The multi-year sponsorship integrates SONIC into SEC Network programming along with a special focus on the “SEC on ABC” franchise
Today, SONIC Drive-In, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and SEC Network announced a new, multi-year sponsorship agreement, making SONIC the “Official Quick Service Restaurant of the SEC.” The deal, which officially kicked off July 1, will primarily focus on SEC football programming and productions across SEC Network, ABC and ESPN.
“SONIC has been connected to college and professional sports throughout our 70-year history, and we couldn’t be prouder to once again join our fans on the field as the Official Quick Service Restaurant partner of the SEC,” said Ryan Dickerson, Chief Marketing Officer of SONIC. “With its expended footprint, the SEC is now even closer to so many of our amazing guests and team members across the Southeast, and we look forward to bringing more fun to them and to college football this season. Whether we’re living it up with fans at the pre-game tailgate or showing off with the most craveable food at the afterparty, we’ll be there for the action all season long.”
The sponsorship includes integration of SONIC in SEC programming through commercial spots that will air during the new “SEC on ABC” college football franchise and ABC/ESPN Noon College Football windows, while also running on SEC Network.
“At Disney, we’re passionate about developing unique opportunities for brands to connect with college football fans everywhere, and this season we are thrilled to welcome SONIC Drive-In as the Official Quick Service Restaurant of the SEC,” said Andrew Messina, SVP of Sales, Disney Advertising. “With SONIC on board, the fan experience will reach new heights for SEC fans across all Disney platforms.”
SONIC will also activate on-site through SEC Nation, the network’s traveling football pre-game show, in addition to other activation opportunities throughout the season.
“We are pleased to welcome Sonic as an official sponsor of the Southeastern Conference,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “The SEC sponsor program is important to the mission of supporting SEC athletics programs and their student-athletes. The addition of Sonic strengthens an already robust family of sponsors for the Conference and we look forward to the participation of Sonic in our programming and championship events.”
About SONICâ Drive-In
SONIC, founded in 1953, is the largest drive-in restaurant brand in the United States, with more than 3,500 restaurants in 47 states. SONIC is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit SONICDriveIn.com and InspireBrands.com.
About the Southeastern Conference
A pioneer in the integration of higher education and athletic competition, the Southeastern Conference is a leader for intercollegiate athletics in the 21st century. Since its formation in 1933, the SEC has achieved stature and stability by designating governing/voting power to the presidents of the member institutions. These university leaders determine the policies of the conference and through the years this involvement has been the principal source of strength in the evolution of the SEC. Throughout its history, the SEC has provided leadership on the vital issues facing intercollegiate competition. Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Tennessee and Vanderbilt have been in the SEC since its formation in 1933. The league has expanded three times, adding Arkansas and South Carolina in 1991, Missouri and Texas A&M in 2012, and Oklahoma and Texas 2024.
About SEC Network
The Southeastern Conference and ESPN launched SEC Network on August 14, 2014. The network televises hundreds of games across the SEC’s 21 sports annually. Programming includes in-depth analysis and storytelling in studio shows such as SEC Nation, Marty & McGee, Out Of Pocket, Read & React and Rally Cap, daily news and information with The Paul Finebaum Show and SEC Now, original content such as the Emmy Award-winning TrueSouth, SEC Storied and SEC Inside, and more. Hundreds of additional live events are available for streaming exclusively on SEC Network’s digital companion, SEC Network+, via the ESPN App and SECNetwork.com. Follow SEC Network on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter/X.
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Media Contacts:
SEC Network:
Amanda Brooks at Amanda.D.Brooks@espn.com and @BrooksAD
Katie Callahan at Katie.Callahan@espn.com and @CallahanKatie1
Disney Ad Sales:
Kristen Smith at Kristen.T.Smith@Disney.com
SONIC:
Brent Burke at SonicDriveInPR@inspirebrands.com