Eckrich, the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and perfectly seasoned deli meats, and the University of Southern California Trojans (USC) have announced a two-year partnership for Eckrich to become the Official Smoked Sausage & Deli Meat of the USC Trojans. Eckrich also announced a two-year partnership in which it will become the Official Smoked Sausage of the Florida Gators.

Eckrich and USC will highlight the official partnership throughout the football season to inspire Trojan fans to tailgate or "home-gate" with Eckrich smoked sausage and deli meats. Eckrich will have a presence across USC’s social, digital and radio platforms and will offer local consumers opportunities to win tickets to a selected game throughout the season.

In addition, Eckrich will host a $1 Million Challenge at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as part of the Road to the National Championship sweepstakes, for the fourth consecutive season. This year’s featured game is on Nov. 24, when the Trojans will host Notre Dame. Fans can visit www.EckrichFootball.com to register for a chance to go on the field and throw for $1 million during a break in the game action.

“We are incredibly excited to be the Official Smoked Sausage & Deli Meat of the USC Trojans,” said Mike Paribello, senior director of marketing Smithfield Foods. “College football is a deep-rooted passion for consumers across generations and brings friends and families together each and every Saturday to celebrate their favorite team around the foods they love. Eckrich is excited to be at the center of that celebration. The Trojans have a storied football history and a very passionate fan base, and we look forward to connecting Eckrich with USC students, alumni, fans and families in the coming season.”

Jeanne Vetter, associate general manager, corporate partnerships, at Fox Sports Media Group and USC’s property rights holder, said, “We are thrilled to extend our relationship with Eckrich for the next two years. Eckrich is a perfect fit for Trojan fans when they get together for tailgates or to watch the team any time it takes the field.”

Eckrich and the Gators will highlight the official partnership throughout the football season to inspire Gator fans to tailgate or home-gate with Eckrich smoked sausage. Eckrich will have a presence across Florida’s social, digital, radio and TV platforms and will offer local consumers opportunities to win tickets to a selected game throughout the season.

For the first time, Eckrich will host the $1 Million Challenge at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as part of its Road to the National Championship sweepstakes. The feature game will take place on Oct. 6, when the Gators will host Louisiana State University. Fans can visit www.EckrichFootball.com to register for a chance to throw for $1 million during that game as well.

“We are thrilled to have Eckrich as a partner for the next two years,“ said Lee Douglas, general manager, Florida IMG Sports Marketing, the Gators’ property rights holder. “Eckrich is a perfect fit for Gator fans as our fanbase is among the best in the country when it comes to hosting tailgates or any time fans get together to watch the Gators play.”