The new home of the Winston-Salem Dash will sport the name of BB&T Ballpark after the signing of a naming-rights deal.The Winston-Salem Dash (High Class A; Carolina League) and BB&T Corp. have signed a 15-year agreement to name the team’s new stadium BB&T Ballpark.
“A local corporate citizen like BB&T that has a strong track record of support for the communities it serves is exactly what we desired when we began our search for a naming partner,” Dash President Geoff Lassiter said. “BB&T stepped up to the plate when we needed them, and we're thrilled to have BB&T as our partner in creating the premier option for live family entertainment in Winston-Salem and our surrounding communities.”
“The support of our clients and employees in the Triad has enabled us to partner with community-minded organizations like the Dash to build on the reputation of the Triad as one of the best places in the country to live and work,” said Cantey Alexander, BB&T Triad Regional President. “BB&T is committed to the economic development of the communities it serves. Minor league baseball, even during the most difficult times in our country's history, has been a popular, family-friendly recreational activity in Winston-Salem. BB&T Ballpark is an exciting addition to our downtown landscape. It is creating new jobs, developing business for dozens of local enterprises and serving as a catalyst for future economic development.”
In terms of economic development, Lassiter said that local construction contractors and subcontractors are being used, when feasible, for work on the stadium. Samet Corporation of Greensboro is serving as general contractor. Nearly 70 percent of the subcontractors are from Winston-Salem and elsewhere in the Piedmont Triad, and more than 90 percent are from North Carolina. When completed, BB&T Ballpark will employ more than 250 people each game day, a combination of concessionaire, game day and full-time staff. The Dash administrative office also employs nearly 30 full-time staff.
“BB&T's partnership significantly increases the excitement, credibility and economic feasibility of the downtown ballpark,” Lassiter added. “BB&T is as committed to family entertainment as we are at the Dash, and their commitment enables us to focus all of our energy on preparing BB&T Ballpark for a magnificent opening day fan experience. We are very proud of the list of companies like BB&T that have come together to show their support for the Dash.”
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