The Toledo Mud Hens‘ (Class AAA; International League) home ballpark will continue be known as Fifth Third Field, as the team has announced a naming rights extension with Fifth Third Bank. The new agreement is for 12 years, meaning that Fifth Third Bank will have its name on the ballpark through at least 2028.
Fifth Third has had its name on the downtown Toledo ballpark since it opened in 2002. Over Fifth Third Field’s history, the Mud Hens have been a steady draw, and with the addition of the Hensville entertainment district this season, the team is building towards what it is hoping will be an even more vibrant future. That momentum carried over to the naming rights, as Fifth Third stated its desire to continue to be associated with the ballpark. More from the Toledo Blade:
“When you look out on what’s going to happen to the downtown area over the next decade, this is going to be a really cool place to be and it’s going to be a lot of fun to be a part of it. We’re really excited,” said Bob LaClair, president and chief executive officer of Fifth Third Bank, northwestern Ohio.
Also on hand at the announcement were Joe Napoli, president and chief executive officer of the Toledo Mud Hens, and Lucas County Commissioners Pete Gerken and Carol Contrada.
The $39-million ballpark became the home for the Mud Hens when the team moved before the 2002 season out of the Lucas County recreation center in Maumee.
Fifth Third obtained the naming rights to the downtown stadium in 2001 for $5 million. That was for 15 years, and it had a 10-year renewal option. At that time, the bank also bought one of the 32 luxury suites for $250,000 and was to spend $180,000 for signs and given and $70,000 worth of souvenir items for the first season.
Fifth Third Bank is a natural fit as a naming rights partner, as it has a regional office in Toledo and plenty of experience in ballpark naming rights. The bank also sponsors the homes of three Low A Midwest League squads: the Dayton Dragons, the Kane County Cougars, and the West Michigan Whitecaps.
The full financial terms were not disclosed.