Texas Longhorns Partner with Huntington Bank, Jersey Patch Sponsorship Looms
The University of Texas has partnered with Huntington Bank as its official bank sponsor for the next decade. This partnership will see Gate 8 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium renamed 'Huntington Bank Gate.' While there was no initial mention of a jersey patch sponsorship, it's not entirely unexpected given recent trends in collegiate athletics.
Huntington Bank is not the first financial institution to sponsor a college athletic program or conference. JPMorgan Chase inked a $17-million deal with Ohio State, and Busey Bank partnered with Illinois for a similar sponsorship. Michigan State also signed a deal with MSU Federal Credit Union, and North Dakota State partnered with Gate City Bank.
However, Texas fans have traditionally been resistant to the idea of jersey patch sponsorships, preferring to stick to their classic look. They would be happy to see the team wear black accessories for one game per year or don their home colors in the Lone Star Showdown against Texas A&M. The only physical evidence of the partnership so far is on a big screen at Campbell-Williams Field.