ACC Properties was formed in November of 1994, as an agency to oversee marketing, advertising, merchandising, licensing and promotional opportunities for the Atlantic Coast Conference. The venture is managed by Conference television partners Raycom Sports. One of the primary purposes of forming this unit was to consolidate conference-related marketing opportunities into a "one-stop shopping" format that will enhance the RAYCOM television packages.
The Official Corporate Partner program is a fully integrated sports marketing program with the Atlantic Coast Conference; which offers incremental media, marketing/promotions, merchandising, hospitality, public relations, publications and outreach. Official Corporate Partners must first participate at a category-exclusive level in ACC Basketball television on the RAYCOM network. Partners are recognized as Presenting Sponsors of ACC Championship events, ACC Outreach events and ACC Live! As presenting sponsors of ACC Championship events Corporate Partners receive signage, PA announcements and message board displays (when available) at every Conference Tournament. Corporate Partners have the right to conduct on-site marketing and promotional activities at these Championship events. Corporate Partners also receive ads in selected ACC publications, hold rights to use the ACC name and marks in consumer retail promotions, and enjoy "official" status within their respective category for the Atlantic Coast Conference.
ACC Properties also develops the ACC brand through licensed collegiate merchandise with the development of the ACC's licensing program in conjunction with its licensing agency, Collegiate Licensing Company. In cooperation with the ACC's official merchandiser, Gear for Sports, ACC Properties oversees the sale of ACC Championship and event merchandise. ACC Properties also manages and controls the ACC FanFest, held in conjunction with the Men's Basketball Tournament. FanFest is an interactive fan experience at the ACC Tournament that features games, Corporate Partner contests and promotions, interviews, ACC Legends and much more. FanFest is also held in conjunction with the ACC Women's Basketball Tournament.
The ACC and its Official Corporate Partners give back to the community each year through Operation Outreach at the Men's Basketball Tournament. Outreach is a six-week newspaper based program that reaches over 25,000 students in over 600 classrooms. A special curriculum guide is prepared that utilizes ACC Men's Basketball articles in the newspaper as an instructional tool in the classroom. Lessons in language arts, geography and social studies are all included in the curriculum.
