The University of Southern California has announced the signing of a partnership with Pechanga. A first of its kind deal for the state, the agreement sees the establishment of 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 Mark Macarro, tribal chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. “This partnership will result in new and meaningful enrichment opportunities for Native youth.”
Per the agreement, The Pechanga Resort Casino becomes the official resort and casino of the USC Trojans as well as the official partner of USC Athletics. Through the establishment of the education alliance, Pechanga will commit $200,000 per year to aid in furthering student’s higher education goals.
“Pechanga has a very long and proud history of giving back to the community. I love going to USC games because they’re an experience,” added Andrew Masiel, senior president of the Pechanga Development Corporation.
“The energy, physical ability and dedication the student-athletes exude week after week is what we hope to show our own Pechanga youth. And 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.”
Pechanga’s logos and other branding will be found in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the home stadium of the USC Trojans. The agreement will include other sports conducted by the university including men’s and women’s basketball.
“We are thrilled to announce this inspiring partnership with Pechanga Resort and Casino. 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,” stated the university’s director of athletics, Mike Bohn.
He concluded: “This relationship is much more than the typical sponsorship agreement, and we are extremely excited to set a new industry standard in this space. We’re grateful to Pechanga leadership for supporting our university and student-athletes.”
