UM's Coca-Cola Deal Includes Pouring Rights At New Stadium

Pending Coca-Cola Deal Would Include Pouring Rights To New Minnesota Stadium

The Univ. of Minnesota (UM) Board of Regents next week will vote on approving food, beverage and vending contracts "that will keep Coca-Cola as the exclusive on-campus beverage provider and pump an estimated $143.7[M] into the school’s coffers over roughly the next decade," according to Jeff Shelman of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. If the deal is approved, Coca-Cola also will have the pouring rights and “significant signage” for the school’s new TCF Bank Stadium. A new deal with Aramark “also includes the stadium.” Coca-Cola’s 10-year deal is worth at least $38M to the school, with $4M of that earmarked for UM athletic program sponsorships. Much of the money “from the Coke contract will go to funding student groups and programs” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/4). Aramark’s contract, which includes all dining services at the school, is worth $96M over 12 years (STAR TRIBUNE, 4/4).