For Immediate Release: September 1, 2009
Contact: David O'Brian (dobrian@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6478

Dunkin’ Donuts set to “Keep The Bearcats Running” as new official sponsor of Binghamton Basketball

VESTAL, N.Y.-- The first slam-dunk of the Binghamton Bearcats’ annual midnight madness celebration will launch the defending America East champions’ 2009-2010 season and a slamming new partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts.

Dunkin’ Donuts and Binghamton University Athletics announced today a comprehensive new partnership agreement for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at Binghamton University for the upcoming season.

The sponsorship will begin with the slam dunk contest, the highlight of LateNite Madness on October 16, 2009, and will continue through the season with fan-friendly initiatives such as “Take a Kid to the Game Day,” the inaugural “You Kin Do It!” online competition to recognize a local hero, charitable donations and free donuts when the Bearcats score five dunks.

“We are thrilled to partner with Binghamton University to support their outstanding student athletes and to offer fans some great opportunities during the 2009-’10 college basketball season,” said Eric Stensland, field marketing manager for Dunkin’ Donuts in Upstate New York. “The basketball program engages both students and the community and Dunkin’ Donuts is looking forward to making the fan experience even more enjoyable and interactive with our series of upcoming events.”

“As a lifelong resident of the area, and Binghamton University alum, the opportunity to work with the Bearcats is a perfect fit,” said local Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee Ben Vanderlinde. “We look forward to supporting the continued growth and success of the University."

“Take a Kid to the Game Day” will offer the chance to bring a child for free to select men’s and women’s Binghamton basketball home games. Vouchers will be available exclusively at Dunkin’ Donuts stores in the Binghamton area.

Dunkin’ Donuts will also help keep one Bearcats’ fan running all year long with a 52-week supply of coffee. Dunkin’ Donuts and the Bearcats will host an online, interactive contest asking fans to nominate those in their community who help keep America running. The “You Kin Do It”- “America Runs on Dunkin” contest will invite fans to write a short paragraph (150 words or less) describing a local, community hero. The winner will be honored at a home basketball game with VIP seating and special recognition, plus free coffee for a year, courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts.

As the game day dunk sponsor of Binghamton basketball, Dunkin’ Donuts will reward fans with a free donut every time the Bearcats score five dunks in a game.

Bearcats’ fans will also receive coupons and product samples at select men’s and women’s home games throughout the season.

In addition, Dunkin’ Donuts will donate one pound of coffee to a local charity for every dunk by a member of the Binghamton University men’s basketball team during the 2009-’10 season.

“We are excited to welcome Dunkin’ Donuts to our family of corporate partners. Their commitment to our community is evident in the types of promotions that we will present to our fans this season,” said Jason Siegel, Senior Associate Athletic Director at Binghamton University.

Binghamton basketball men’s and women’s home games are played at the Binghamton University Events Center, which seats 5,142 and opened in January of 2004.

About the Binghamton University Bearcats:

The Bearcats are beginning their ninth year as a NCAA Division 1 team competing in the America East conference. The men’s basketball team did something last season that it hadn’t done in 63 years as a sport at the university — win a conference championship and advance to the NCAA tournament. Under America East Coach of the Year Kevin Broadus, the Bearcats set dozens of school records in a 23-9 season that concluded with a matchup against Duke that was televised to millions of households across the country on CBS. The Bearcats won 11 straight games (third longest in nation) to grab the America East regular season title with a 13-3 record and were ranked No. 22 in the final CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 poll. The campus and community frenzy was evident in four straight sellouts to end the season, including a record 5,342 standing-room-only crowd for the America East title game win over UMBC, which was televised on ESPN2. The women’s basketball team advanced to the America East semifinals for the third time in four seasons. Having lost four seniors from the previous season, the Bearcats were picked to finish near the bottom of the conference. Instead, first-year head coach Nicole Scholl led her team its highest win total since the 2005-06 campaign. For more information, visit www.bubearcats.com.

About Dunkin' Donuts:

Founded in 1950, Dunkin' Donuts is America's favorite every day, all-day stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin' Donuts is a market leader in the regular/decaf coffee, iced coffee, hot flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories, and the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world. Dunkin' Donuts has earned the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for three years running. The company has more than 8,800 restaurants in 31 countries worldwide. In 2008, Dunkin' Donuts' global system-wide sales were $5.5 billion. Based in Canton, Massachusetts, Dunkin' Donuts is a subsidiary of Dunkin' Brands, Inc. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.