LOGAN, Utah – Fans who turn out to cheer for the Utah State University Aggies this season will be rooting for the home team in a stadium bearing a new name.
USU Football and Maverik Inc. announced Saturday that the venue where the Aggies play is now officially Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium, and a press release states the change represents a “long-term naming rights partnership.”
According to the press release, the multi-year agreement includes advertising rights, prominent signage inside and outside of the stadium, and it will also mean a Maverik concession outlet that will sell, “a number of Maverik proprietary food products.”
“The Maverik brand, their values and vision for growth in the Mountain West region is an ideal fit for Utah State University,” stated USU Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Barnes in the press release. “This new partnership is a catalyst for our stadium renovation initiative, which will commence immediately with the demolition of the west side press box and a portion of the west side seating. Further, this partnership assists in ensuring the already promising future of our football program and the enhanced fan experience. On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches and the entire Aggie Nation, I want to thank Tom Welch and Maverik for this exciting opportunity.”
The announcement came during the 2015 Spring Football Game, and Maverik hosted a community tailgate from noon to 2 p.m. as part of the off-season festivities.
Maverik and USU Football both tweeted pictures of the new name along with statements, with Maverik tweeting: “Maverik & @USUFootball are thrilled to announce that Aggie football’s home is being upgraded to Maverik Stadium!”
See the tweets below for the photos.”
Maverik & @USUFootball are thrilled to announce that Aggie football's home is being upgraded to Maverik Stadium! http://t.co/NvGUKyO7be—
Maverik Inc. (@Maverik_Inc) April 11, 2015
The stadium was built in 1968 and was officially dedicated September 27, 1969. The first game played at the venue took place Sept. 14, 1968 when USU beat New Mexico State 28-12. The stadium was named for E. Lowell “Dick” Romney, a former USU football and basketball coach as well as athletics director for 29 years.
Richard Romney, E.L. Romney’s grandson, gave a statement in the press release regarding the change.
“The renaming of Romney Stadium is a little bittersweet, but our family realizes that to be competitive and relevant in today’s sports world, you need to have the financial backing of corporate America,” said Richard Romney, grandson of E.L. ‘Dick’ Romney. “The Romney family has the desire for Utah State football to continue to grow and be successful and we strongly believe that this stadium project will go a long way to secure the future of the program, and will also make for a better fan experience.
What grandpa accomplished at Utah State will never be duplicated in today’s society. We know his name will remain prominent and continue to have a strong legacy at Utah State. His story will not be forgotten.”
