Texas Longhorns Energy Has Arrived

By randyramirez in Blog on August 17, 2010 at 10:31 am | 2 Comments

The first affinity sponsorship between a university and an electric company, Texas Longhorns Energy, has launched. 

The electricity service, provided by Branded Retail Energy Company and powered by Champion Energy Services, will bring 100 percent renewable energy to UT fans in Texas’ deregulated areas (which do not include Austin). 

Each new account will provide funds to the University and UT Athletics to support their sustainability initiatives. Women’s Athletics Director Chris Plonsky believes the program will energize and galvanize UT fans. “They are passionate about things they can do on a daily basis to support this university,” she says.

Customers will not only support the University, they may get a few extra benefits themselves. Through marketing by IMG College, Athletics’ multimedia and sponsorship sales partner, customers will be offered discounts on Longhorn gear, opportunities for game tickets, and contests.

In a press conference at the Red McCombs Red Zone in Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Coach Mack Brown flipped the ceremonial switch and announced a contest to get fans interested. 

“I know our fans do a great job at calling plays,” Brown said, referencing the many e-mails he gets with suggestions. “We also need a little help with the pre-game talk.” At TexasLonghornsEnergyZone.com, fans can upload a video of their best pre-game talk. Then visitors can vote for their favorite video, and each week, Brown will play the best one for the team at their Thursday pre-game meeting. Brown says he’ll be sure to give the winner credit for the speech — especially if the team loses. The top speechwriter will also receive a football signed by Brown.

Also on the website, fans can enter to win a year of Texas Longhorns Energy, football tickets, or an autographed football.

Top: Men’s Athletics Director DeLoss Dodds, Longhorns football coach Mack Brown, Champion Energy Services president and CEO Scott Fordham, Women’s Athletics Director Chris Plonsky, and Branded Retail Energy CEO Jason Helms. Photo by Jim Sigmon/UT Athletics