Norfolk, Va. (Dec. 10, 2020) --- ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, has announced a three-year sponsorship agreement with Cricket Wireless, to  be new title sponsor for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff and Celebration Bowl. Both events, which are staged in Atlanta, celebrate the tradition, legacy and values of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The Celebration Bowl features the champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Delaware State and six other MEAC football-playing members hoping to compete in the spring 2021 semester will battle for the right to represent the league in the Sixth Annual Celebration Bowl.      
"We are delighted to have Cricket Wireless as the title sponsor of both our football kickoff and bowl games," said John Grant, executive director for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff and Celebration Bowl. "These events provide valuable diversity to the sports offerings in the city of Atlanta. This relationship reflects our mutual passion for and appreciation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the valuable contributions they make to our nation. We look forward to working together and building world-class events in a world-class city."
ESPN Events' relationship with Cricket began with the sponsorship of the 2018 Celebration Bowl. Cricket's support of HBCUs began with an agreement with Southern University, which eventually expanded to include sponsorship of the Magic City Classic and Bayou Classic. In October 2020, Cricket and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) announced a sponsorship agreement extension through 2023.
"At Cricket, we're all about creating a meaningful connection with our customers and within the communities where we operate," said Tiffany Baehman, vice president and chief marketing officer, Cricket Wireless. "Our extended relationship with ESPN allows us to continue to introduce our brand to HBCU students, alumni and fans. It also means that we can help amplify the rich culture and legacy of HBCUs, and the positive impact they have within the Black community."
The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff – an early-season matchup of HBCU football teams from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the SWAC – is played at Georgia State's Center Parc Credit Union Stadium. The Cricket Celebration Bowl is played in December each year, with the game typically opening the college football bowl season, from Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Due to the current health pandemic, both events were cancelled for the 2020 season, but expected to return in 2021.
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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ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of 35 collegiate sporting events nationwide. The roster includes four early-season college football games, 17 college bowl game, 11 college basketball events, a college softball event and two college award shows, which accounts for approximately 400 hours of live programming, reaches nearly 64 million viewers and attracts over 800,000 attendees each year. With satellite office in more than 10 markets across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conference, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.
 
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