Stony Brook Engages Van Wagner for New Naming Rights Partner May 10, 2024
STONY BROOK, N.Y. – Stony Brook University has engaged Van Wagner, a leading college athletics marketing agency, to identify a new naming rights partner for its basketball arena as the current agreement with Island Federal ends after a 10-year run, the University announced.
Island Federal acquired the naming rights 10 years ago as the newly renovated arena opened its doors for the 2014-15 season. During that time, Island Federal made a huge impact on many areas of campus through our transformational partnership.
“Island Federal Arena, which has been home to so many exciting games and events at Stony Brook, has played a critical role in helping to build a strong community among our students, faculty, staff, alumni and local residents by providing an essential place and space to connect, cheer and celebrate,” says Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis, “We are grateful to our partners at Island Federal for their vision, commitment and generous support that reached across our entire campus over the past decade.”
With Island Federal stepping away, the Seawolves are actively exploring options for a new arena naming rights partner at a pivotal time in the athletics program’s history. As part of the process, the University is not just seeking a replacement, but a partnership that aligns with the University’s vision for the future. This pursuit comes at an exciting time for Stony Brook as the University is on an historic trajectory.
“Island Federal has been a huge part of our success over the last decade,” said Director of Athletics Shawn Heilbron. “We look forward to identifying a new partner that will lock arms with us as we continue our rise as a department. There is such incredible momentum around Stony Brook Athletics from both a regional and national standpoint, and we know that we’re in a very strong position as we formally launch this process,” he added.
“On behalf of our Members, Board of Directors, and Employees, I want to thank Stony Brook University for allowing us to serve as the inaugural naming rights partner of the Stony Brook Arena,” said Island Federal Credit Union Interim President and CEO Craig Booth. “Over the past decade, we’ve enjoyed a front-row seat to witness the unprecedented growth and success of the athletic department. We’re grateful to the Stony Brook students, employees, alumni and fans who have turned to Island Federal for their financial needs. We will continue to serve them with our on-campus ATMs, digital banking solutions, and branches throughout the community.”
Last year, the athletics program moved to the Coastal Athletic Association after a successful 20-year run as a member of the America East Conference that included 51 championships during that time. In just the last year, Stony Brook was chosen as the anchor institution for Governors Island and received its highest rankings in University history. SBU was chosen as the number one public university in New York State and ranks 58th among national universities.
Recognized as the fastest, organically grown collegiate multimedia rights and marketing company in the industry, Van Wagner represents more than 40 colleges, universities, and conferences nationwide. Van Wagner currently represents the Seawolves as the exclusive multimedia rights holder. To identify a new naming rights partner for SBU, Van Wagner will draw upon its extensive experience in collegiate sports and deploy a combination of local, regional, and national sales resources to engage potential partners.
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About Stony Brook Athletics:
Stony Brook University’s Athletics Department sponsors 18 varsity intercollegiate athletic programs that compete at the NCAA Division I level. Their world-class facilities include the 12,300-seat Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium, and a sports complex housing the 4,000-seat basketball arena, which opened in the Fall of 2014. All of Stony Brook’s men’s and women’s programs offer athletic scholarships. For more information about the Stony Brook Seawolves, visit stonybrookathletics.com.
About Van Wagner:
Van Wagner is a leading sports advertising and entertainment agency, with global expertise in filmed and live entertainment, sponsorship sales, multi-media rights, and aerial advertising. Van Wagner creates, advises, and sells on behalf of world-class teams, leagues, brands, and properties. An innovator in the sports and media business, Van Wagner is a global leader in high-impact broadcast visible signage throughout the MLB, NBA, NCAA, and international soccer, sponsorships sales, college multi-media rights, and in-venue content production at the world’s biggest sporting events. For more information, visit www.vanwagner.com.