[024]PEPSI WINS CONTRACT, REPLACES COKE ON THE MTSU CAMPUS

PEPSI WINS CONTRACT, REPLACES COKE ON THE MTSU CAMPUS

July 25, 2008

MURFREESBORO–Middle Tennessee State University has agreed in principle with Pepsi Bottling Group on a five-year contract for pouring rights on the Murfreesboro campus. Fans will see ads and vending machines for Pepsi products, including Mountain Dew, 7 Up, Squirt, Aquafina, Propel, Tropicana, Life Water, Lipton and Gatorade.
The five-year agreement, which is still being finalized and is expected to be signed in early August, is renewable for an additional five years. Coca-Cola Bottling just ended a 10-year tenure on campus.
“We hope to have 95 percent of the Pepsi machines on campus changed out by the end of July,” said Joe Hugh, assistant vice president for procurement services at Middle Tennessee. “Part of the requirement was to replace all of the equipment on campus and guarantee that the commissions would be as great as they were last year with Coke. So far Pepsi has been on top of everything we’ve asked them to do.”
Beth Stone, key account manager for Pepsi Bottling, said the contract gives her company a unique opportunity to provide service to Middle Tennessee students and fans on campus.
“We’re very excited about this new partnership with the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders,” Stone said. “It’s a huge deal for Pepsi and the community of Murfreesboro. This contract allows Pepsi Bottling Group to serve a healthier-for-you portfolio of beverages to students and fans both on and off campus.”
George Zimmerman, director of concessions in the athletic department, is working with Pepsi to replace all of the fountain machines and menu boards in the athletic facilities. All of the stadium signage as well as other signage around the facilities must also be replaced.
“It’s a significantly better sponsorship in terms of cash and partnership possibilities,” Chris Massaro, director of athletics, said. “They really wanted the property and showed that with their aggressiveness in the bidding process. It creates more revenue through corporate sponsorships and integrated business deals in today’s difficult economy.”

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