Out with the old (legend), in with the new (money).
Saturday, Utah State announced what was described as a long-term partnership with Maverik, Inc., a convenience store chain in that area of the country, that will include naming rights to the Aggies’ football stadium. Henceforth and effective immediately, the school stated in its release, the home of the football Aggies will be known as Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium.
The naming rights deal, the financial deals of which weren’t revealed, officially kickstarts a significant renovation of the stadium.
“The Maverik brand, their values and vision for growth in the Mountain West region is an ideal fit for Utah State University,” said USU athletic director Scott Barnes in a statement. “This new partnership is a catalyst for our stadium renovation initiative, which will commence immediately with the demolition of the west side press box and a portion of the west side seating. Further, this partnership assists in ensuring the already promising future of our football program and the enhanced fan experience. On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches and the entire Aggie Nation, I want to thank Tom Welch and Maverik for this exciting opportunity.”
Previously, the venue had been called Romney Stadium in honor of USU legend Dick Romney. For those unaware of Romney’s resume, it’s quite impressive.Romney Stadium is named after legendary Utah State football and basketball coach, and athletics director, E. Lowell `Dick’ Romney, who spent 29 seasons as the Aggies’ athletics director and head football coach from 1919-48, compiling a 128-91-16 (.579) record on the gridiron. Romney also spent 22 seasons (1920-41) as the men’s basketball coach at USU and posted a 225-157 (.589) record. He also served as USU’s head track & field coach for 24 seasons (1919-1941) and was the Aggies’ head baseball coach for three years (1919-21).
During his 31 years at Utah State, Romney led the Aggies to four conference championships in football (1921, 1935, 1936, 1946), basketball (1926, 1930, 1935, 1936) and track & field (1924, 1925, 1926, 1927), and three conference titles in baseball (1919, 1920, 1921).
In all, Romney is the longest-tenured head football and basketball coach in school history, as well as the longest-tenured athletics director, and also ranks first all-time in career football wins (128) and football games coached (235).
Following his career at Utah State, Romney spent 11 years (1949-60) as the commissioner of the Mountain States/Skyline Conference.
In its release on the name change, USU made sure to include a statement from one of Romney’s grandkids.
“The renaming of Romney Stadium is a little bittersweet, but our family realizes that to be competitive and relevant in today’s sports world, you need to have the financial backing of corporate America,” said Richard Romney, grandson of the USU legend. “The Romney family has the desire for Utah State football to continue to grow and be successful and we strongly believe that this stadium project will go a long way to secure the future of the program, and will also make for a better fan experience.
“What grandpa accomplished at Utah State will never be duplicated in today’s society. We know his name will remain prominent and continue to have a strong legacy at Utah State. His story will not be forgotten.”
(Photo credit: Utah State athletics)
