Aug. 26—CHAMPAIGN — Illinois' Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced another sponsorship with Caterpillar Inc., on Wednesday. The multi-year agreement includes featuring the Caterpillar logo on the 25-yard lines of Zuppke Field at Gies Memorial Stadium.
"We are proud to align with Caterpillar — a company, like the University, with a long and storied connection to the great state of Illinois — and introduce this groundbreaking sponsorship, highlighted by the first on-field logo at Gies Memorial Stadium," Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said in an official release. "As we expand our sponsorship portfolio to meet the opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics, it is important that we find partners with shared history and common values.
"Both Fighting Illini Athletics and Caterpillar have a proud legacy and respected reputation in the state of Illinois, and we are each experiencing sustained growth and success. I want to thank Caterpillar for their collaboration, and we look forward to building our relationship in the years ahead."
Caterpillar's sponsorship will also include game-day statistics on the Memorial Stadium videoboard. Caterpillar will also be allowed to use Fighting Illini logos, marks and imagery in its own marketing and advertising.
"Caterpillar's roots in Illinois run deep, and this sponsorship strengthens our connection to the people and communities that have helped shape our success," Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Joe Creed said. "Illinois Athletics provides a powerful platform to engage students, alumni, customers and fans while showcasing the spirit of innovation, excellence and teamwork our organizations share. It also helps us inspire the next generation of talent who will help solve our customers' toughest challenges."
Illinois previously agreed to a five-year, $30 million deal with Busey Bank to serve as the primary jersey sponsor for Illini football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's golf, soccer, volleyball, baseball and softball.
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