LAFAYETTE – The University of Louisiana announced on Wednesday an agreement that designates Russell Athletic as “The Official Team Uniform and Apparel Outfitter” of Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics through 2012.  The three-year agreement includes equipment, apparel and cash. The all-inclusive outfitting agreement gives Russell Athletic, a subsidiary of Fruit of the Loom, exclusive rights to provide all game uniforms, apparel and accessories, all sport specific practice and training apparel, all team travel apparel and all applicable game equipment to each of the 16 UL athletic teams, coaches and administrators.
In addition, Russell will contractually provide an in-kind sponsorship fee to the University if any of the University’s athletic teams win a conference championship.  A cash-incentive fee will be paid to the athletic department if select sports reach specified levels of NCAA-post season play.
Other elements of the agreement include permanent signage as the “Official Team Uniform and Apparel Outfitter of Louisiana Athletics” at all athletic venues, Russell Athletic logo recognition on chair-back covers for both the men’s and women’s basketball team benches, two public address announcements during every home athletic contest, two video board promotional spots and full page ads in select game programs and media guides.
 
“Many of our athletic teams already wear Russell because they are a quality manufacturer of athletic apparel,” athletics director David Walker stated.
“We looked at proposals from all of the major outfitters and Russell provided the best partnership for the Ragin’ Cajuns athletic department.  They bring many things to the table, including exceptional product quality and superior customer relations.
“During these difficult economic times, this agreement is a tremendous benefit to the athletic department.”
The Cajuns football, volleyball, women’s basketball and softball teams already wore Russell uniforms during the 2008-09 season.
The partnership elevates the quality of the Ragin’ Cajuns athletic brand. Quality is a major factor with Russell and fans will now be able to share the on-field and on-court look by the Cajuns.  The agreement establishes Russell as the exclusive/official brand of authentic, replica, fashion, vintage and throwback jerseys, as well as sideline apparel.
Russell is associated with some premier teams and leagues across the nation.  Partners include the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams and Washington Redskins.  In addition, Russell is an official partner with the NAIA Football Championship, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, NBA & WNBA, Minor League Baseball and AVP Pro Beach Volleyball.
The Ragin’ Cajuns will help headline Russell’s collegiate affiliations along with Georgia Tech, Mississippi State and Sun-Belt rival Western Kentucky.
“Russell has a long successful history in athletics,” Walker added. “We see this agreement as a long-term benefit to all of our student-athletes, coaches and the entire athletic department.”
ABOUT RUSSELL ATHLETIC
Russell Athletic is a subsidiary of Fruit of the Loom, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company, with principle offices and manufacturing locations in Atlanta, Georgia and Alexander City, Alabama.  For more than 100 years, Russell Athletic has supplied America’s athletes and teams with the latest innovations to help them perform at their best and is a leading supplier of team uniforms at the high school, college, and professional level.  Russell Athletic activewear and college licensed products are broadly distributed and marketed through department stores, sports specialty stores,  retail chains, and college bookstores.  For more information, log onto www.russellathletic.com.