Gaylord drops lead sponsorship of Music City Bowl

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Gaylord drops lead sponsorship of Music City Bowl

Written by Administrator

Tuesday, 19 January 2010 15:34

Franklin American Mortgage is reportedly taking over the Music City Bowl title sponsorship next year in a four-year deal that will replace Gaylord Hotels as the game's lead sponsor.

Scott Ramsey, executive director of the Music City Bowl, says Gaylord's will continue to be one of the bowl's major sponsors and praised the company's longstanding support of the event.

"It's a very positive transition," Ramsey says. "We wouldn't be here today without Gaylord's support."

Ramsey adds that there has been a conscious effort to broaden support for the bowl by bringing in new sponsors such as Franklin American.

In a statement, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean acknowledged he has met with Franklin American officials regarding a possible deal.

“I have met with Dan Crockett of Franklin American Mortgage, and I am aware of their interest in stepping up to support the Music City Bowl,” Dean says. “It is an endorsement of the event, of Nashville and the successes the bowl has achieved in 11 short years.”

Gaylord Hotels has sponsored the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl at LP Field since 2002. The following year, Bridge stone signed on as presenting sponsor.

Gaylord has been buffeted by the economy and a drop in corporate travel, and has taken steps to cut costs by freezing salaries, cutting staff and curtailing travel. Last year, Gaylord’s earnings plunged 96 percent to $4.4 million from $111.9 million.

In February, the company cut 350 jobs, about 3.5 percent of its work force, including about 180 positions in Nashville.

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