When it comes to national sports teams, we’re all familiar with corporate sponsorships – Miller Park, Coors Field, Pepsi Center and US Cellular Field are just several examples.
A few you might not be so familiar with include Schwanger Bros. Field, SmileMaker Dental Field and Discovery Federal Credit Union Gym. That’s because these are all high school facilities.
In an effort to help struggling school budgets across the country, districts are seeking financial help from corporations who are willing to pay for a little advertising exclusivity.
Market Street Sports Group of Lancaster, PA is a sports marketing firm that helps “form long-term relationships with sponsors that share our dedication to community.” In addition to athletic facilities, Market Street can negotiate “sponsorship opportunities” for almost anything with a physical presence on campus — libraries, administration buildings, cafeterias, conference rooms, guidance offices, nurse’s offices, art rooms, photo labs, band rooms and chorus spaces.
This new trend obviously creates some unease and raises ethical questions. Commercial Alert, a nonprofit activist group in Washington states,
“One after another, schools across America are dedicating themselves not to role models, but instead to corporations. Instead of promoting character and honor, they are pushing products and the self-indulgence of the commercial culture.” – MSNBC
Do you feel that letting advertisers claim exclusivity to high school and even elementary school campuses is a harmless way to add funding to school budgets? Or, does it allow too much commercialization in a space where our children are being educated?
Would you market your premium food to a high school this way?
