SCRANTON -- When Scranton and West Scranton's football teams play in the annual Bell Game, they'll be playing on a newly named field.
Just before kickoff the field will be officially known as "Tobyhanna Federal Credit Union Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium."
The Scranton School District sold the naming rights of the field to the credit union. It's commonplace for professional teams and colleges, and school officials think it'll soon become the norm for high schools, as well.
Before the fences around Veterans Memorial Stadium are draped in the painted paper signs you typically see at the Scranton/West Scranton "Bell Game" school officials added some new signs.
"The Bell Game, it doesn't get any better, Scranton versus West. You can feel the electricity in the air during the game and to have the grand opening as a part of that, it's very special for me and the school district," said Justin MacGregor, Scranton School District community relations director.
At the annual rivalry game, the Scranton School District will christen its field with a new name: Tobyhanna Federal Credit Union Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The price for this prime advertising? $500,000 paid in $50,000 increments over 10 years.
The Scranton School District just put in new turf at Memorial Stadium. The sponsorship not only covers the cost of the new turf, it will also continue to pay for maintenance at the stadium.
"It started on the pro level, worked down to the college level, and we're seeing it more and more on the high school level. Going after that was an idea that worked out," MacGregor said.
MacGregor said he researched the growing trend.
The Williamsport Millionaires are the only high school team in our area to seek naming rights for a stadium. But soon, that may change.
"I do hope to see it become a trend. I think financially it could help some struggling school districts. But I think mostly it's about getting the businesses involved in the community and getting the name out there," said Tobyhanna Federal Credit Union marketing manager Amy Crain.
By the way, the Scranton/West Scranton matchup is called the Bell Game because the winning team is awarded a bell trophy.
Officials from the school district and from Tobyhanna Federal Credit Union will hold a grand opening for the newly named field just minutes before kickoff.
They've also planned a fireworks show for after the game.