Thursday, August 2, 2018

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Great Northwest Athletic Conference has entered into a partnership with Dallas, Texas-based Steel Curtain U to assist the conference in securing partnerships with corporate sponsors throughout the conference’s footprint.

“We are excited to welcome Darin David and Steel Curtain U to the GNAC team,” said conference commissioner Dave Haglund. “Darin has a wide and varied background in sponsorships and marketing and comes highly recommended by others in the industry. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Steel Curtain U will be tasked with identifying corporate partners across the conference’s many assets, including championships, digital and social media, awards and special events along with creating business opportunities with member institutions.

A division of Steel Curtain Consulting, Steel Curtain U specializes in sponsorship procurement for college conferences, particularly at the NCAA Division II levels. Steel Curtain U now helps drive revenue and builds partnerships for eight Division II conferences.

“We are honored to represent the GNAC in driving new partnership opportunities,” said David, Steel Curtain U president. “Besides reaching one of the broadest regions of any NCAA Division II conference and providing a strong footprint in the Pacific Northwest, Dave Haglund and his team carry a wealth of experience and a strong reputation in college sports. The GNAC is a very attractive property for brands.”

About The GNAC: Founded in 2001 and based in Portland, Ore., the Great Northwest Athletic Conference is comprised of 11 full-member schools in five Western states and one Canadian province. Over its 17 years, the GNAC has experienced an unparalleled level of success with over 100 teams advancing to NCAA Division II national competition. Full members of the GNAC include the University of Alaska Anchorage, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Central Washington University (Ellensburg), Concordia University (Portland, Ore.), Montana State University Billings, Northwest Nazarene University (Nampa, Idaho), Saint Martin’s University (Lacey, Wash.), Seattle Pacific University, Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, B.C.), Western Oregon University (Monmouth) and Western Washington University (Bellingham). Affiliate members in football include Azusa Pacific University (Azusa, Calif.) and Humboldt State University (Arcata, Calif.).

About Steel Curtain U: A division of Steel Curtain Consulting, Steel Curtain U is a leader in sports and entertainment sponsorships and marketing. With more than 80 years of combined experience, the SSC team of industry veterans is adept at building relationships, developing impactful relationships and increasing revenue for clients. Steel Curtain U specializes in college sports marketing, representing nine NCAA Division II and two NAIA conferences.