The Holiday Inn Express Brand Joins as Official Sponsor of SEC & SEC Network

ESPN announces that the Holiday Inn Express® brand has come onboard as the newest official sponsor of the Southeastern Conference and SEC Network. Holiday Inn Express, the official hotel of the SEC, will also have category exclusivity on site at all SEC Championship events throughout the year, use of SEC and SEC Network marks and logos, as well as access to on site hospitality and marketing opportunities.

To that end, the Holiday Inn Express brand will be bringing its Pancake SELFIE Express mobile breakfast tour to SEC tailgate parties throughout the Fall, alongside SEC NATION - the SEC Network's traveling pre-game show which is live from a different SEC campus on game day each week.

Through the brand's relationship with the SEC, the Pancake SELFIE Express will visit various campuses as part of SEC Nation, giving football fans the opportunity to make their own pancake SELFIE and win SEC-related swag, including tickets to the SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME in December. Consumers can also expect midweek stops in select cities along the SEC football route and can visit staysmart.com for updates on when and where the truck will pop up next.

"We know that in order to get game ready, SEC fans need to be rested and refreshed going into game day. Holiday Inn Express hotels offer fans a great night's sleep, an energizing breakfast featuring our one-touch pancake machine, and a good, fast cup of coffee at the push of a button - everything they need to take on the day and the opposing team. We are proud to be the official sponsor of the SEC and the SEC Network, and can't wait to bring fresh, hot pancakes and our one-of-a-kind Pancake SELFIE Express to fans across the Southeast this fall," said Jennifer Gribble, Vice President, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites® Brands, Americas, IHG.

Added Chris Eames, vice president, multimedia sales at ESPN, "SEC fans meticulously plan their tailgates to celebrate their teams and the Pancake SELFIE Express is sure to draw crowds week in and week out. It's a unique way to bring their brand to life with passionate - and hungry - COLLEGE FOOTBALL fans."