UCLA will head north for a game at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington Friday night and they won’t just be facing the University of Washington, they’ll be taking on the University of Warcraft.
The Huskies penned a deal with the multiplayer online role-playing video game World of Warcraft, which was produced by Blizzard Entertainment, to honor the 20th anniversary of the video game. While the Bruins won’t have to worry about going to battle against Akama or Velen on the gridiron, it should make for a unique experience for any UCLA fans traveling for the away game.
“We are thrilled to unite interactive entertainment with the sports industry to celebrate 20 incredible years of World of Warcraft delighting millions of players worldwide,” said Monica Austin, the head of marketing at Blizzard Entertainment. “Our teams have been working together to create incredible in-person and broadcast experiences for fans, and we hope Husky Nation and World of Warcraft players alike are excited to WoW down to Washington.”
The game experience will feature a special World of Warcraft-themed graphic package, shirts for the student section, special logos, and NIL deals for 11 Husky players but it’s uncertain if they’ll gain any witchcraft superpowers.
“We’re excited to partner with Blizzard Entertainment in a groundbreaking collaboration that brings together the worlds of sports and gaming, highlighting our shared commitment to innovation and creativity,” said Kurt Svoboda, Deputy Athletic Director for External Relations at the University of Washington. “We look forward to Friday’s World of Warcraft takeover at Husky Stadium, where two powerhouse brands will come together for an unforgettable experience.”
Friday’s game will kickoff at 6:00p.m. on Fox as the Bruins search for their fourth win in a row against Washington and World of Warcraft.