Lee University Athletics and Food City® are proud to announce the continuation of their corporate partnership for the 2026-27 athletic season, strengthening a shared commitment to supporting the university, its student-athletes, and the surrounding community.

As the presenting sponsor of Lee University men’s and women’s basketball, Food City® will once again provide complimentary admission to all home basketball games throughout the 2026-27 season. This commitment makes it possible for fans, families, and members of the community to experience the excitement of Flames basketball at Paul Dana Walker Area, free of charge. "Food City® has been an incredible partner to Lee Athletics and an organization that consistently demonstrates a genuine commitment to our students, our fans, and our community. Their investment allows us to remove barriers for families to experience Lee Basketball while also creating meaningful opportunities for our student-athletes to share their stories through initiatives like the Burn 'Em Up Podcast. We are grateful for Food City's continued partnership and their shared belief in the value of collegiate athletics to bring people together and strengthen our community." — John Maupin, Vice President for Athletics & Student Life

In addition to its basketball presenting sponsorship, Food City® will continue as the exclusive sponsor of the Burn ‘Em Up Podcast, a weekly series featuring Lee University student-athletes and providing them with a platform to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives beyond competition.

Food City’s commitment to Lee Athletics reflects its broader investment in the communities it serves. A local, family-owned company headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, Food City operates 163 retail locations throughout Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia, and Alabama. The company continues to make significant investments in Bradley County, including the recent expansion and renovation of their location on McGrady Drive in South Cleveland. The project added more than 10,000 square feet of retail space, expanded the store to over 54,000 square feet, and created more than 40 new jobs. Enhancements include a Starbucks® café, expanded food services offerings, upgraded produce and floral departments, new checkout lanes, and energy-efficient LED lighting. “At Food City®, we are committed to supporting the communities we serve. We’re proud to continue our partnership with Lee University Athletics, providing free admission to Flames basketball games while supporting programs that showcase the achievements and stories of student-athletes. We look forward to another exciting season and continuing our

investment in the Bradley County community.” - Misty Deskins, Food City® Senior Director of Marketing.

Through partnerships like this, Lee University Athletics and Food City® continue to create opportunities that bring people together, enhance the game-day experience, and strengthen the connection between Lee University and the communities it serves.

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 163 retail outlets (including 121 pharmacies) throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama.