TUCSON, Ariz. — As the University of Arizona men’s basketball team prepares for its first Final Four appearance in 25 years, a surge in demand for Wildcats merchandise is creating opportunities for counterfeiters. University officials are warning fans to be cautious when purchasing apparel and souvenirs, as a growing number of unauthorized retailers are attempting to capitalize on the excitement surrounding the team’s success.
The University of Arizona campus store received its initial shipments of official Final Four gear this week, and employees report brisk sales, with many items already sold out. This scarcity is driving fans to seek alternatives, increasing the risk of purchasing inauthentic products. The university is working to protect both fans and its trademark, as well as the integrity of the revenue stream that supports student programs.
“There’s been people who are trying every which way to get it, I don’t blame them,” said Felix Bonha, a campus store employee, reflecting the high level of enthusiasm among fans. But that enthusiasm, officials say, needs to be tempered with vigilance.
Counterfeit Concerns Rise with March Madness
Cat Hanson, Trademarks and Licensing Program Manager at the University of Arizona, says the number of unauthorized retailers has doubled since the start of March Madness. “You can imagine right now, we’re pretty packed with finding things that are counterfeit products and illegal products,” Hanson explained. The university’s licensing program is designed to ensure quality, ethical sourcing, and consumer protection, all of which are compromised by counterfeit goods.
Authorized vendors undergo a rigorous vetting process, including audits of their supply chains to ensure ethical labor practices and adherence to safety standards. According to the university, licensees are carefully selected and monitored to prevent the use of unethical sourcing, including child labor. Purchasing officially licensed merchandise also safeguards buyers against consumer fraud and potential involvement in money laundering schemes.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement
To combat the proliferation of counterfeit goods, the University of Arizona is collaborating with local law enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the National Intellectual Property Rights Center (NIPRC). This coordinated effort aims to identify and shut down both physical and online businesses selling fraudulent merchandise. The NIPRC, a center operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), focuses on intellectual property enforcement and combats counterfeiting and piracy. More information about the NIPRC can be found on the ICE website.
Fans can also play a role in identifying and reporting suspicious retailers. The university encourages shoppers to purchase merchandise only from officially licensed vendors, such as the campus store and authorized pop-up locations.
How to Spot Authentic Arizona Gear
Kelly Sauer, general manager of a licensed pop-up store with decades of experience selling University of Arizona merchandise, offered advice on identifying authentic products. “They have to stamp a hologram sticker on every shirt, you have to have the trademark logos on everything from the block A to the Final Four logo to the March Madness logo,” Sauer said.
Hanson echoed this advice, adding that shoppers should carefully examine items for correct spelling, accurate colors, and overall quality. A key indicator of authenticity is the inclusion of the word “the” before “University of Arizona.” “If the price is too quality to be true, it likely is,” Hanson cautioned.
Beyond protecting consumers, purchasing authentic merchandise directly benefits the university. “The money from the royalties that you’ll pay on a product comes to the university in the form of programs for students, student success, athletics, things like that,” Hanson explained. These funds are reinvested in the university community, supporting a wide range of initiatives.
Where to Find Official Merchandise
Authorized pop-up shops are currently operating at the following locations:
- Campus Store: Park &. Speedway, Park & 6th St, Speedway & Campbell, Maingate, Football Stadium parking lot (extended hours of 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Starting April 6), Campbell & 6th, Hi Corbett parking lot (extended hours of 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Starting April 6) – Hours are generally 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Through April 9.
- Other Authorized Pop-Ups: Broadway/Rosemont, Broadway/Tucson, Oracle/Orange Grove, Old Spanish Trail/Broadway, Grant / Tanque Verde (by Scented Leaf).
Pop-up shop hours are 10 a.m. To 4 p.m. From March 30 through April 9, with extended hours at Hi Corbett and the football stadium parking lot beginning April 6.
Reporting Counterfeit Goods
If you suspect a retailer is selling fraudulent merchandise, you can report it anonymously through the University of Arizona’s Counterfeit Reporting Form. This allows the university to investigate and take appropriate action.
As the Wildcats prepare for their Final Four matchup, the university is urging fans to support the team and the university by purchasing authentic merchandise. The next step in the university’s efforts to combat counterfeiting will be a review of reports submitted through the online form, with investigations launched as appropriate. We encourage readers to share this information with fellow Wildcat fans and help protect the university’s brand and reputation.
