Eckrich Partners with College Football Playoff

Eckrich, a brand of Smithfield Foods, has launched a multifaceted college football campaign led by a partnership with the College Football Playoff to become the Official Smoked Sausage and Deli Meat sponsor of the 2017 College Football Playoff.

Eckrich, based in Lisle, Ill., is launching the Road to the National Championship sweepstakes where 14 lucky fans around the country will have the chance to throw for $1 million at some of the biggest college football games of the year, including the 2017 National Championship Game in Tampa, Fla. Fans can look for specially marked packaged of Eckrich Smoked Sausage and go to online to enter for their chance to win.

As the Official Smoked Sausage and Deli Meat sponsor of the College Football Playoff, Eckrich will have use of the College Football Playoff logos to promote the Road to the National Championship sweepstakes through experiential marketing, public relations and special-edition packaging on select Eckrich products.

"College football continues to grow and host some of the most exciting sporting events across the country," says Chuck Gitkin, senior vice president, marketing, at Smithfield Foods. "Eckrich has been involved with college football through a relationship with ESPN College GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit the past nine years. We are now thrilled to launch the Eckrich Road to the National Championship campaign which will allow us to connect with even more college football fans from August to January, both in-store and at the game."

"We are happy to welcome Eckrich to our sponsor family," says Bill Hancock, executive director, College Football Playoff. "College football fans will enjoy this interactive promotion and will be grateful for the opportunity to engage with their favorite sport throughout the season and at the National Championship Game.