The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians last week announced a sponsorship deal with the University of Southern California. Under the terms of the agreement, the Pechanga Resort Casino is now the official resort and casino of the USC Trojans and an official partner of the USC athletic department.
The deal also establishes a university-tribal education alliance and creates an annual scholarship fund.
“We are very excited about the scholarship fund and the opportunity to establish and deepen a formal relationship between the Tribe and the University,” said Pechanga Band Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro in a statement. “This partnership will result in new and meaningful enrichment opportunities for Native youth.”
The educational alliance is unique to other partnerships between California casinos and PAC-12 schools through an additional $200,000 per year committed by the Tribe for students’ higher education goals.
“We are thrilled to announce this inspiring partnership with Pechanga Resort and Casino,” said USC athletic director Mike Bohn in a statement. “Their commitment to community initiatives and cause marketing is aligned with our campus values and represents the foundation upon which this alliance is built. The future of our partnership is so bright because of our shared dedication to the development of young people and positively impacting our community. This relationship is much more than the typical sponsorship agreement, and we are extremely excited to set a new industry standard in this space.”
The Pechanga and USC partnership extends across the NCAA college football season, men’s and women’s basketball season, the USC Trojans Radio Network, digital and social platforms, USC Athletics and extensive community outreach and initiatives. Pechanga’s logos also will be displayed inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, home of USC Trojans football.
“Pechanga has a very long and proud history of giving back to the community,” said Pechanga Development Corporation President Andrew Masiel, Sr., in a statement. “… To be able to contribute to students’ next chapters in life so they can become the doers and leaders of tomorrow, this is where our hearts are. We are honored to know our contribution and this partnership will resonate throughout our Southern California community for years to come.”
