CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Pantry Inc.'s Kangaroo Express convenience store chain has signed a two-year corporate partner sponsorship with the Big South Conference. It will recognize Kangaroo Express as the "official convenience store" of the Big South Conference.
Kangaroo Express is a new sponsor and it marks the first time the company has partnered with a collegiate athletic conference.
"Supporting students in our own backyard through this unique partnership program is just one way Kangaroo Express strives to empower the communities in which we serve," said Gordon Schmidt, senior vice president of operations at Kangaroo Express. "Working with the Big South Conference this year, we aim to reward and empower students across the Southeast working hard to pursue their degrees."
The main component of the arrangement is a scholarship contest exclusively through the Kangaroo Express mobile app that the chain will award to one student from each of the 11 Big South member institutions. It will randomly select one winner from each school and announce them at the VisitMyrtleBeach.com Big South Basketball Championships, March 3 through March 8.
Kangaroo Express receives entitlement of a new conference-wide Fan of the Year "Selfie" promotion during the upcoming college basketball season.
The chain also will provide Military Appreciation Event sponsorship at member institutions, as well as branding and multimedia exposure.
And Kangaroo Express will surprise Big South students with free ROO Cups and other giveaways during the annual Big South Back to School Campus Tour that visits all 11 Big South member institutions.
"We love Kangaroo Express' commitment to support students as it is a great fit for the student-athlete centered Big South Conference," said Big South commissioner Kyle B. Kallander. "Our partnership with Kangaroo Express will go a long way as we strive to develop leaders through athletics, and we are so appreciative of their commitment to the Big South."
The Big South Conference, based in Charlotte, N.C. comprises 11 full-time member institutions, Campbell University, Charleston Southern University, Coastal Carolina University, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Liberty University, Longwood University, Presbyterian College, Radford University, University of North Carolina Asheville and Winthrop University, and two associate members, Monmouth University and Kennesaw State. Sports include baseball, men's basketball, women's basketball, men's cross country, women's cross country, football, men's golf, women's golf, women's lacrosse, men's soccer, women's soccer, softball, men's tennis, women's tennis, men's indoor and outdoor track and field, women's indoor and outdoor track and field and volleyball.
As of July 30, 2014, The Pantry operated 1,525 stores in 13 states under select banners, including its primary operating banner, Kangaroo Express. It is based in Cary, N.C.
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