A longtime lodging giant and the NCAA's long-standing tradition of quality corporate partners blended together recently when Holiday Inn signed on as the NCAA's newest corporate host.

Holiday Inn signed a two-year agreement to be "The Official Hotel for the NCAA" and "The Official Hotel for NCAA Championships." Holiday Inn replaces Marriott as the Association's official hotel accommodations company.

"Just like Holiday Inn, college sports are part of American culture. So, our partnership with the NCAA is a perfect fit," said Dan Sweiger, director of marketing for Holiday Inn. "We are proud to support intercollegiate athletics -- an institution that our brand and our guests find to be worthwhile."

Though Holiday Inn has been around for a long time, this is the first time the lodging mogul has joined with the NCAA.

"And, Holiday Inn business travelers are 60 percent more likely to watch the NCAA basketball tournament," he said. "When guests stay at Holiday Inn, the number-one thing they like to do is watch ESPN's SportsCenter in their rooms. Or, they gather in the lounge to watch whatever game happens to be televised that evening."

"Employees at Holiday Inn hotels across the U.S., as well as at our corporate office are all experiencing the excitement, too," he said.

Holiday Inn will repeat the promotion for next year's Final Fours, as well.

Sweiger said the two-year contract not only will allow for customers to familiarize themselves with the various promotions Holiday Inn will offer related to NCAA championships, but will allow for Holiday Inn's marketing staff, as well as the NCAA corporate partner administrators, to develop additional excitement.

"These first two years will be an opportunity from which all parties can learn," said Sweiger. "In the future, we do look forward to implementing additional programs that will meet the needs of team travel, alumni groups and booster clubs."