USC Upstate and Ingles Markets Extend Partnership Through 2031
The University of South Carolina Upstate athletics department and Ingles Markets have extended their partnership through 2031. Ingles Markets, headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, operates 202 supermarkets across six Southeastern states. This extension marks the largest corporate investment in USC Upstate history.
Ingles has served as the official supermarket of USC Upstate athletics since 2020. The partnership includes significant community and student support initiatives.
Ingles provides monthly donations to the Spartan Food Pantry, which has assisted nearly 400 students over the past two years. Additionally, Ingles supports the Ingles Fuel Bar within the Sports Performance Center, offering nutrition to almost 400 student-athletes.
The partnership also includes charitable contributions based on athletic performance. Ingles donates $3 for every three-point shot made and $1 for every strikeout by USC Upstate’s baseball and softball programs to local non-profit organizations. Past beneficiaries have included Gibbs Cancer and Research Institute, the City of Spartanburg’s youth basketball program, Hope Remains Ranch, and the Carolina Miracle League. Recent beneficiaries include the Backpack Buddies outreach of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spartanburg, Kids Upstate, and Rebuilding Together Spartanburg. A check presentation for Ingles’ donations for the 2025-26 season is scheduled during Morgan Square Madness powered by Ingles on October 1st at Fifth Third Park.
In 2023, Chancellor Dr. Bennie Harris awarded Ingles the Founders’ Day Award for their efforts to improve the lives of USC Upstate students.
Ingles is also the title sponsor of the annual Education Day women’s basketball game, which provides free admission to hundreds of area school children. Furthermore, Ingles offers complimentary admission to all Spartan men’s and women’s soccer and flag football contests, and free admission for children ages 12 and under to Upstate baseball and softball games.