Courtesy of the CIAA:
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation’s oldest historically black athletic conference, announced the renewal of its multi-year partnership agreement with Academy Sports + Outdoors (“Academy”) to remain the conference’s Official Sporting Goods and Outdoor Retailer.
The extended partnership between the CIAA and Academy is centered on championing HBCUs and providing support to CIAA students, faculty, student-athletes, and bands. Academy will also continue to carry licensed fan gear of select member schools online and in local stores.
“We’re excited for Academy’s continued partnership to create fun experiences and new opportunities for our member institutions,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. “Academy continues to be an advocate for our conference and fans. Together, we’ll continue to celebrate the legacy of HBCUs and serve our communities.”
Academy will celebrate the CIAA and HBCU homecoming experience by hosting in-store festivities for customers. Further, Academy will offer current CIAA students, faculty, and staff 10% off purchases, with a valid school ID in-stores and online at academy.com/HBCUDiscount, through November 5, 2022.
“Academy is excited to continue its partnership with the CIAA and create impactful experiences that champion the HBCU experience,” said Lawrence Lobpries, Academy’s Senior Vice President of Marketing. “CIAA fans have a passion for fun, and we look forward to engaging those fans through inclusive, community-driven efforts to celebrate the history of CIAA’s member institutions.”
Customers can shop select CIAA and HBCU fan gear in-store, online at academy.com/HBCU, or through Academy’s mobile app. To receive up-to-date information and deals on CIAA gear, text HBCU to 22369.
About the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. In 2020, the conference celebrated the special 75th anniversary of its Championship Basketball Tournament – an event that has become a must-see in the African American community. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member-institutions: Bowie State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine’s University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. Chowan University is an associate member in football and women’s bowling. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
About Academy Sports + Outdoors
Academy is a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer in the United States. Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown to 265 stores across 17 states. Academy’s mission is to provide “Fun for All” and Academy fulfills this mission with a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that strongly connects with a broad range of consumers. Academy’s product assortment focuses on key categories of outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation and footwear through both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands. For more information, visit www.academy.com.
Academy Sports + Outdoors Media Contact: Margot Ledet, Sr. Public Relations Specialist, margot.ledet@academy.com
