LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The USC Athletics Department and Pechanga Resort Casino have announced a sponsorship agreement.
Under the deal, Pechanga was designated as ``the official Resort & Casino of the USC Trojans and an official partner of USC Athletics,'' the parties announced.
The deal also establishes a university-tribal education alliance and creates an annual scholarship fund, they said.
The partnership covers USC football, men's and women's basketball, the Trojans Radio Network, digital and social platforms, USC Athletics and extensive community outreach and cause-based initiatives, according to the joint announcement.
``Audiences will see Pechanga's logos and name inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum,'' the release said.
The partnership ``stands apart from other Pac-12 schools and California casinos and tribes with the establishment of the education alliance,'' they said.
Pechanga has committed an additional $200,000 per year ``to further students' higher education goals.''
The parties said they plan to share more details of the scholarship and education alliance in the weeks ahead, as well as additional support and involvement in special charitable causes.
``We are very excited about the scholarship fund and the opportunity to establish and deepen a formal relationship between the tribe and the university,'' said Mark Macarro, tribal chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians. ``This partnership will result in new and meaningful enrichment opportunities for native youth.''
Said USC Director of Athletics Mike Bohn: ``We are thrilled to announce this inspiring partnership with Pechanga Resort Casino. Their commitment to community initiatives and cause marketing is aligned with our campus values and represents the foundation upon which this alliance is built.
``The future of our partnership is so bright because of our shared dedication to the development of young people and positively impacting our community. This relationship is much more than the typical sponsorship agreement, and we are extremely excited to set a new industry standard in this space. We're grateful to Pechanga leadership for supporting our university and student-athletes.''