Spero Financial and Anderson University announced today a 25-year naming rights agreement to create Spero Financial Field in support of the new Trojan Football Program, scheduled for its inaugural season in fall of 2024.
“With three locations in Anderson, our roots run deep in the community,” Spero Financial President and CEO Brian McKay said in a news release. “Anderson University shares this same commitment to the community. We know that football games bring people together; that’s where real community happens.”
Spero Financial Board Chairman Mike Strickland noted his excitement in the Board’s unanimous vote of approval of the agreement – sharing, “It is an honor to partner with such a well-respected and renowned university – one that not only has significant impacts in the Anderson community but throughout the entire state and beyond.”
The $1 million commitment by Spero Financial is a significant contribution in helping the University secure the $6 million needed to launch the program. The 25-year deal includes exclusive naming rights of the football field, in addition to being used to host AU men’s and women’s lacrosse and soccer, campus activities and community events.
“Anderson University is deeply appreciative of the support of Spero Financial, and its leadership for capturing our vision of the future of Trojan athletics,” said Anderson University President Evans P. Whitaker, Ph.D. “This generous gift will help continue our growth as one of the leading Christian universities in the nation.”
Anderson University Vice President for Athletics Dr. Bert Epting shared this sentiment stating, “The investment they have made in our university and specifically our Athletics Department will be transformational for our student-athletes and their student experience. We could not be more excited to name our field after them.”
Stadium construction planning is well underway with a projected completion in 2023. Spero Financial Field will take the place of the current 1,200-seat soccer stadium on the AU Athletic Campus and will be expanded to seat approximately 5,000 to 6,000 spectators. The fully completed complex, constructed in phases, will feature a state-of-the-art field house, locker room, weight room and coaches’ offices – in addition to a Trojan Club Level for entertaining and a Press Level.
“Through this partnership with AU Athletics, Spero Financial will deepen our commitment of stability and longevity in the Anderson community; have greater opportunity to inspire and nurture financial hope through hosting staff, student-athlete, and community financial workshops; and foster future, top talent by hosting AU student interns,” said McKay. As a result, we know that Spero, Anderson University and the communities we serve will be even better places to live, work and play.”
