Industry News

Sacramento Republic announce stadium naming-rights partnership with Papa Murphy’s

North American United Soccer League franchise Sacramento Republic has announced a stadium naming-rights partnership with pizza chain Papa Murphy’s.

Formerly known as Bonney Field, the facility will now be known as Papa Murphy’s Park as part of the multi-year partnership. It is a privately funded ground and a private-public collaboration among Comcast Spectacor, Republic and Cal Expo.

The arrangement will also consist of a variety of marketing elements beyond the naming rights of the stadium. Papa Murphy’s will be featured on various marketing materials, advertising in broadcasts, signage at the site and in a series of promotions and events.

The field opened in June 2014 with 8,000 seats and later it expanded to its current capacity in 2015. The facility holds more than 11,500 for sporting events and almost 14,000 for concerts.

The ground provides one of the largest grass pitches in the United States for a professional football club and held the 2014 USL Championship match.

In alignment with the partnership, both entities will also be engaging in a variety of community activities with underserved youth and families.
“We are thrilled to partner with Papa Murphy’s, a brand that is synonymous with families, quality and community,” said Republic president and co-founder Warren Smith. “Just as soccer and pizza gather people together, so does Papa Murphy’s Park. Our home pitch has always been an intimidating place for opponents and that will continue under the banner of Papa Murphy’s.”

“This is an incredible opportunity to partner with a growing sports enterprise that has huge potential for our brand and fits wonderfully into the Greater Sacramento area,” said Papa Murphy’s co-op president Greg Wellington. “Republic FC couldn’t be a better partnership and we are looking forward to activating it on various levels over the coming years.”