Casino Gives University of New Mexico Major Boost

The deal makes the casino the largest single corporate sponsor of the university's athletic teams ever.

The University of New Mexico has entered into an historic partnership with Route 66 Casino Hotel. The deal makes the casino the largest single corporate sponsor of the university's athletic teams ever.

The five-year agreement is worth $2.5 million, with an additional three-year option. Route 66 Casino  gets exclusive signage rights at University Stadium, where the Lobos play football, the Pit, which is the basketball arena, and other locations, including soccer fields and volleyball courts.

By agreeing to the deal, UNM guarantees the casino exclusive gambling sponsopship. Promotional activities at all sporting events will be available to the casino.

Disadvantaged children throughout the state will benefit from Route 66 Casino Hotel's sponsorship of the Send-A-Kid program, providing tickets for UNM games.

“This is a fabulous partnership,” said Paul Krebs, University of New Mexico Vice-President for Athletics. “Route 66 Casino Hotel has made a generous financial commitment to Lobo athletics; a commitment that will benefit hundreds of UNM student-athletes for many years.” 

This is a fine example of casinos integrating into the community and helping to use revenue to pay back the area in which they reside. For those concerned with the damage opening casinos might do, it would be instructive to look at casinos like Route 66 Casino Hotel, which are proud to be contributing members of society.