Vanderbilt University has agreed a 10-year sponsorship deal with FirstBank marking the first naming rights agreement for its football stadium, which is this year celebrating its centenary.
Under the deal with the Nashville-headquartered FirstBank, Vanderbilt Stadium will be recognised as FirstBank Stadium starting with the 2022 Commodore football season. Through the agreement, FirstBank also becomes the official bank of Vanderbilt Athletics and the Vanderbilt Alumni Association.
Vanderbilt will uphold and honour the designation of Dudley Field – the venue’s original name when it opened in 1922 as the first stadium in the south of the United States to be erected exclusively for college football.
As Vanderbilt marks the 100th anniversary of Vanderbilt Stadium and Dudley Field this year, construction related to the Vandy United venture will begin to transform the north and south end zones, with a new basketball facility being developed in the former.
In addition to stadium naming rights, the relationship includes a comprehensive multimedia arrangement with Vanderbilt Athletics for all varsity programs. FirstBank will also participate in Vanderbilt student and alumni engagement opportunities, including the sponsorship of student internships and select alumni programming.
Additionally, FirstBank will have the opportunity to conduct on-campus workshops and provide financial products supporting innovation and startup activities at Vanderbilt.
Candice Lee, vice-chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director, said: “I’m excited for the opportunities this historic collaboration with FirstBank creates for Vanderbilt Athletics and our student-athletes.
“As the landscape of collegiate athletics continues to shift, we remain committed to our core mission. We will provide student-athletes with the tools to reach their full potential on and off the field and work to unite and inspire the city we call home.”
FirstBank president and CEO, Chris Holmes, added: “For more than a century, FirstBank has built its reputation by believing in the power and potential of our community.
“Partnering with Vanderbilt reinforces our shared commitment to the idea that world-class excellence can have local roots. We believe FirstBank Stadium is more than a name. It represents an opportunity to strengthen this community and mentor leaders who will shape an even brighter future.”
Vanderbilt was assisted in the national search for a naming rights and campus partner by the Independent Sports & Entertainment (ISE) agency.
Image: FirstBank
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