University of Tennessee Athletics
UT,HOST Extend Marketing Rights Agreement
Feb. 24, 2004
Lexington, Ky. - Host Communications, Inc. and the University of Tennessee have announced a three-year extension to a long-term athletics marketing rights agreement.
Gordon Whitener, HOST chief executive officer, and Mike Hamilton, director of athletics at Tennessee, jointly made the announcement. HOST and Tennessee began this partnership in 1989, and now it is extended through the 2007 academic year.
The extension awards HOST the right to continue administering radio broadcasts, game programs, venue signage and corporate sponsorship sales on behalf of the Volunteer athletics department.
"HOST has done an outstanding job representing our University, and we are excited about retaining our long-term and successful partnership," said Hamilton. "HOST has a talented staff who work daily with our coaches and administrators to develop creative ideas to generate new revenues that benefit our program without diminishing the academic integrity of our University."
"We are proud that the work we have done on behalf of the Volunteer athletics department has merited this extension," said Whitener. "Our proven track record and a dedicated staff who has devoted their careers to enhancing quality marketing opportunities for the University were significant factors permitting us to continue what has been an exciting and rewarding relationship for our employees and our Company."
Due to the death of Edwin Huster in January, Steve Early has stepped into the role of General Manager of the Vol Network. Employed by HOST since 1991, Early has spearheaded the sales and marketing efforts of the Vol Network for the past 13 years. During this time period, the Vol Network experienced exceptional growth in numerous areas including programming, sponsorships and home entertainment.
Prior to January, Edwin Huster had administered Tennessee radio rights since 1971. He provided oversight for this long-term relationship since HOST entered its first contract with the Volunteer athletics department.
Additional staff include Glenn Thackston, executive producer/operations manager; Brandon Parks, director of local sales and home entertainment, and Claire Gabay, administrative manager/women's sports coordinator.
In addition to Tennessee, HOST also administers marketing rights on behalf of Boston College, Florida State University, Purdue University, University of Arizona, University of Kentucky, University of Michigan, University of Texas, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and the Southeastern Conference.
Named as one of the top five companies in the world of sports marketing by SportsBusiness Journal, HOST provides comprehensive sales, affinity marketing, multimedia, promotional and management services to universities, athletics conferences, associations and corporations. Founded in 1972, HOST is the centerpiece subsidiary of Bull Run Corporation. Additional information on HOST can be found online at www.hostcommunications.com.
