The NCAA and Tournament Coaches are Working Hard to Protect Advertising Partner Powerade

The NCAA Tournament, it’s all about the magic of March, student-athletes, and protecting the sponsors for this huge money-making event.

One of those sponsors is Powerade. Do not confuse Powerade with Gatorade or come into an arena with the wrong cup.

This is March!!!! pic.twitter.com/yXtxn007M3
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 17, 2016

I was stopped with the cup in my hand and told to put my drink in a different NCAA cup ... With a Powerade logo pic.twitter.com/KZeg5thKxK
— Benjamin Hochman (@hochman) March 18, 2016

This sign ain't cheap. You must have whatever you're drinking in a @POWERADE or NCAA cup once you leave the tunnel. pic.twitter.com/UshctQE65T
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX46) March 15, 2016

What do you do if you are a school sponsored by Gatorade, like the University of Florida women’s team (Gatorade was developed at Florida, in case you somehow missed that).

You put Gatorade in the NCAA-mandated Powerade branding bottles.

When your coach collapses on the sideline, attributing it to dehydration, with so many Powerade cups lying around, he must make amends. Better point out how much of the sponsor’s product you consumed to get better!

Bennett says he's had most Powerade in his life last hour or so. Shameless reach for endorsement. #UVa
— David Teel (@ByDavidTeel) March 17, 2016

Pull off the biggest upset of your career? Sprinkle in a gratuitous reference to the sponsor. But don’t mistakenly say Gatorade first.

Ha. Even the Little Rock coach is scared of trouble from the NCAA sponsors. pic.twitter.com/avgjObcI4Z
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) March 18, 2016

Ah yes, coaches getting together to talk shop over pizzas and “Powerade.” A tradition like none other.