Lycoming News

The University of Pennsylvania's Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the Tri-State Toyota Dealers Association. This deal designates Toyota as the exclusive presenting sponsor of the 2024 Cathedral Classic Invitational, which will occur this weekend at The Palestra in Philadelphia. The partnership also extends to Penn's men's and women's basketball programs.

Alanna Wren, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W'69 Director of Athletics, expressed enthusiasm about the expanded collaboration: "We are pleased to expand our current Penn Relays partnership with Toyota through the Cathedral Classic Invitational and our men's and women's basketball programs." She acknowledged Paul Muller and the Tri-State Toyota Dealers for their continued support, noting their excitement for involvement in Penn sports events.

The 2024 Cathedral Classic Invitational is an NCAA-sanctioned multi-team event featuring four teams—Penn, Elon, Maine, and Navy—that will compete over three days during Thanksgiving weekend. The event marks its third year at The Palestra and is part of the lead-up to its centennial celebration in 2026-27.

Toyota's sponsorship builds on an existing relationship with Penn Athletics that began in 2020 with "The Penn Relays Series, presented by Toyota". Paul Muller, President of the Tri-State Toyota Dealers Association, stated: "The Tri-State Toyota Dealers Association is very proud to become the presenting sponsor of men's and women's basketball at Penn with this new addition to our partnership with Penn Athletics."

Muller further commented on Toyota's commitment to community-driven events: "Toyota has always been committed to supporting community-driven events that bring people together... we're not only celebrating the spirit of competition but also helping elevate Toyota's support behind incredible athlete competitions taking place on a national stage at one of Philadelphia's treasured institutions."

This sponsorship was facilitated by JMI Sports, which holds exclusive multimedia rights for Penn Athletics.

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