Board discusses naming rights terms

Agreements could go into effect before Jan. 1

After approving naming rights agreements last month for its stadium and gymnasium, the Peters Township School Board discussed how the district will implement those sponsorships.

Once agreements are finalized by the district solicitor, the high school field will be called ClearEdge Stadium.

ClearEdge’s parent company, Quadrant Biosciences of Syracuse, N.Y., which focuses on brain health assessments, and works in the Pittsburgh area, will be paying the district $10,000 per year for the next three years.

Allegheny Health Network purchased the naming rights for the gymnasium at the new high school, which is under construction and will pay the district $15,000 per year for a six-year term when the building opens for the 2020-21 school year.

Assistant Athletic Director Justin Pyles told board members at a fundraising committee meeting Monday that the funds the district will receive from the naming rights is on par with other area schools.

He pointed out Seneca Valley’s football stadium is called “NexTier Bank Stadium” and the district earns $10,000 per year from the naming rights. Seneca Valley’s soccer stadium is sponsored by Myers Law Group, at $5,000 per year.

At North Allegheny, the football stadium sponsorship is with Wright Automotive, which pays the district $10,000 per year.

Mr. Pyles said Allegheny Health Network’s logo will be visible in the gymnasium on railings or behind the stands or on the scoreboard.

“We will try to do it and be tasteful and still be advantageous to the advertiser,” Mr. Pyles said.

Board member Willam Merrell wondered if there would be one sign or multiple signs in the gym. Mr. Pyles said that would be something the district would have to work out with Allegheny Health Network.

“The value of the gym is being able to see (advertising) from different angles and have multiple signs from different viewpoints,” Mr. Pyles said.

The assistant athletic director explained the district also could look into naming specific areas of the athletic facilities — not just the facilities, themselves.

He pointed out PNC Park and Heinz Field also have sponsored entrance sand areas within the stadiums, which the board could look into at some point.

The district solicitor is reviewing the agreements with both Quadrant Biosciences and Allegheny Health Network. Formal agreements are set to be complete before Jan. 1.

The board also discussed accepting donations to the district from companies and individuals and the possibility of incorporating a donor wall in the new school.

Shelly Belcher, district communications coordinator, showed several examples of donor walls.

“There are companies that specialize in this” that can help with the design and help to set donation levels, Ms. Belcher said.

Fundraising committee chairperson Minna Allison said the donor wall will be discussed further at future meetings.