Goodyear extends backing of Cotton Bowl Classic

US tyre manufacturer Goodyear has extended its title sponsorship of annual college American football showpiece the Cotton Bowl Classic.

The multi-year renewal was announced yesterday (Thursday) by the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association and sports broadcaster ESPN. The game will continue to be officially titled the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.

In addition to multimedia support across all ESPN platforms, the new deal will highlight the Goodyear Blimp as the preferred aerial provider for College GameDay and key college football games on ESPN.

As a member of the ‘New Year's Six’ – the top bowl games included in the College Football Playoff Semifinal rotation – the Cotton Bowl Classic will host a top matchup annually, including a College Football Playoff Semifinal in 2018.

Dan Novakov, chairman of the Cotton Bowl Classic, said: “Goodyear has proven to be the perfect partner for the Cotton Bowl Classic, and from the top down, you see a level of quality, commitment and excellence that raises the profile of our game.”

Scott Rogers, chief marketing officer of Goodyear North America, added: “This further strengthens the connection between Goodyear and college football fans where the presence of the Goodyear Blimp overhead at college stadiums for the past 60 years has paid tremendous brand benefits.”

The most recent Cotton Bowl Classic was staged at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on December 31 last year and saw Alabama defeat Michigan State 38-0.