The Chicago Bears announced a new multi-year partnership with Primient, naming the biomanufacturer as the Official History Partner of the Chicago Bears and primary sponsor of the Chicago Bears History Platform, a new initiative designed to preserve, celebrate and share the legacy of one of the NFL's founding franchises.
The partnership brings together two organizations with intertwined histories. In 1919, the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company (now Primient) founded the Decatur Staleys football team. In 1920, George S. Halas arrived at Primient’s oldest facility in Decatur, Ill., to coach and play for the team, with a roster composed of A.E. Staley employees. After the club joined the American Professional Football Association in 1920, the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company transferred ownership of the team to Halas in 1921. Halas subsequently relocated the franchise to Chicago, where it was renamed the Chicago Bears in 1922. Today, Primient is partnering with the Bears to celebrate the shared roots of both organizations while introducing new generations of fans to the franchise's rich history.
"The story of the Chicago Bears is deeply connected to the history of the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company and the community of Decatur, Ill., where our franchise began more than a century ago," said Chicago Bears Vice President Brian J. McCaskey. "Primient is the ideal partner to help us preserve and share that legacy. Together, we'll create new opportunities for Bears fans to experience the franchise’s defining moments, while honoring the shared history that connects our organizations."
As part of the partnership, the Chicago Bears History Platform will provide fans with new opportunities to experience the club's rich history through original digital content, immersive storytelling and interactive experiences, including:
• The Mobile History Museum by Primient
• Original Chicago Bears history content series
• Enhanced Chicago Bears history webpages
• The Virtual History Tour at Halas Hall
A centerpiece of the partnership is the Bears Mobile History Museum presented by Primient, which will travel throughout the Midwest and select Bears events throughout the year, including Training Camp, gameday activations, watch parties and other fan experiences. The exhibit will showcase historical team milestones, featuring iconic players, championship teams and significant moments.
“Partnering with the Chicago Bears is a natural fit for Primient. Like the Bears, we have deep roots in the Midwest and a strong commitment to our communities grounded in a relentless focus on safety, performance and teamwork," said CEO of Primient Jim Stutelberg. “This partnership allows us to showcase our legacy connection with one of the most respected and oldest organizations in professional sports. Just as importantly, it’s a point of pride for our employees and stakeholders. Seeing Primient alongside an iconic franchise like the Chicago Bears reflects the strength of our company, our people and the impact we’re making together.”
Beyond the mobile museum, fans will have access to expanded digital storytelling through the Chicago Bears History Platform, including original historical features; recurring content series; additional interactive offerings; and the Virtual History Tour at Halas Hall available on ChicagoBears.com, Bears social media platforms and the Bears App by Verizon. These fan experiences will be designed to preserve and celebrate the franchise's enduring legacy for future generations.
About Primient
Primient is a bioeconomy leader dedicated to transforming corn into innovative, sustainable ingredients used in food and beverage, personal care, packaging, coatings, animal nutrition and other products for many of the world’s most recognized brands. With approximately 1,800 employees across facilities in the U.S., Poland, and Brazil, Primient is committed to safety, excellence, integrity and growth to deliver solutions that enrich lives through plant-based solutions. Visit www.primient.com.
For more information, please email corporatecommunications@primient.com.