University of Hartford: Newman’s Own Joins as America East Championship Title Sponsor in First-Ever Combined Tournament

We received the following press release from the University of Hartford:

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. ― The America East Conference, the University of Hartford, and Newman's Own, Inc. announced today that Newman's Own, Inc. will serve as the title sponsor of the 2010 America East Men's and Women's Basketball Championship, slated for March 4-7, 2010 at the University of Hartford. It is the first time in conference history that the men's and women's tournament will be combined at the same venue.

“We are proud to welcome Newman's Own to the America East team as the title sponsor of our basketball championship,” said Patrick Nero, commissioner of America East. “Newman’s Own is the perfect partner for America East. We ask our student-athletes to be champions not only in academics and athletics, but in leadership as well. Newman's Own, with its commitment to community and philanthropy, consistently demonstrates the highest standards of true leadership.”

The Championship trio of America East, University of Hartford and Newman’s Own, Inc. will announce a plan later this year that will further cultivate the principles of community service, education and leadership among students from the nine conference campuses.

“I want to congratulate Pat and President Harrison for all they have done to land this event,” said Governor M. Jodi Rell. “It’s no secret that we love our basketball here in Connecticut. What makes the America East Tournament a truly wonderful event for our state is having one of Connecticut’s own, Newman’s Own, as the title sponsor. The University of Hartford and America East have made this postseason a win-win situation for the folks who run the region’s hotels, restaurants and car rentals. This March there will be double the games, double the fun and double the economic boost.”

Newman's Own, Inc. will also add a new item to the concession menu at the host institution's Chase Arena at Reich Family Pavilion at the University of Hartford in 2010: Newman's Own Thin & Crispy Crust frozen pizza, a successful addition to the company's portfolio.

“Pizza and basketball is a natural combination and so is this terrific partnership with the University of Hartford, the America East Conference and Newman's Own,” says Mike Havard, vice president, marketing at Newman's Own, Inc. “Consistent with our mission and the shared values of the partners, we look forward to working together on community service and leadership initiatives that will support and empower students to make a difference.”

Last season more than 35,000 fans attended the men’s and women’s basketball championships in Albany, NY and West Hartford, CT. This year’s championship planners at the University of Hartford anticipate large crowds at the Chase Arena at Reich Family Pavilion.

“The Championship is our opportunity to showcase not only the America East Conference but two Connecticut treasures, the University of Hartford and Newman's Own,” said Pat Meiser, director of athletics at the University of Hartford. “Inherent in our missions is to enrich the lives of others and staging the Championship in partnership with the America East is a wonderful way to reinforce that ideal. Bringing fans from eight geographic regions and six states throughout the northeast also gives us a chance to impact the local economy and show off the best the Greater Hartford region has to offer.”