The Corpus Christi Hooks (Class AA; Texas League) and Whataburger have extended their Whataburger Field naming-rights deal through 2033, leading to new branding tie-ins at the ballpark.
The roof of Whataburger Field will be painted with distinctive orange and white stripes (rendering above), paying homage to the pattern found at Whataburger restaurants. The bright rooftop will be a sight for air travelers and motorists on the new Harbor Bridge, currently under construction next to the ballpark.
The private drive bordering the west side of the ballpark will now be named “Whataburger Way”. Whataburger 4Topps will line the top of Section 120, providing fans with the unique opportunity to dine at Whataburger branded tables with adjoining 360-degree swivel chairs and Whataburger wait service.
In conjunction with the renewed stadium naming rights announcement, the Hooks revealed that Whataburger will serve as the first corporate partner of the new Corpus Christi Hooks Community Leaders Program, which will support youth sports, military, and other charitable initiatives throughout the Coastal Bend community.
To celebrate the renewed future of Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi, all fans in attendance on Saturday, April 6 will receive Whataburger, 15th Season Jerseys.
“Whataburger backed us from the beginning, before we even had a name, and I am delighted our two brands remain linked,” Hooks Founder and Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan said. “This partnership allows us to continue our mission of growing the game of baseball, investing in the community, and providing South Texas families with excellent customer service and first-class entertainment. It’s also a great example of Whataburger continuing to build upon their commitment to the city in which they were born.”
Whataburger Field was completed in 2005 at a cost of $25 million. One of its more notable features is a 1,000-square-foot Whataburger restaurant that sits on the concourse behind home plate.
“Whataburger is proud to continue supporting local baseball through the renewal of Whataburger Field and our partnership with the Corpus Christi Hooks,” said John Dolan, Whataburger Regional Director of Operations. “Baseball has been especially important to us because it represents the legacy of our founder, Harmon Dobson, who sponsored Little League teams when he opened the first restaurant in 1950, right here in Corpus Christi. We look forward to many more years of baseball, community and friendship to come.”
The Hooks’ current lease with the City of Corpus Christi runs through 2035. The Astros have invested $3.2 million in ballpark improvements over the last six years, with projects ranging from a state-of-the-art Daktronics LED video display–which tripled the size of the original board–to redesigning and expanding the suite-level Cotton Club.
“We appreciate the continued partnership between Whataburger and the Corpus Christi Hooks,” Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb said. “These hometown favorites have brought baseball, burgers and our bayfront to thousands of visitors and residents. Their on-going impact has become the jewel of the SEA District and we are excited to see what the extended partnership brings our community.”
The renewed 15-year naming-rights partnership begins with the 2019 season, one year before the expiration of the previous agreement. It will run through the 2033 season.
Rendering Corpus Christi Hooks.