Allegiant Air Becomes Official Airline Sponsor of Notre Dame Athletics

Rhea-AI Summary

Allegiant Air (NASDAQ:ALGT) has secured a multi-year agreement to become the Official Airline Partner of Notre Dame Athletics. The partnership, designated as a Championship Partner status, marks a significant expansion of Allegiant's 20-year presence at South Bend International Airport (SBN).

The collaboration includes comprehensive brand integration across Notre Dame's athletic programs, featuring social and digital content, exclusive fan engagement initiatives, and transportation services for the university's athletic teams. Allegiant currently operates eight routes from South Bend, with new nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale launching soon.

Positive

• Strategic partnership with prestigious Notre Dame Athletics enhances brand visibility and market presence
• Expansion of services at South Bend International Airport with eight active routes
• New nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale adds revenue potential
• Exclusive Championship Partner status provides premium marketing exposure

Negative

• Financial terms of the multi-year agreement not disclosed
• Additional operational costs for new athletic team transportation services

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegiant Air and Notre Dame Global Partnerships (NDGP), the official multimedia rights holder for the University of Notre Dame Athletics Department, today announced they have proudly entered into a multi-year agreement designating Allegiant "The Official Airline Partner of Notre Dame Athletics."

The partnership demonstrates the airline's commitment to support the communities where its employees and customers live, work, and vacation. Allegiant started operations at South Bend International Airport (SBN) in 2005. This agreement demonstrates Allegiant's ongoing dedication to the South Bend community, and is one of several ways the airline is enhancing its presence and impact on the region.

"With a shared commitment to excellence, it is a natural fit for Allegiant to align our brand with Notre Dame Athletics," said Drew Wells, Allegiant's Chief Commercial Officer. "We have been flying Notre Dame students and alumni for two decades, and we know sports have the universal power to unite people with a common goal of celebrating their favorite teams. We're excited to expand our presence in the South Bend community and welcome The Fighting Irish on board."

By tapping into the unwavering spirit and loyalty of Notre Dame fans, Allegiant is fueling momentum to grow its presence and enhance nonstop travel options at South Bend International Airport (SBN).

Allegiant's recognition as a Championship Partner, NDGP's premier partner designation, will bring the brand to life across the university's athletic programs, creating memorable touchpoints for fans and athletes alike, including through social and digital content, and exclusive fan engagement initiatives. By aligning with Notre Dame's iconic identity and vibrant fanbase, Allegiant will deepen its brand presence and forge meaningful connections across the community.

As part of the partnership, Notre Dame Athletics will use Allegiant's services not only to offer fans, students, and alumni affordable and convenient travel options, but also to transport many of the university's athletic teams in the coming years.

"We're pleased to welcome Allegiant's partnership and mutual commitment to investing in the South Bend community," said Jim Fraleigh, Deputy Athletics Director, Corporate Relations. "We look forward to connecting generations of Fighting Irish across the country with affordable, reliable travel and unforgettable game-day experiences."     

The partnership launches in conjunction with the 2025 Notre Dame Fall sports seasons. Through localized engagement initiatives, regional promotions, and airport touchpoints, Allegiant is solidifying South Bend as a vital node in its national flight network. Adding to the exclusive designation as the "The Official Airline Partner of Notre Dame Athletics," Allegiant will connect fans with the team at various points during the collegiate sports seasons. Sweepstakes will also be specially designed to provide fans with unforgettable game day experiences.

Allegiant serves eight routes from South Bend International Airport (SBN), including the launch of nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale, Florida beginning later this week. The start of service is perfectly timed for fans traveling to see Notre Dame Football take on the University of Miami. Travelers can book their entire vacation on Allegiant for less at Allegiant.com.

This partnership is facilitated by Notre Dame Global Partnerships, a joint venture of Legends and JMI Sports, which manages the university's athletics sponsorships and multimedia rights.

About Notre Dame Athletics
The University of Notre Dame sponsors 26 varsity athletics programs (13 men's, 13 women's), dating back to 1887 when the Irish played their first football game. Notre Dame won its 33rd and 34th and 35th national championship in 20232 when the Irish claimed the NCAA Fencing and Men's Lacrosse Championship following previous titles in fencing (12) football (11 consensus), fencing (three men, one women, seven combined), women's soccer (three), women's basketball (two), men's tennis (two), plus one each in men's soccer, men's golf and men's cross country. Notre Dame student-athletes in 20231 recorded one of the highest NCAA Graduation Success Rate figures (97) among all Football Bowl Subdivision institutions. In the 2021 Olympic Games, the Irish sent an ACC-leading 21 current or former student-athletes to Tokyo (most in school history). Notre Dame football remains independent in terms of conference affiliation, but most other Irish sports began competing in the ACC in 2013-14.

About Notre Dame Global Partnerships
Notre Dame Global Partnerships (NGDP) manages the sales, marketing, sponsorship, multimedia rights, and branding services for the University of Notre Dame's Athletics programs. Founded in 2018, NDGP is a joint venture between JMI Sports and Legends, formed to build integrated partnerships with industry-leading partners that share the University's commitment to both academic and athletic excellence. Notre Dame's status as one of the most recognizable and iconic institutions in collegiate athletics offers brands a unique opportunity to connect with fans, students, and alumni globally. NDGP is creating new and innovative partnerships that contribute to the University's mission while also upholding its storied history and tradition.

Allegiant – Together We Fly^™
Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with the people, places and experiences that matter most. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant serves communities across the nation, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com. Media information, including photos, is available at http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF

Media Contact
Phone: 702-800-2020
Email: mediarelations@allegiantair.com

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SOURCE Allegiant Travel Company

FAQ

What is Allegiant Air's new partnership with Notre Dame Athletics in 2025?

Allegiant Air has become the Official Airline Partner of Notre Dame Athletics through a multi-year agreement, receiving Championship Partner status and providing transportation services for athletic teams.

How many routes does Allegiant Air (ALGT) operate from South Bend International Airport?

Allegiant Air operates eight routes from South Bend International Airport (SBN), including a new nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

What benefits does Allegiant Air get from the Notre Dame Athletics partnership?

Allegiant receives Championship Partner status, brand integration across athletic programs, social and digital content opportunities, and exclusive fan engagement initiatives.

When did Allegiant Air start operations at South Bend International Airport?

Allegiant Air began operations at South Bend International Airport (SBN) in 2005, serving Notre Dame students and alumni for two decades.

What new route is Allegiant Air adding from South Bend International Airport in 2025?

Allegiant Air is launching new nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, timed with Notre Dame Football's game against the University of Miami.