Fans across U.S. encouraged to show school spirit by donning college gear.

To celebrate the start of the college football season, the Collegiate Licensing Company is promoting the 11th annual College Colors Day, taking place Friday.

Created by CLC, which represents the licensing programs of nearly 200 collegiate institutions, College Colors Day celebrates and promotes the traditions and spirit that embody the college experience.

The event is celebrated by thousands of organizations, retailers and classrooms across the country as well as millions of individuals who don their team colors and share their school spirit.

This year, CLC is also launched the College Colors Challenge, a socially fueled national contest that will give one grand prize winner an all-expenses paid trip to the College Football Playoff National Championship. By participating in a series of photo and video challenges on social media, fans can flaunt their colors, express their school spirit and vie for a trip to college football's title game. Some of the challenges include fans posting a trick shot video while wearing their colors, an awkward college colors family photo and college colors displayed at the office.

"The kick-off to college football is an exciting time of year for everyone," says Catherine Gammon, senior vice president, brand development, the Collegiate Licensing Company. "Whether you're a freshman in your first year at a university, someone who loves celebrating their alma mater, or just an everyday fan who is excited to root on their team, College Colors Day is the perfect time to display your passion and pageantry of college sports."