The Fort Worth-based Armed Forces Bowl will now be known as the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. Lockheed Martin, a defense and technology company wiht major operations in Fort Worth, signed an agreement as the new title sponsor of the postseason collegiate football game. The company made the announcement Feb. 7. The initial agreement will be for three years through the 2016 bowl game, with an option to extend for a longer period. Lockheed Martin replaces Bell Helicopter, which had been the title sponsor since 2006. Bell Helicopter will remain as a sponsor at a lower level.
The bowl game is owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television, a subsidiary of ESPN.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Lockheed Martin on board as the title sponsor of our event,” commented Brant Ringler, executive director of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, in a news release. “Their deep commitment to the armed services is a perfect fit with everything our bowl stands for. Having a world-renowned, local company involved with our game is going to be great for North Texas area football fans, participating universities and their fans; and most importantly the armed forces community we honor,” he said. Lockheed Martin has more than 15,000 employees in North Texas, primarily at its Aeronautics business headquarters in Fort Worth and its Missiles and Fire Control business headquarters in Grand Prairie. Support for military members and veterans is a core component of Lockheed Martin’s philanthropy and volunteerism efforts, according to the company.
“Sponsoring the Armed Forces Bowl is one way for Lockheed Martin to support the men and women who bravely serve our nation and defend our freedoms,” said Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed Martin chairman, president and CEO in a news release. “In addition to supporting the bowl game that often features the military academies, the event promotes recruiting for tomorrow’s armed forces, provides needed support for wounded warriors, and recognizes the selfless service of our veterans from every branch of service. These are missions that we believe are important and are proud to support.” This year’s 12th annual Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl will feature a school from the American Athletic Conference versus the U.S. Military Academy, pending eligibility. The game will be played at Amon G. Carter Stadium on the campus of Texas Christian University, on a date and time to be announced later this spring. After the U.S. Naval Academy’s participation in 2013, the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl became the first postseason bowl game to host all three services academies. The bowl has previously hosted Mountain West Conference member U.S. Air Force Academy (2007-2009, 2012) as well as the U.S. Military Academy (2010). With six wins, Army will return to Fort Worth this fall.
–Betty Dillard bdillard@bizpress.net