Sour Punch Candy and Indiana Pacers Announce Sweet New Partnership
MARKETINGSPORTS
The SOUR PUNCH ® candy brand joins the INDIANA PACERS ® as an official partner for the 2025/26 season.
A slam dunk for candy lovers and basketball fans alike! The SOUR PUNCH® candy brand has officially joined the Indiana Pacers® as an official partner for the entire 2025/26 season.
This exciting partnership is a true "match made in Indiana," holding special significance for the Sour Punch team, which is celebrating 20 years of manufacturing its candy in Northwest Indiana this year. The collaboration ensures that the vibrant spirit of the candy, defined by its iconic blend of sweet and sour, will now be a staple of the energetic experience at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
A Natural Fit: Embrace Your Punch
The alliance between the iconic Hoosier institution and the popular candy brand is rooted in shared values of excitement and competitive spirit.
“We’re thrilled that Sour Punch is teaming up with the Indiana Pacers,” shared Clarence Walsh, VP of Business Development at American Licorice™ Company, the home of the sour candy brand. "This partnership just fits, because the Pacers' spirit aligns perfectly with Sour Punch's brand purpose of 'Embrace Your Punch.' As someone who has been a huge Pacers fan since the '90s with Reggie [Miller] and Rik Smits, this one hits especially close to home."
The Pacers organization is equally enthusiastic about collaborating with a proudly Indiana-made brand.
“Our fans bring incredible energy to every game, and partnering with Sour Punch adds to the excitement of game day and beyond,” said Terry Tiernon, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “Teaming up with a proudly Indiana brand allows us to share iconic treats and fun experiences with our fans, and we value that Sour Punch shares our commitment to giving back to Hoosier communities.”
Deepening Roots in the Hoosier State
Originally manufactured in the suburbs of Chicago, Sour Punch candy moved its operations to La Porte, Indiana, in 2005. The brand has since become a strong fixture in the local community through its non-profit work and community engagement efforts.
The new partnership provides a powerful opportunity to deepen these connections across the state. Liz Boyna, American Licorice Marketing Integration Manager, noted: “With this new partnership between the Sour Punch brand and the Indiana Pacers, we have a great opportunity to deepen these connections in the coming years and learn about the ways we can serve even more fans and families in our extended backyard.”
Sweet Season Highlights
Pacers fans attending home games at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse this season can look forward to a few sweet surprises from the candy brand.
Attendees will have the chance to try exciting new Sour Punch innovations and win some sweet prizes. This includes a dedicated Dance Cam winner at tonight's game, who will go home with a special prize pack full of goodies. In fact, the brand's mascot, Pun-chi, is ready to pucker up for his moment on the dance cam, looking forward to sharing iconic treats with Pacers fans.
Fans are encouraged to follow @sourpunchcandy for more season updates and for a chance to get their hands on new items as they tip off this first season of partnership.