New Balance gives contribution to UMaine, earns naming rights

A $5 million donation from athletic products company New Balance to the University of Maine will provide funding for the institution's field house and basketball-only arena, according to Bangor Daily News.

"This is huge for us, it is the largest corporate gift in school history," Steve Abbott, the university's athletic director, tells the news source. "This is a tremendous boost for the fundraising effort for the field house and Memorial Gym renovation."

With the donation, New Balance gains brand recognition. Maine's field house will be renamed New Balance Field House, while its student rec and fitness center will be called the New Balance Student Recreation Fitness Center.

Facility managers at Maine may want to consider sports management software from EZFacility once construction is completed. The tool offers scheduling and management of daily center activities, and the ability to create reservations with the touch of a button.

Maine will use the gift to help fund its $19 million field house-Memorial Gym project, which Abbott hopes to start renovating by April 2012.  

« View more industry news