UF's Gator Growl, billed as the world's largest student-run pep rally, will be backed by "the Network" this fall.
Aron Weingard, Gator Growl 2007's producer, said a sponsorship deal with Verizon Wireless was finalized Aug. 30. Verizon will be the title sponsor for the 2007 and 2008 productions, giving Gator Growl ,112,500 over those two years.
If the contract continues, Verizon will shell out more than ,250,000 over a four-year period.
Weingard said ,50,000 would be used this year. He said the money would be used in many ways but didn't offer any specific uses.
Verizon's sponsorship will bring several changes to Gator Growl, he said. The official title of the production, "Gator Growl 2007: Nation of Champions presented by Verizon Wireless," was changed to reflect the sponsorship.
Verizon was also incorporated into the Gator Growl logo and will be featured on fliers and billboards for the production.
No commercials will be shown during Gator Growl, Weingard said.
"We wanted to be as tasteful as possible while giving them an opportunity to advertise," he said.
Shelley Meyer, wife of Gators Football Coach Urban Meyer, will also be hosting the event.
