Article by Sports Editor, Lorenzo Serrato

Aquinas College and the Grand Rapids Gold have reached an agreement on a partnership for the Gold’s inaugural 2021-22 NBA G League season. Previously named the Grand Rapids Drive, the Gold take over as G League affiliate of the Denver Nuggets, and are based here in Grand Rapids. The Drive have relocated to Detroit, and are now named the Motor City Cruise, and remain the Piston’s affiliate.

The College will be featured in various marketing roles throughout all Gold home games. This includes video in-game signage, promotional giveaways, and social media sponsorship. The sponsorship allows Aquinas to be actively promoted in and around the Grand Rapids area, and can be an influential marketing technique for perspective students.

The Grand Rapids Gold will play all their 2021-22 home games at the DeltaPlex arena, located 6 miles from Aquinas. From November to April, students will have the opportunity to see the Gold in action, with 24 home games to choose from. Director of Sales and former AQ alum Kyle Kwaske shared with me some insightful information.

“The Grand Rapids Gold is super excited about our new partnership with Aquinas College,” Kwaske said. “Our organization has been involved with Aquinas College for years, whether through our team practicing at Sturrus, our staff speaking in multiple AQ sport management classes, or even giving students various internship experiences with our team.”

Kwaske, a 2016 graduate, exemplified what it takes to succeed in the sports industry. His prior internships and practical experience have paved him an excellent opportunity in the Gold’s front office.

I also caught up with current Aquinas student and Grand Rapids Gold Game Day Promotions Intern Ben Kessler, on his thoughts about the new partnership. “It’s really exciting to hear the news of the Aquinas and Grand Rapids Gold partnership”, Kessler said. “This significantly helps strengthen the West Michigan community with opportunities for both organizations, along with the Grand Rapids community as a whole”.

For more information and to find the complete schedule visit https://grandrapids.gleague.nba.com/.