Stadion becomes title sponsor for Athens event

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ATHENS, Ga., -- Watkinsville-based Stadion Money Management, Inc. has agreed to serve as the title sponsor of the area's only PGA TOUR-sanctioned event -- the Stadion Athens Classic at UGA.

As previously announced, the Nationwide Tour event will be held April 26-May 2 at the University of Georgia golf course and will be the only PGA TOUR-sanctioned event currently owned and operated by an institution of higher education. All net proceeds will support need-based scholarships at the university. Tournament related events will be conducted all week, including multiple pro-ams, clinics, and various other opportunities for fans to participate and interact with players.

"A partnership with the PGA TOUR makes perfect sense as we build our brand nationally," said Jud Doherty, president of Stadion. "Just as we seek to deliver solid returns for our investors, we have no doubts that this investment in the Stadion Athens Classic will pay big dividends for our company, the University of Georgia and the northeast Georgia region."

Founded in 1991, Stadion is headquartered just 15 minutes from the University of Georgia and its landmark golf course. Although locally based, Stadion works with investment advisors, retirement planners, and institutional investors around the country. Stadion has 42 employees and has more than $3 billion in assets under management.

"It is extremely important to partner with a title sponsor to offset many of the costs related with operating a first-class event and ensure that even more tournament proceeds flow to need-based scholarships at the University," said Tournament Chairman and UGA Associate Vice President George Stafford. "In addition, Stadion's partnership allows us to further involve the community with programs that will directly benefit local not-for-profits, including our TICKETS Fore CHARITYTM program.

"We are obviously thrilled that Stadion will be our partner, and are excited to have continued interest from many other local and regional companies about other partnership opportunities."

The Athens stop on the Nationwide Tour is entering its fifth year, with the first four being played under the banner of the Athens Regional Foundation Classic. It is one of only two Nationwide Tour events in Georgia, the other being the South Georgia Classic in Valdosta.