Raycom to Title Sponsor College Football All-Star Classic

Raycom Media, the parent company of this television station, and leaders of the City of Montgomery announced Wednesday that Raycom will be the title sponsor of the College Football All-Star Classic, a week-long college football all-star event to be played at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl.

The event will feature 100 of the nation’s top senior athletes. Former NFL head coaches are scheduled to coach the teams and will be announced at a later date. The game will be televised nationally on Jan. 19, 2013 at 2 p.m. (CT).

Executive Director Johnny Williams said the news was “tremendous”, calling Raycom a “perfect fit for our game,” and  adding that it’s a local sponsor that has a national reach. Raycom Media is based in Montgomery but owns or operates nearly 48 television stations in 18 states.

“We are excited to partner with The College Football All-Star Classic and support this first class event for the City of Montgomery,” said Raycom Media President and CEO, Paul McTear, Jr. “Raycom Media has the experience and assets to help this game become a highly anticipated annual event.” McTear added that the sponsorship is also a chance for the company to be a good corporate citizen.

Raycom is no stranger to sports broadcasting. The company owns Raycom Sports, a marketing, production and events management and distribution company in Charlotte, NC. It also owns Tupelo-Honey Productions, a Sports and Entertainment Production company based in New York), as well as Broadview Media, a post-production/digital signage company based in Montgomery. Also included in the company’s portfolio is the digital rights to Atlantic Coast Conference Athletics.

“Raycom is an established brand that has had a legendary presence in collegiate athletics…” Williams said. “We couldn’t be more fortunate that they bought into our vision and dream of what we’re trying to accomplish here in Montgomery…”

Williams said there are more than 15 other sponsors also onboard and said the sponsorship allows for a national footprint and the ability to look long term.

“Raycom has long been an outstanding corporate citizen in Montgomery,” said Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange. “We are fortunate Raycom is lending its resources and support to help ensure this football classic will be a success.”