The Virginia-Based Company Deepens Its Investment in the Commonwealth’s Biggest Rivalry
SMITHFIELD, Va., Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Smithfield today announced it will continue as the presenting sponsor of the Commonwealth Clash, the annual rivalry between the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, for the 2026–27 season. Building on more than a decade of partnership with both universities, Smithfield will continue celebrating school spirit while supporting local communities and introducing new fan engagement opportunities throughout the upcoming season.
“As a company born and built in Virginia, there are few partnerships more meaningful to us than the Commonwealth Clash,” said Brendan Smith, senior vice president of marketing for Smithfield Foods. “Great rivalries deserve great traditions, and the Commonwealth Clash delivers both. Whether you’re cheering for the Cavaliers or the Hokies, we are excited to make this season even more memorable with new ways for fans to celebrate their teams, fuel the rivalry and show off their Virginia pride.”
Since the 2014–15 academic year, Smithfield has partnered with the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech across all school-sponsored sports, helping to amplify one of Virginia’s most spirited rivalries.
New for the 2026–27 school year, Smithfield will introduce the Smithfield “Baconbassador” Program, a fan engagement initiative designed to bring bacon-obsessed students, notable alumni and athletes closer to the Commonwealth Clash experience. From tailgates and campus traditions to social storytelling and rivalry-week celebrations, Baconbassadors will help bring the sizzle to the Clash, serving as enthusiastic champions of their respective schools while bringing the authentic fan experience to the conversation.
“The Commonwealth Clash represents the very best of Virginia athletics, bringing together our student-athletes, alumni and fans through friendly competition, tradition and school pride,” said Sam Schauf, general manager of Virginia Tech Sports Properties. “Smithfield has been a valued partner in helping elevate this rivalry for more than a decade, and we’re excited to see new initiatives like the Baconbassador Program and community food drive create even more opportunities for Cavaliers fans to engage with the Clash while supporting our local community.”
“The Commonwealth Clash is one of the most anticipated traditions of the year for Hokie Nation, and we’re proud to continue building on our longstanding partnership with Smithfield,” said David Perry, general manager of Virginia Sports Properties. “From celebrating our student-athletes to creating memorable fan experiences and giving back through community initiatives, these new programs will bring even more excitement to the rivalry while making a meaningful impact across the Commonwealth.”
While the Commonwealth Clash fuels spirited competition on the field, Smithfield remains committed to strengthening the communities that support both universities. Throughout the season, Smithfield will rally Cavalier and Hokie fans around a shared cause through a food drive benefiting campus food assistance programs. Fans can participate by donating nonperishable food items at designated on-campus collection sites, with donations tracked throughout the season. Smithfield will provide financial support to both campus food assistance programs, and the school with the greatest total weight of donated food will earn Community Champion status.
For more information about the Commonwealth Clash and on-campus activities, recipes and meal inspiration, visit www.smithfield.com or follow @smithfieldbrand on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, as well as @uva and @hokiesports, for the latest rivalry updates and school spirit moments.
About Smithfield
Smithfield® isn’t only a leading provider of high-quality pork products. We’re also a leading provider of the most important part of any meal: premium, high-quality meat. And we take our meat duties seriously. After all, the rest of the meal is just a side dish. Smithfield products were first introduced in 1936 in Smithfield, Virginia, by people who lived for the love of meat. Today, the Smithfield brand stands for craftsmanship, authenticity and pure passion as we continue to give meat lovers across the country the deliciousness they crave: our classic bacon, slow-smoked holiday hams, hand-trimmed ribs, marinated fresh pork, smoked meats, and even more meaty magic. All Smithfield products not only meet our customers’ high flavor standards but also meet the highest quality and safety standards in the industry. All while being produced right here in the USA. To learn more about the Smithfield portfolio of products, please visit www.Smithfield.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter). Smithfield® is a brand of Smithfield Foods, Inc.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: SFD) is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c3d5618b-6add-46b9-88c4-fe800e866805
