The Big South Conference today announced that it has developed a three-year partnership with Choice Hotels International through 2006. The agreement will make Choice Hotels the Official Hotel Partner of the Big South Conference.

Choice Hotels` involvement with the League will include a grassroots presence in all nine Big South markets. The company will receive signage and print space for all of the League`s championships, including television-visible signage at the Big South`s Men`s and Women`s Basketball Championships. The multi-brand company will also serve as the title sponsor for the League`s Players of the Week for all sports.
“We are thrilled to form this new partnership with the Big South Conference,” said Donald Crawford, director of sports marketing for Choice Hotels. “This opportunity will not only strengthen and enhance our network of collegiate sports partners, but also extend our reach in markets where our franchisees will greatly benefit.”

Choice Hotels International is one of the world`s largest lodging franchisors, marketing more than 5,000 hotels open or under development in 48 countries and territories under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge, and Rodeway Inn brand names. For more information on Choice, visit the company`s web site at www.choicehotels.com.

“We`re delighted to have all of the Choice Hotels brands on board as the Official Hotel Partner of the Big South,” Big South Commissioner Kyle B. Kallander said. “Just like the Big South Conference and its member institutions, the Choice Hotels properties are all committed to excellence, and we believe this will be the beginning of a long term partnership.”

The Big South, a NCAA Division I Conference, is celebrating 20 years of excellence in academics and athletics. Comprised of nine member institutions throughout the Southeast, the Big South continues to be a national leader both on the field through its 18 championship sports and in the classrooms of its nationally accredited members. Birmingham-Southern College, Charleston Southern University, Coastal Carolina University, High Point University, Liberty University, Radford University, UNC Asheville, Virginia Military Institute and Winthrop University comprise the 20-year-old-League, which is based in Charlotte, N.C. The Big South is online at www.BigSouthSports.com.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge, and Rodeway Inn are the proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International Inc.

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