Ducks launch 25th anniversary season with three-year partnership with UCI Health

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that UCI Health will serve as the club’s first-ever season presenting sponsor for three years, starting with the 2018-19 season, which marks the club’s 25th anniversary. UCI Health will be designated as the “official hospital partner” of the franchise.

Under the agreement, UCI Health will be integrated into all facets of the Ducks organization, including a new joint logo that will be showcased during the anniversary season. The joint logo will be assimilated into the Ducks’ in-market branding, social media channels, website and throughout the community. UCI Health will also have its own brand presence through in-arena signage and promotions, outdoor signage, digital integration and specific game-night takeovers. In addition, it will be incorporated into both the TV and radio broadcast assets.

“The entire UCI Health family is thrilled to be a partner with the Anaheim Ducks,” said CEO Richard J. Gannotta. “Our organizations share a dedication to improving our community’s health and wellness. And the Ducks’ commitment to excellence through intricate teamwork on the ice mirrors UCI Health’s commitment to discover, teach and heal and advance access to world-class healthcare across Orange County and beyond.” 

As part of the multiyear partnership, UCI Health will participate in community initiatives and have brand presence at The Rinks facilities. In addition, the Ducks will engage hospital staff and patients throughout the season, both at Honda Center and at the medical center, via activities with their Street Team, Power Players and mascot, Wild Wing.

“We are excited to have UCI Health as the first season-presenting sponsor of the Anaheim Ducks,” said Tim Ryan, the club’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “UCI Health is the only university-based healthcare provider in Orange County, and we are proud to be aligned with a brand that shares our goals to improve the lives and well-being of people in the community we both serve.”

The relationship between the Anaheim Ducks and the county’s leading university is a natural fit.

“From its founding more than a half-century ago, UCI has been an anchoring institution for Orange County, making strong regional connections that benefit the community and serve the people,” said Chancellor Howard Gillman. “This novel partnership exemplifies this anchoring role. Working together, UCI Health and the Anaheim Ducks will bring access to the finest in healthcare delivery to a new and larger audience.”

Gannotta noted that no public funds will be used to support the partnership.

“UCI Health looks forward to meeting fans at Honda Center and The Rinks facilities across Southern California,” he said.

About UCI Health: UCI Health comprises the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. Patients can access its physicians at offices throughout Orange County and at its main campus, UCI Medical Center in Orange, California. The 417-bed acute care hospital provides tertiary and quaternary care, ambulatory and specialty medical clinics, and behavioral health and rehabilitation services. U.S. News & World Report has listed it among “America’s Best Hospitals” for 17 consecutive years. UCI Medical Center features Orange County’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program, Level I trauma center and Level II pediatric trauma center, and it’s the primary teaching hospital for the UCI School of Medicine. UCI Health serves a region of more than 3 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.