University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Teams With Kroger to Shoot Out Hunger
December 05, 2003 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 5, 2003
With the holiday season approaching, last month the University of Tennessee Athletic Department, Kroger and the Second Harvest Food Bank partnered together to help "Shoot Out Hunger."
Kroger shoppers from Pigeon Forge to Crossville received four tickets to Tennessee's game against the Southeastern All-Stars November 14 anytime they purchased a "Can Hunger Food Box" at Kroger for $7.
Kroger shoppers purchased more than 1100 pre-packaged boxes, called "Can Food Hunger Boxes," and attended the Tennessee-Southeastern All-Stars game where the "Can Food Hunger Boxes" donation was presented to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Actively involved as the spokesperson for the campaign, head basketball coach Buzz Peterson recognized Kroger shoppers' efforts in helping others. "It is important to be involved in the community and to help out with Second Harvest Food Bank any way we can," said Peterson. "This is a great opportunity that the people at Kroger have helped us put together to help those less fortunate in our community."
In addition to the "Shoot Out Hunger" promotion, Kroger was one of several Tennessee Corporate Partners to sponsor the "25 Millionth Fan" promotion. Keith Walls, the "Fan of the Game" for the Marshall game received a $2,500 gift certificate from Kroger, as well as a 25-inch television courtesy of Philips Magnavox, a $250 Big Orange checking account from First Tennessee Bank, and $250 worth of gift certificates from Bread Box, Goody's and World Travel. The "Fan of the Game" for each of the other home games received a $250 gift certificate from Kroger.
The Kroger Company, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is one of the largest retail food companies in the United States. Kroger's broad sponsorship of the Vols and Lady Vols is recognized through signage at Neyland Stadium, courtside signage at Thompson-Boling Arena, game day programs, ticket backs, Lady Vol schedule cards, radio spots, public address announcements, and various other promotional opportunities.
Prior to the Mississippi State-Tennessee game this year, Hunter McWilliams, Knoxville Kroger Area Zone Manager, and Gary Rzucidlo, Vice President of Sales for Coca-Cola, presented a check for $25,000 for the Volunteer Athletic Scholarship Fund to Director of Athletics Mike Hamilton.
During football and basketball season, Kroger teamed with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company to offer fans a free 20 ounce Coca-Cola product on the back of the game ticket redeemable at any Kroger location. Kroger invites fans to enjoy Tennessee baseball for free with the "Kroger Plus Card" promotion. During baseball season, every Wednesday game is "Kroger Plus Card Day" or "Kroger Plus Card Night." Fans showing their Kroger Plus Card at the Lindsey Nelson Stadium Ticket Office receive free admission to the game.
The University of Tennessee Athletic Department values its relationship with the Kroger Company and recognizes Kroger for their involvement and generous support of Tennessee Athletics. T
