Victory has signed on as an official sponsor of the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, the 2012 postseason bowl game that will pit the Rice Owls against the Air Force Falcons. The game will be played this Saturday, Dec. 29, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, with kickoff set for 11:45 a.m. (EST). The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

“Everyone at Victory has tremendous appreciation for the men and women of the U.S. armed forces, as well as their families,” said Steve Menneto, VP Motorcycles for Polaris Industries, Victory’s parent company. “We’re proud to salute our military personnel by taking part in events such as the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.”

As part of its partnership with the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, Victory will have bikes on display in the bowl’s official fan fest area, the Armed Forces Adventure Area. A Victory motorcycle will also be on display at the bowl’s Team Kickoff Luncheon, held this Friday.

Victory has supported U.S. military personnel and their families through several partnerships and programs. Victory provides ongoing support for Operation Gratitude, and in August 2012 Victory contributed $100,000 to Wounded Warrior Project after pledging $1 for every Victory demo ride taken over a one-year period.

The Victory Military Priority Program provides riders currently serving in the military with first choice of bikes at Victory demo ride events, and the Victory Full Throttle Salute provides active, reserve, National Guard and retired military personnel with a discount when they purchase a new Victory motorcycle.

Among those representing Victory at the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl will be actor, Victory rider and Victory spokesman R. Lee Ermey. The retired U.S. Marine is best known for his portrayal as “The Gunny” in the Oscar-nominated film Full Metal Jacket. Prior to kickoff, “The Gunny” will bring the official game ball onto the field on a Victory motorcycle, and he will present the in-stadium rules for fans attending the game.

The Gunny


Tickets for the 10th anniversary Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl can be selected and purchased through the bowl’s website at www.ArmedForcesBowl.com. Armed forces veterans and active duty personnel can also request complimentary tickets through the bowl’s website, or by calling the bowl office at 817-810-0012. Complimentary armed forces tickets are available via the bowl’s corporate military ticket underwriting program while supplies last.

Owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television (ERT), the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl has featured the “armed forces” theme since 2006. Patriotic overtones recognizing all five branches of the service are prevalent throughout the game. Past Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowls have included fan-fest areas showcasing armed forces hardware, flyovers, demonstrations by several of the military's top skydiving teams, custom homes awarded to wounded warriors, on-field induction ceremonies, armed forces bands and honor guards.

Plus, the Great American Patriot Award is presented annually by Armed Forces Insurance, and the Armed Forces Merit Award is presented by the Football Writers Association of America.