The Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) unveiled a naming-rights partner for a proposed new Uptown ballpark: BB&T Corp.
Under the agreement, the ballpark will carry the BB&T name and include signage and other promotional opportunities, starting when the Knights are scheduled to begin play in April 2014. It would be the second Minor League Ballpark to bear a BB&T name: the Winston-Salem Dash (High Class A; Carolina League) play at BB&T Ballpark.
Terms of the deal were not released. it comes before the Charlotte City Council debates whether to help fund the facility to the tune of $8.5 million; that meeting is scheduled for this evening.
“BB&T is committed to supporting the communities in which we work and live,” said Wes Beckner, regional president of BB&T’s Charlotte metro region. “We believe a new baseball stadium in a spectacular setting in uptown Charlotte will create jobs and attract business investment with new restaurants and other businesses. It also will draw crowds to a family-friendly, affordable environment.
“We understand approval of the stadium is a process and critical decisions still need to be made. If those decisions are positive, we are delighted to support what we believe will be a tremendous economic catalyst for Charlotte and the region.”
“We are excited to have BB&T join our team as we create a vibrant new entertainment center in uptown Charlotte,” said Knights managing partner Don Beaver. “With its strong track record of community support and commitment to family entertainment, BB&T is the perfect partner. Our partnership significantly increases the excitement, credibility and economic feasibility of our proposed uptown stadium. We couldn’t be prouder to have the BB&T name atop what will be a magnificent addition to the Charlotte landscape.”
“The proposed stadium is a compelling opportunity for us to extend the BB&T brand in Charlotte, an important market for BB&T,” said Pete Zifchak, BB&T senior vice president of corporate sports marketing and event planning. “We carefully select our sports marketing partnerships to ensure that they have a positive impact on the community and elevate the profile of BB&T in the region. Triple-A baseball in the attractive setting of uptown Charlotte will enhance the area’s vibrancy and raise the awareness of BB&T and our commitment to the communities we serve.”
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