October 13, 2022 — Grambling State University today announced that is it partnering with Fanaply, the eco-friendly NFT solution provider for the world’s biggest names in sports, music and entertainment, and Urban Edge Network to release a series of commemorative NFTs that will offer exciting rewards and VIP experiences tied to collecting.
“After working with Fanaply and Urban Edge Network to develop a successful NFT initiative for the Tigers’ 2022 spring football game, we’re thrilled to bring this new series to our dedicated alumni and supporters,’ said Melanie E. Jones, Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation at Grambling State University. “This partnership will offer additional opportunities for fans to engage with us and promote their Grambling State pride.”
The series kicks off today with a commemorative NFT for Grambling State’s Florida A&M contest on October 15, and additional collectibles will be sold for games against Alcorn State on October 29 and the university’s homecoming game against the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff on November 5. Fans who collect all three NFTs will be entered into a drawing to win a grand prize of two tickets to the Bayou Classic against Southern University with full suite access at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fans can also look forward to exciting rewards and experiences tied to collecting, including potential opportunities to win GSU merchandise and swag pack giveaways.
“Urban Edge Network started with the vision of celebrating and amplifying the rich history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Todd F. Brown, CEO of Urban Edge Network. “This NFT initiative is a great demonstration for HBCU schools, who traditionally haven’t participated in this kind of innovation.”
“We’re proud to partner with Urban Edge Network and Grambling State to bring the university a new way to engage with and reward loyal fans, and to expand on our mission to make NFTs more accessible and inclusive.” said Holly Olstein, Fanaply’s Vice President of Business Development – Entertainment and Sports.
Fans can purchase the first NFT via https://fanaply.com/moment/gramblingstatevsfloridaam. The collectible will be available for purchase starting at 2PM CT and will be available until Sunday October 16 at 2PM CT. NFTs will start at $5, creating a more accessible purchase option and a broader opportunity to engage the Tigers’ fan community. A portion of the proceeds from the sales will support Grambling State University.
About Fanaply
Fanaply creates blockchain-based digital collectibles, or NFTs, for the world’s biggest brands and fans in sports, music, and entertainment. Fanaply Solutions offers brands NFT infrastructure that goes beyond the basics of minting and distribution, allowing them to thrive in this new web3 world. Since its founding in 2018, the company has created and issued NFTs for some of the top musicians, record labels, festivals, events, athletes, comedians, sports teams, celebrities and brands in the world, including American Express, Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, Oklahoma City Thunder, Pac-12 Conference, Misfits Gaming, Death Row Records, Niall Horan, 5 Seconds of Summer, Kentucky Derby, Bubba Wallace, and many more. Fanaply is 100% carbon neutral through its partnership with Offsetra. Visit fanaply.com as well as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for more information.
About Urban Edge Network and HBCU League Pass+
Urban Edge Network (UEN) is a Black-owned media company focused on publishing and
distributing content from Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and their extended communities, including sporting events, student activities, and Black-owned media and entertainment programming. The mission of UEN is to help brands connect authentically with the diverse audiences served by HBCU content and culture while providing the institutions with monetization opportunities. HBCU League Pass+, a subsidiary of Urban Edge Network, is an ad-supported Black College Sports Network, delivering 24/7 access to live and on-demand content from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. As a Microsoft Startup partner, HBCU League Pass+ is a must-have, free streaming service for all HBCU college sports fans. Its goal is to bring advertising dollars, NIL, and streaming video enabled by AdTech to HBCU communities, students, and alumni. Download HBCU League Pass+ now on all major streaming platforms and iOS and Android supported devices. Learn more at https://www.hbculeaguepassplus.com/HBCULP/
About Grambling State University
Combining the academic strengths of a major university with the benefits of a small college, Grambling State University fosters an environment where students develop into trailblazers, thought leaders, and innovators of the next generation. As one of the country’s top producers of African American graduates in Computer Information Science, we take pride in preparing graduates that are unafraid to forge new paths and challenge boundaries. Founded in 1901 in Grambling, Louisiana, the historically black university offers 46 undergraduate and graduate academic programs on its historic 590-acre campus and is home to world-class athletics, an internationally renowned marching band, and vibrant student life. Our student-focused philosophy is central to what we do and is exemplified by our motto: Where Everybody is Somebody. For more information, visit www.gram.edu.
Media Contacts
Fanaply: Gianna Arantes: [email protected]
Urban Edge Network: Faith Daniels: [email protected]
Grambling State University: Tisha D. Arnold: [email protected]
