Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina University and Ingles Markets this week announced an extension and expansion of the longstanding partnership between the regional grocer and Catamount Athletics. The five-year extension through 2031 expands the longtime partnership by adding Ingles branding to Catamount football jerseys and the new turf surface at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field beginning this season.
 
The expansion follows two recent NCAA rule changes that allow commercial branding on playing fields, adopted in June 2024, and game uniforms approved in January.
 
"Our partnership with Western Carolina University was Ingles' first move into college athletics, and being part of the Catamount family still remains our largest college investment," said Melissa Leavell, the Advertising Director for Ingles Markets. "Our stores and the communities where proud alumni call home are a perfect match in location and values. We are especially thrilled to be adding the on-field logo and jersey logos this season. We are proud to be part of the Catamount Nation."
 
This week's announcement follows in the line of the 2021 naming rights agreement that renamed and branded WCU's playing surface "Ingles Court at the Ramsey Center," home of Catamount volleyball and men's and women's basketball.
 
"Expanding our longstanding partnership with Ingles Markets represents an exciting milestone for Catamount Athletics and reflects the strength of a relationship built over many years," said WCU Director of Athletics Kyle Pifer. "Adding the Ingles brand to our football jerseys and field is a visible symbol of our shared commitment to Western North Carolina. Their continued investment in our student-athletes, our programs and our region demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when strong organizations come together around a common vision."
 
Ingles is a well-established corporate partner of Catamount Athletics that positively impacts WCU's student-athletes and the gameday experience in Cullowhee. The supermarket chain's catering service, The Chef's Kitchen at Ingles, is the exclusive food provider at Western Carolina's "PurpleZone" football pregame events – and beginning in 2026, as part of the expanded partnership, will also provide catering for patrons at the Champion Credit Union Corner premium seating experience. Ingles also supports Catamount student-athletes through nutrition initiatives within WCU's athletic performance and strength and conditioning programs.
 
In addition to various venue signage, Ingles, the Asheville-based grocer, also supports in-game achievement-based promotions, such as rewarding successful field goals in football and 3-pointers in basketball, that trigger contributions to the school.

Beyond its support of WCU, the company remains a prominent partner of the Southern Conference, serving as the primary sponsor of the Ingles Southern Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Championships in Asheville each March. The company helps heighten the excitement with the Ingles Mascot Challenge each year, resulting in donations to the school and for the Hoops Against Hunger campaign of the Asheville-based Eblen Charities.
 
Ingles is also a primary television partner of the SoCon, renewing its agreement with the league and Nexstar Media Group, Inc. for the 15-game television package.
 
Both season and single-game tickets and gameday parking for all six home dates in #CatamountCountry are on sale now through the Catamount Athletics ticket office on the first floor of the Ramsey Center, by phone at (828) 227-2401, and online at CatamountSports.com.
 
Western Carolina football opens the 2026 season under the new stadium lights at Whitmire Stadium / Waters Field, hosting Eastern Kentucky with a 7 p.m. kickoff. The home opener is presented by Ingles, and media partners 99.9 Kiss Country and Star 104.3. Catamount Nation is encouraged to wear its black WCU gear to the game.
 
Keep track of everything related to Catamount Athletics through its social media outlets on Facebook (FB.com/CatamountSports), Twitter (@catamounts), and Instagram (wcu_catamounts).