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May 15, 2007 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The home of the Rockford RiverHawks has a new name.
Road Ranger LLC, a leading Midwest convenience-store chain, and the Rockford RiverHawks announced today the formation of a naming-rights partnership for the team’s stadium. The multi-purpose entertainment facility, which opened in 2006, will be known as Road Ranger Stadium.
The naming rights agreement is for an initial term of five years. Financial and specific terms were not released.
“We are overwhelmed by the opportunity to be part of bringing quality, affordable professional baseball to the area,” Road Ranger president Dan Arnold said. “The RiverHawks are a first-class organization and their stadium is an architectural jewel in our community. The purchasing of naming rights is our way of supporting the RiverHawks. Ranger Joe and Rocko the RiverHawk are planning for an exciting season.”
Road Ranger, based in Rockford, is one of the fastest-growing businesses in the country. The 55-store chain posted revenues in excess of $1 billion for fiscal year 2006. In February, Road Ranger acquired eight stores in the Midwest and is in the process of negotiating the purchase of several properties that will give it a total of more than 100 locations by the end of 2008.
“We are thrilled to welcome Road Ranger to our growing team of commercial partners,” said Kurt Carlson, team chairman and co-owner. “This further strengthens our ability to provide affordable family entertainment to the region.”
The stadium, located at 4503 Interstate Blvd. in Loves Park, opened May 31, 2006. The RiverHawks drew more than 115,000 in their first season at the ballpark.
“Road Ranger and RiverHawks professional baseball are a good fit,” said Dennis Arouca, team president and co-owner. “Both organizations are synonymous with value – working hard to present quality offerings to customers, to keep them returning again and again. Professional sports and family entertainment help improve a region’s quality of life, and we believe the Road Ranger partnership will help us take our efforts to the next level.”
In 2007, Road Ranger Stadium is scheduled to host nearly 100 events, including: 51 RiverHawks games; 17 Rockford College games; the Northern Athletics Conference Tournament, which included Rockford College; the Illinois High School Association baseball supersectional; an American Legion tournament; the Pepsi/Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit and Run competition; the Rockford Health System Easter Egg Roll.
All stores operate under the Road Ranger banner and are located in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri and Wisconsin. The Ranger stores offer a broad selection of merchandise, as well as gasoline and other ancillary services designed to appeal to the convenience needs of its customers. In addition to Road Ranger taking care of its customers, it also offers a great place to work in the convenience store and travel center industry.
The RiverHawks have played professional baseball in the Rock River Valley since 2002 and has drawn more than half a million fans over its first five seasons. The team won the 2004 Frontier League pennant and has made three consecutive playoff appearances. Major-league organizations have signed seven RiverHawks to contracts and former members of the organization work in the front offices of the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks.
The RiverHawks are the Western Division champions of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 15th season in 2007. The RiverHawks begin their sixth season on May 23 at Windy City. The home opener is at 7:05 p.m. May 25, when the RiverHawks host Windy City. Advertising and season-ticket information is available by calling the box office at (815) 885-2255. All games are broadcast live on WNTA (1330 AM). Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
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