Notre Dame, IN, August 31, 2023 — Notre Dame Athletics and Meijer proudly announce the 26th year of their partnership, which will be celebrated with a long-term extension and enhanced collaborations starting this fall. Beginning with the upcoming August 26th season opener against Navy in Dublin, Ireland, the marks of the iconic midwest retailer will now be featured on Notre Dame Football coaches’ headsets, further increasing brand visibility and reflecting the long-standing partnership.
“Our relationship with Meijer has been truly exceptional, and we are excited that it reflects a dedication to excellence,” shared Deputy Athletics Director, Jim Fraleigh. “As we enter this new phase, our commitment to family and community remains unwavering – values shared by both Notre Dame Athletics and Meijer.”
A range of year-round family-focused events will extend the partnership’s community impact. Kicking off next season, the Notre Dame Football Blue-Gold Game presented by Meijer will continue, setting the stage for various experiences, including dedicated family weekends. Noteworthy highlights include “Shop with a Notre Dame Football Player,” during #GivingTuesday, where Meijer double matches any Simply Give cards purchased, effectively tripling a customer’s contribution, and, most importantly, spreading holiday joy to the children of Northwest Indiana. Moreover, Meijer’s long-standing Simply Give program, which assists local food pantries year-round, remains integral to Notre Dame’s ongoing community outreach.
“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Notre Dame, an institution that represents both excellence and community service,” said Rick Keyes, Meijer President & CEO. “Our shared commitment to the community has united our brands for more than two decades, and we look forward to collaboratively making a positive impact across the region.”
This partnership was facilitated by Notre Dame Global Partnerships, a joint venture between Legends and JMI Sports.
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About Notre Dame Athletics
The University of Notre Dame sponsors 26 varsity athletics programs (13 men’s, 13 women’s), dating back to 1887 when the Irish played their first football game. Notre Dame won its 33rd and 34th and 35th national championship in 20232 when the Irish claimed the NCAA Fencing and Men’s Lacrosse Championship following previous titles in fencing (12) football (11 consensus), fencing (three men, one women, seven combined), women’s soccer (three), women’s basketball (two), men’s tennis (two), plus one each in men’s soccer, men’s golf and men’s cross country. Notre Dame student-athletes in 20231 recorded one of the highest NCAA Graduation Success Rate figures (97) among all Football Bowl Subdivision institutions. In the 2021 Olympic Games, the Irish sent an ACC-leading 21 current or former student-athletes to Tokyo (most in school history). Notre Dame football remains independent in terms of conference affiliation, but most other Irish sports began competing in the ACC in 2013-14.
About Notre Dame Global Partnerships
Notre Dame Global Partnerships (NDGP) serves as the sales, marketing, sponsorship, multimedia rights, and branding arm for the University of Notre Dame’s Athletics programs. Established in 2018 as a joint venture between JMI Sports and Legends, NDGP aims to forge integrated partnerships with industry-leading organizations that share Notre Dame’s commitment to academic and athletic excellence. Leveraging the university’s iconic status, NDGP creates innovative partnerships that engage fans, students, and alumni worldwide while honoring Notre Dame’s storied history and traditions.
Media Contacts:
Stacey Escudero, Legends, sescudero@legends.net