Source: Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country Airlines debuted its first custom-designed aircraft livery in celebration of Minnesota Golden Gopher Athletics. Sun Country was named the Official Airline of Gopher Athletics in 2023. In addition, Sun Country has provided charter service for the university’s sports teams since 2012 and has flown nearly 500 charters during the past 12 years.
“Sun Country is proud to debut this aircraft design that illustrates our hometown pride and longstanding partnership between two iconic Minnesota organizations,” said Grant Whitney, Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. “We look forward to continuing our multi-year partnership with Gopher Athletics and will root for them for years to come.”
“This is a tremendous extension between two proud Minnesota brands,” said Minnesota Senior Associate Athletic Director Mike Wierzbicki. “We take great pride in our relationship with Sun Country. They have been a tremendous partner, and we are excited for Minnesota fans and college sports fans to see the Minnesota Block M and Maroon and Gold flying all over the country.”
This livery is the first custom aircraft design in Sun Country’s fleet of 43 passenger planes. Among one of the first flights with the Maroon and Gold paint, the aircraft is scheduled to take the Gopher football team to the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday, December 30.
“Customers and Gopher fans will see this aircraft, which is tail number 809, on many routes throughout our network,” Whitney added. “Our history with Gopher Athletics presented a great opportunity for us to finally create a custom livery that our hometown will be excited about.”
Gopher Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics – is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Gopher Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the athletic department.
Read more about our partnership with Minnesota Gopher Athletics here.