ISU Taps PIVOT Agency to Tackle Naming Rights for the Redbird Esports Complex

Credit: Redbird Esports/PIVOT Agency

Illinois State University announced Tuesday that it has signed an agreement with PIVOT Agency to secure a naming rights deal for its new Redbird Esports Complex.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Under the terms of the deal, PIVOT Agency will conduct naming rights valuation and sales. The relatively new complex on the university campus (in Normal, Illinois) features broadcast and production equipment to stream live competitions and events, and equipment required to host competitions. The space currently serves the varsity esports program, club esports, and casual student gamers, with future plans to expand access to the local community and the region.

In October of 2021, the ISU board of trustees approved a $5.95M USD renovation to what was (at the time) a bowling and billiards center into what is now the Redbird Esports Complex. That funding went toward transforming the 11,000 square feet space into a gaming and esports arena featuring 72 gaming PCs, an undetermined number of gaming consoles, a dedicated team showcase space, a space designated for tabletop games, a broadcast and production booth, and additional student support rooms.

PIVOT Agency, a San Francisco-based full service sports marketing agency, powered up its esports-focused staff in February when it hired former eUnited VP of Esports Matthew “Burns” Potthoff to take on the role of director of gaming and esports, working directly under John Younger, the VP of Esports.