NORMAL, Ill. – Danny Dunbar has been named general manager for Redbird Sports Properties as announced today by LEARFIELD, athletics multimedia rightsholder for Illinois State University. Today marks his first official day in the new role.
Dunbar, a Midwest native, most recently served six years as associate general manager for LEARFIELD’s Air Force Sports Properties, which solely represents the United States Air Force Academy. He brings nearly 15 years of sports marketing, sponsorship and sales experience to LEARFIELD’s Illinois State-dedicated team. Prior to joining LEARFIELD in 2015, Dunbar spent several years within the minor league baseball system, serving as Omaha Storm Chasers’ director of corporate sales and director of group sales, as well as the Boise Hawks’ ticket sales manager.
Dunbar will lead day-to-day operations for Redbird Sports Properties, including the continued growth and development of the Redbirds’ corporate partner platform. As Illinois State’s primary LEARFIELD liaison, he will work closely with the entire athletics administration on all aspects of the comprehensive multimedia rights relationship.
“We are excited to have Danny join the Redbird Sports Properties team and look forward to him helping take the Redbird brand to new heights,” ISU Director of Athletics Kyle Brennan said. “Danny’s experience with LEARFIELD at a great program like the United States Air Force Academy will only aid in our goals here at Illinois State. He will no doubt help us to strengthen our current relationships and build new ones in the Bloomington-Normal community, throughout the state of Illinois, in the Midwest and nationally.”
“Danny has done an outstanding job as associate general manager for our Air Force team, and we know it’s his time to thrive leading Illinois State as our GM,” said LEARFIELD Vice President, Multi-Media Rights Central Region Oligschlaeger. “We are excited about what we’re building with Athletics, and we’re confident Danny will continue to grow the Redbird brand locally, regionally and nationally, as well as develop strong relationships with businesses wanting to align with Illinois State.”
LEARFIELD is a leading media and technology services company in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions. LEARFIELD services includes licensing and multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics; ticketing, ticket sales and professional concessions expertise; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue technology systems. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.