UNLV's athletic department "hopes to make its sports sponsors into sports marketing partners," according to Alan Snel of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. UNLV Associate AD/External Relations Darryl Seibel said that the school's "goal is to have corporate sponsors such as Findlay Toyota or Boyd Gaming Corp. play the role of a marketing partner to help promote the Rebel sports brand and sell tickets." But Seibel stressed this strategy "is in its 'infant stage.'" Boyd Gaming Corporate Communications Dir David Strow "suggested the new tactic may have mutual benefits." Strow: "This is a good opportunity to promote UNLV football through discounted tickets to some of our customers and our employees." UNLV AD Tina Kunzer-Murphy said that IMG is paying $3.2M in FY '14-15 for the school's "media and sponsorship rights," as part of a 10-year deal, with three years still remaining. Snel noted to "boost UNLV sports, the athletic department hired staff after three marketing workers left in January in one day." The departures "haven’t been explained." About 120 sponsors, "including longtimers" Findlay Toyota, Boyd Gaming, Bank of America, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, and Born & Raised sports bar and restaurant, "support UNLV sports." New sponsors "include Cox Communications and Firehouse Subs" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 12/7).
