Delta Airlines Secures Historic Field Branding at Georgia’s Sanford Stadium

A major corporate logo is coming to a college football field for the first time. The University of Georgia athletics department announced an expanded partnership with Delta Airlines on Monday. This deal places the Delta logo directly on the playing surface at Sanford Stadium.

The branding will be visible for the Bulldogs’ final three home games this season. This move signals a significant shift in collegiate sports marketing. According to Reuters, such corporate field integrations are becoming more common.

Details of the Landmark Sponsorship Agreement

Two Delta logos will be positioned at the 25-yard lines. They will be in the southwest and northeast corners of Dooley Field. This makes Delta the first corporation to have its branding on the Sanford Stadium grass.

The partnership was stewarded by Georgia Bulldogs Sports Marketing. Firms Learfield and JMI Marketing helped broker the expanded relationship. The financial terms of the agreement were not publicly disclosed.

Broader Trend in College Athletics Sponsorship

Georgia is part of a growing wave of programs embracing this model. The NCAA officially permitted on-field corporate logos in June 2024. This opened the door for schools to pursue new revenue streams.

Other schools like Kentucky, Texas, and South Carolina have similar deals. These partnerships are reshaping the financial landscape of college sports. They provide crucial funding for athletic departments across the nation.

This Delta field sponsorship at Georgia represents a new era for college football. The integration of corporate branding is now a visible reality. The financial impact of such deals will likely influence program operations for years to come.

Info at your fingertips

When will the Delta logos first appear on the field?

The logos will debut for the Georgia vs. Ole Miss game this Saturday. They will remain for the final three home contests of the season.

Where exactly on the field will the logos be placed?

The Delta branding will be located at the 25-yard lines. Specifically, they will be in the southwest and northeast sections of Dooley Field.

Is Delta a new partner for the University of Georgia?

No, Delta was already a prominent sponsor of UGA Athletics. This new agreement represents a significant expansion of their existing partnership.

How are other colleges handling similar sponsorships?

Many schools are now adopting this model. Kentucky granted naming rights to Kroger Field, while Texas and South Carolina also display corporate logos on their fields.

Why did the NCAA allow this change?

The NCAA rule change in June 2024 permitted these logos. This decision was made to help schools generate additional revenue in the evolving collegiate sports landscape.

Trusted Sources

Official University of Georgia Athletics Statement, Reuters, Associated Press