Dover, Del. (Mar., 16, 2021) --- The Meoli Companies, a local McDonald's franchisee, recently signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Delaware State University Athletics. The agreement, which runs until 2023, will be the first of its kind for Delaware State Athletics.
The sponsorship will support the university's football, baseball, softball, and both men's and women's basketball programs, each of which competes in the NCAA Division I Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
"This partnership with McDonald's will engage not only DSU athletes, but all students, staff, faculty, and supporters within the DSU family through in-game promotions," said Dennis Hawkins, Delaware State Associate Director of Athletics for Finance and Administration.
"We look forward to building a great relationship with McDonald's, and being key partners in our local and regional communities."
 
As part of the sponsorship, The Meoli Companies will be inviting Hornets fans to visit its restaurants for deals and promotions throughout the year.
"We've always believed in supporting the communities in which our restaurants operate," said Michael Meoli, owner and operator of the franchise that runs 25 McDonald's across the Delmarva Peninsula, in a statement announcing the deal. "Since purchasing the Dover McDonald's restaurants last year, it has been our mission to find ways to engage with organizations like Delaware State University Athletics. These student-athletes are vital members of the community, and we are honored to be a part of their team."
"We are excited to partner with The Meoli Companies and McDonald's," said Delaware State Director of Athletics Dr. D. Scott Gines. "Mike and Kelli Meoli are embedding themselves within the Dover community following their recent acquisition in our local market.  We look forward to growing with the Meolis and McDonald's as we mutually strengthen Hornets Athletics in ways that engage our communities through collegiate sport."