College Colors Day Sparks Football Fandom

Aug. 24, 2012

ESPN.com’s Pledge Your Allegiance to the School ballot

LAWRENCE, Kan. –A single week of fevered anticipation is all that separates Kansas football fans from the Jayhawks 2012 season opener. As kickoff approaches, fans can prove their long-awaited dedication on College Colors Day on Aug. 31.

An annual tradition, the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) created the event as a marketing initiative that showcases the rituals and traditions that are college football.

“It’s a really cool way to put that pageantry in front of our fans,” said Paul Vander Tuig, Kansas Director of Trademark Licensing. “It’s kind of a fun way to jump-start the season. It’s almost like an additional holiday, even though it’s right next to Labor Day. It still has that holiday feel within college athletics.”

Vander Tuig explained that the bottom line is getting fans on board with supporting the Jayhawks as they prepare to open the football season. College Colors Day spreads that enthusiasm to campuses across the country as schools compete to prove their allegiance.

ESPN’s Pledge Your Allegiance to the School campaign gives fans the platform to log in and vote for their school to determine who’s the best of the best. With a week remaining, Kansas checks in at 20th in the country and third among Big 12 schools.