University Of Utah Announces ‘#ReinvestInU Campaign’ To Support Athletics

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The University of Utah athletic department announced the “#ReinvestInU Campaign” for fans to support the school’s athletic programs.

The campaign was announced by Utah athletic director Mark Harlan on Thursday, August 20.

“During these unprecedented times, many of us within Utah Athletics have reflected on just how fortunate we are to be surrounded by more than 500 dedicated, passionate and hard-working student-athletes as they pursue their dreams and aspirations,” Harlan said in a statement. “But we are also thinking of all of you, our most loyal supporters, who continually invest in our students’ academic and athletics success through your ticket purchases and donations. Thank you for always being there for our student-athletes, coaches and staff.”

On August 11, the Pac-12 Conference, of which Utah is a member of, announced that fall sports would be postponed.

Shortly after the announcement, Harlan issued a letter Utah players and fans.

“This has been an incredibly difficult time for our young people, and our primary concern is for the health, safety and well-being of the student-athletes, whose interest and needs we prioritize and serve on a daily basis. I want to take this opportunity to share with you a disappointing development for those student-athletes, as well as four our coaches, staff, the University and for all of you who support Utah Athletics so passionately,” Harlan wrote.

If you're able to reinvest your season ticket payment and annual contribution into a tax-deductible donation, you help support the needs of our student-athletes and help us emerge stronger together. We know we have the best fans in the country and we're grateful for your support! pic.twitter.com/4Y39dDRb7m

— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) August 20, 2020

On August 20, the Utah AD called on supporters of Utah Athletics to help navigate “an unprecedented financial challenge” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“As our student-athletes continue to do their part, we need to do ours. Utah Athletics, like many of our peers, is facing an unprecedented financial challenge as we navigate the impacts of this pandemic. At this time, we anticipate a $55-60 million revenue loss just in this fiscal year alone. We are prepared to weather this storm, in part because of your generosity through the years, along with difficult but necessary cost-saving measures within the department,” Harlan continued. “Your donations are essential to sustaining our academic success and preserving our competitive momentum for over 500 student-athletes,” Harlan wrote. “Donations, such as the season-ticket cost, are tax-deductible, and those made during this challenging time come with additional incentives, in appreciation for the financial commitment that we are asking of you.”

Thank you to all our ticket buyers and donors for your loyalty. We will need you now more than ever! https://t.co/NeJc5Y0rCG

— Mark Harlan (@MarkHarlan_AD) August 20, 2020

Those interested in supporting the Utes’ campaign and Utah Athletics can make donations via the school’s website.