Smithfield, Virginia-based Eckrich, the maker of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and deli meats, has continued its partnership as the Official Smoked Sausage and Deli Meat Sponsor of the College Football Playoff.
To kick off the 2021 season, Eckrich is launching a multifaceted campaign, including a social contest – College Football Playoff National Tailgate Champion – where one fan could win a trip to the 2022 CFP National Championship. The brand is also partnering with the CFP Foundation and its Extra Yard for Teachers initiative to host challenges at key games throughout the season for educators to win $1 million to fund education projects.
Starting on Aug. 23, fans can enter the contest by posting photos or videos of their tailgating or homegating masterpiece to social media using the hashtag #EckrichTailgate and tagging @EckrichMeats. The contest will run throughout the college football season and will conclude on Dec. 13.
In addition, for the third consecutive year, Eckrich is partnering with the CFP Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers program to celebrate teachers across the country. Fans can visit Eckrich.com/teachers to nominate their favorite educators to participate in the $1 Million Challenge, where selected teachers will attempt to make a 15-yard throw for their chance to win a $1 million donation to support either their school district or various DonorsChoose.org projects. And, to up the ante, Kirk Herbstreit, Emmy Award-winning ESPN/ABC college football analyst, and Marty Smith, a sports journalist for ESPN, will attempt throws at the 2022 national championship game toward a potential donation of another $1 million to Extra Yard for Teachers.
“The partnership between Eckrich and the College Football Playoff is one that we look forward to year after year,” said Rikki Ingram, director of marketing at Smithfield Foods. “Not only do we have the opportunity to support a great cause with the $1 Million Challenge in support of Extra Yard for Teachers, but through our partnership with the CFP, we also get to interact with college football enthusiasts all season long and inspire them with delicious recipes that they can share with their friends and family at their next tailgate. We’re really looking forward to crowning the first-ever ‘National Tailgate Champion’ at the national championship game in Indianapolis early next year.”
“I’m excited to be partnering with Eckrich for another year to support the $1 Million Challenge and, in turn, Extra Yard for Teachers,” said Herbstreit. “Being able to personally participate at the end of the season and to try to add to that big donation is a great experience as it assists the amazing educators in this country who dedicate endless resources into setting the next generation up for success. It’s so nice to be a part of a program that gives back in the magnitude that this one does.”
For more information about the College Football Playoff National Tailgate Champion presented by Eckrich, and to see a list of games where Eckrich will be participating, visit Eckrich.com/tailgate.
