PLANTATION, Fla. – Get ready, Commodores: Squishmallows are officially going to college! Jazwares, one of the world’s leading toy companies and creator of the global plush phenomenon Squishmallows, is coming to Nashville to team up with Vanderbilt Athletics for a one-of-a-kind basketball collaboration on the road to March Madness.
For the first time, Squishmallows is bringing its signature softness, personality, and collectibility to a college sporting event, popping up at Vanderbilt’s iconic Memorial Gymnasium when the Dores host Georgia in men’s basketball on February 25 and Alabama in women’s basketball on February 26. Both games will feature giveaways of exclusive Sawyer and Reza Squishmallows sporting the Vanderbilt apparel, pregame activations, and Squishmallows-inspired game breaks and halftime entertainment.
To celebrate the partnership, Squishmallows will host unique pregame activations and surprise-and-delight moments leading up to tip-off. Just before each game, attendees at the Memorial Gymnasium can jump into Squishmallows-themed fun, with additional on-court moments throughout the night. Guests can also look forward to special appearances by Cam the Cat in his own Vandy jersey, teaming up with Vanderbilt’s Mr. Commodore for plenty of on-court mascot mayhem and photo-worthy moments.
The chief brand officer of Squishmallows parent company Jazwares, Jeremy Padawer, earned his MBA from the Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management in 2001. The concept for the Squishmallows partnership was developed by Owen students with the guidance of Assistant Professor Mario Avila who teaches courses at the intersection of entrepreneurship, sport, and social impact while serving as the faculty director of Vanderbilt’s Center for Social Ventures.
“The Squishmallows and Vanderbilt collaboration started exactly where the best ideas do: on campus,” said Padawer. “Vanderbilt students brought this concept to us, and we immediately knew it had the magic to become something bigger. As a Vanderbilt alumnus, it’s especially meaningful to help bring this takeover to life and celebrate school pride in a fresh, authentic way, on and off the court.”
On February 25, the men’s game tips off at 6 p.m. with the women’s game following the next day at 6:30 p.m. The first 5,000 fans at each game will receive an exclusive custom-designed premium plush giveaway. These highly collectible giveaways feature Sawyer the Squirrel and Reza the Squirrel Squishmallows dressed in Vandy jerseys and headbands. Special chase plush with sparkle details will be available in very limited quantities, making them a rare must-have for fans.
“We’re excited to introduce something truly unique for our fans,” said Candice Storey Lee, Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director. “The fact that this partnership began on our campus and connects back to a Vanderbilt alumnus makes it even more special. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and Commodore spirit.”
From spirited giveaways to Squishmallows-inspired entertainment, attendees will have the chance to take home a unique piece of Vanderbilt memorabilia and be part of Squishmallows history. Tickets for both games are available at [vucommodores.com].
For more information on Jazwares’ partnership with Vanderbilt University and other news, visit Jazwares on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok, and https://www.jazwares.com. For more information and news on Squishmallows, visit Squishmallows on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Squishmallows.com.
