Fort Smith Schools Lands Coca-Cola Partnership for Stadium Naming Rights
The Fort Smith School District in Arkansas has partnered with Coca-Cola for a 10-year agreement that includes naming rights for two high school stadiums. The partnership will generate $40,000 per year for the district to replace the artificial turf at Southside's Jim Rowland Stadium and Northside's Mayo-Thompson Stadium. According to Rusty Bush, director of athletics and activities, 'They are safe to use, but it's time to have a plan to replace them.' The estimated cost of replacing both fields with new turf is between $3 million and $4 million.
The Fort Smith School Board voted in July to seek out naming rights deals to fund the turf replacement projects. This partnership will provide a significant source of funding for the district, which has been exploring ways to maintain its facilities. The agreement was approved by the school board on Monday, paving the way for the partnership's commencement.
A ceremony is scheduled for this Thursday at 1:30 p.m. to commemorate the partnership at the Dr. Benny L. Gooden Service Center.