Goodyear renews sponsorship of college football's Cotton Bowl

AKRON — Goodyear will be part of the Cotton Bowl for several years to come.

The Akron-based tire maker, in collaboration with the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, announced recently that it had reached a multi-year agreement to renew its title sponsorship of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.

The University of Alabama defeated the University of Cincinnati, 27-6, in this year's game, played Dec. 31. This year's matchup was part of college football playoff semifinal. The University of Georgia defeated the University of Michigan, 34-11, in the other college football playoff semifinal, held in the Orange Bowl in Miami.

No. 1 Alabama will meet No. 3 Georgia for the national championship on Jan. 10.

The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic is a member of the "New Year's Six," the top bowl games included in the college football playoff semifinal rotation. With the agreement, the Cotton Bowl will also host a semifinal game in 2024.

"Much like the Cotton Bowl, Goodyear has long been connected to college football by enhancing the gameday experience, whether it's through aerial coverage from the blimp or the larger-than-life tire art statues" said Todd Macsuga, general manager of brand marketing for Goodyear North America. "This agreement is a continuation of our commitment to the sport and allows us to celebrate the drive it takes to compete in college football's biggest matchups for years to come."

In addition, Goodyear extended its agreement with Disney advertising sales on behalf of ESPN to be the preferred aerial coverage provider for college football and the exclusive aerial coverage provider of the playoff semifinals and National Championship, televised on ESPN.

Goodyear has sponsored the Cotton Bowl since 2014.

Bry Patton, chairman of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, said "the sponsorship extension demonstrates a history of shared values between Goodyear and the Cotton Bowl Classic, as we strive towards providing college football fans with an unforgettable experience year after year."

This year, Goodyear once again created mascot statues of the participating teams, composed of its tires.

This year's tire art statues feature Alabama's mascot, Big Al, and Cincinnati's mascot, the Bearcat. Each is nearly 7 feet tall and weighs more than 200 pounds each, constructed from more than 300 Goodyear tires and 14,000 hidden staples.

Goodyear commissioned artist and former minor league baseball player Blake McFarland to handcraft the unique statues for the fifth straight year.