This post was written by Hatchet Staff Writer Kara Dunford.

The GW athletic department pulled out all the stops to ensure an overwhelming show of Colonial spirit at tonight’s game against George Mason. On Nov. 23, the athletic department launched a 30-second television commercial campaign in conjunction with the cable network RCN that aired throughout the D.C. metro area.

Nicole Early, executive director of sports marketing in Creative Management, said in an e-mail that the commercial was part of a larger sponsorship deal between the department and RCN. She said the commercials came at no additional cost because of the existing agreement with RCN.

RCN agreed to become a major sponsor of the Charles E. Smith Center renovation that took place over the summer, University spokeswoman Michelle Sherrard said in an e-mail. The sponsorship agreement includes in-kind elements such as the commercial spot.

RCN’s President and CEO Peter Aquino is an alumnus of the GW School of Business, Sherrard said. He received his MBA from the University in 1990.

The Spirit Office and several student organizations launched a “Beat George Mason” campaign several weeks ago to boost support for Colonial athletics. In addition to the television spots, the Web site BeatGeorgeMason.com was created. Bumper stickers and Facebook groups spread the word to GW students. On Nov. 28, a YouTube video featuring student leaders from the Student Association, Residence Hall Association and Program Board was posted to the Facebook event page. In the video, the students challenge George Mason to the “Battle of the Orange Line.”

The game is set for a 7 p.m. tip off tonight in the Smith Center.