Elk Grove Village Ceases Unique Sponsorship Of Bahamas Bowl

Elk Grove Village had a March 1 deadline from ESPN Productions on whether to do the sponsorship againESPN IMAGES

Elk Grove Village (Ill.) officials have "decided not to re-up for a third year" the "unconventional sponsorship" of the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl, according to Christopher Placek of the Chicago DAILY HERALD. Elk Grove Mayor Craig Johnson, who originally had the idea for the sponsorship, said, "Like any marketing plan, it evolves, it changes. The feeling of the (village) board was it's time to look for another way to promote this community." Placek notes the village had a March 1 deadline from ESPN Productions on "whether to do the sponsorship again." Johnson believes the initial $300,000 deal to sponsor the '18 game "served the intended goal of gaining worldwide exposure for the village and its industrial park." ESPN had a third-year option for an increased price of $315,000, but John said that the higher cost "didn't have anything to do with their decision" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 3/11).