Featured image credit: SuperUserCode/CC BY-SA 4.0/Edited for size
North Carolina State has appointed Independent Sports and Entertainment (ISE) to identify a potential naming-rights partner for Carter-Finley Stadium, the home of its American football team.
The stadium, which is located in the city of Raleigh, has a capacity of almost 57,000 and opened in 1966. It is currently named after brothers Harry and W.J. Carter, two NC State graduates, and Raleigh-based philanthropist A.E. Finley.
ISE is a sports marketing agency that specialises in venue naming-rights generating opportunities in the college athletics space. Over the past two years, it has successfully run eight searches totalling more than $180m (£143m/€171m) to university partners across the US.
NC State’s director of athletics, Boo Corrigan, said: “With the blessing of the Carter and Finley families, we are able to pursue this opportunity to enhance our programme in the new landscape of college athletics. We are grateful for their support through the years and for their understanding of our need to explore new revenue sources to invest in the development and success of our student-athletes. We have had great conversations with both families and will keep them informed of all potential options.”
More US universities are exploring naming-rights deals for their venues as the commercial landscape of college sport shifts. In 2022, Vanderbilt University agreed a 10-year deal with FirstBank for its American football stadium, while in August, Grammy Award-winning musician Pitbull purchased naming rights to Florida International University’s American football and soccer stadium in Miami.
In September, Chinese technology company Lenovo acquired naming rights to the home arena of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, which also hosts games played by NC State’s basketball team. The 10-year deal rebranded the former PNC Arena as Lenovo Center and is worth a reported $60m.
The Hurricanes are planning on building a new mixed-use development on an 80-acre site near Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium. The plans are being led by Pacific Elm Properties and Gale Force Sports and Entertainment.
Share this