil-A exclusive category rights as the official chicken chain and gives them prominent brand visibility at sponsored events.
VISIT ORLANDO
VISIT ORLANDO is the official tourism association for Orlando, Florida. As a premier sponsor since 2010, VISIT ORLANDO receives exclusive category rights as the official destination marketing organization. This provides prominent Orlando branding and exposure at Florida Citrus Sports’ events aimed at visitors.
Florida Blue
Florida Blue is a Florida-based health insurance company that has sponsored the Florida Classic football game since 2002. Their current agreement runs through 2024. As the title sponsor, Florida Blue receives naming rights to the game played between in-state rivals Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M.
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Lockheed Martin has title sponsorship of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl through 2025. This annual postseason college football game involves teams from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Lockheed Martin’s sponsorship highlights their commitment to the military community.
Official Sponsors
In addition to its premier partners, Florida Citrus Sports has official sponsors in various product and service categories:
All Community Events
All Community Events is an event management company that handles local events in the Orlando area. They signed on as an official sponsor in 2018.
Bags Incorporated
Bags Incorporated produces custom bags, luggage, and travel accessories. This Florida-based company became an official sponsor in 2017.
Greater Orlando Sports Commission
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission is focused on attracting major sporting events and conferences to Orlando. This organization signed on in 2016.
Orlando Health
Orlando Health is a network of hospitals and care centers in the Orlando region. As an official sponsor, they provide healthcare services and conduct health and wellness programs.
Pepsi
Pepsi has been an official beverage sponsor for Florida Citrus Sports since 1998. They receive exclusive pouring rights at all events.
PrimeSport
PrimeSport is a corporate hospitality provider for sporting events. They offer official fan travel packages and VIP experiences. PrimeSport signed on as a sponsor in 2014.
Publix
Publix is a popular grocery store chain based in Florida. They have been a sponsor since 2015.
Rosen Hotels & Resorts
This Orlando-based hotel group signed on as an official sponsor in 2016. They provide lodging options for events.
Sport & Health
Sport & Health is a network of fitness clubs located inside Orlando hotels. They became a sponsor in 2016 to promote health and wellness.
World Discoveries
World Discoveries offers themed travel packages and experiences. They signed on in 2016 to offer exclusive fan travel packages to bowl games.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Florida Citrus Sports offers different tiers of sponsorships based on various factors like category exclusivity, assets included, event alignment, and investment level.
Their current assets available for sponsors include:
- Category exclusivity rights
- Naming rights for events
- In-venue and outdoor signage
- Promotions through PA announcements
- Digital advertising (website, social, email)
- TV and radio advertising
- Print advertising
- Communal activations during tailgates/events
- Tickets/hospitality packages
- Sponsor zones onsite
The investment required depends on the level of sponsorship:
Level | Investment |
---|---|
Premier | $500,000+ annually |
Official | $100,000 – $500,000 annually |
Supporting | $50,000 – $100,000 annually |
Contributor | $25,000 – $50,000 annually |
Customized Benefits
Florida Citrus Sports works with each sponsor to customize benefits based on their goals. This provides the flexibility to tailor partnerships.
For example, exclusive pouring rights and branded cups may be ideal for a beverage sponsor but not for an insurance company that wants branded activations during fan events. Certain categories like “official airline” also provide exclusivity.
Charitable Aspect
Florida Citrus Sports is a non-profit organization, which adds appeal for certain sponsors. There is a charitable aspect to supporting the organization’s community initiatives in Central Florida.
Florida Citrus Sports focuses on four key community programs:
- Florida Citrus Sports Events and Charities: Fundraising initiatives tied directly to their sporting events.
- Florida Citrus Sports Foundation: Provides scholarships and youth/education programs.
- Get Active with Florida Citrus Sports: Community health and wellness programs.
- Heart of Florida United Way: Supports United Way chapters and initiatives in Central Florida.
By sponsoring Florida Citrus Sports, companies are indirectly supporting these community programs for Central Florida residents. This provides goodwill and positive public relations for sponsors.
Sponsor Recognition
Florida Citrus Sports makes sure to recognize their official sponsors in various ways. This provides added brand exposure and publicity for partner companies.
Sponsor recognition methods include:
- Listing sponsors on the Florida Citrus Sports website
- Recognizing sponsors through social media channels
- Displaying sponsor logos prominently throughout venues
- Showing sponsor commercials on video boards during games
- Thanking sponsors over PA systems
- Integrating sponsors into game broadcasts
- Allowing sponsors to set up branded activations onsite
- Inviting sponsors to participate in public ceremonies/events
- Hosting appreciation events for sponsors
Between brand exposure through signage, media advertisements, promotions, social media, and fan experiences, Florida Citrus Sports provides significant visibility and marketing opportunities for their corporate partners.
Conclusion
In summary, Florida Citrus Sports offers attractive sponsorship opportunities for companies interested in targeting the Central Florida market and sports fans. The organization’s premier partners include big brands like Buffalo Wild Wings, Camping World, Chick-fil-A, VISIT ORLANDO, Florida Blue, and Lockheed Martin. Secondary sponsors represent industries like healthcare, hospitality, beverages, retail, and transportation.
Sponsorship packages can be customized based on investment levels ranging from $25,000 to over $500,000 annually. Florida Citrus Sports has a non-profit charitable component that also appeals to certain brands. Comprehensive sponsorship recognition ensures brand exposure through extensive media promotions, signage, events, and marketing activations. Overall, partnering with Florida Citrus Sports allows companies to align with premier sporting events and supporting the local Florida community.