The home of Sacramento Republic FC has a new name, as the stadium is now known as Papa Murphy’s Park.
The naming rights agreement is part of a multi-year partnership between the team and the take-and-bake pizza chain.
“We are thrilled to partner with Papa Murphy’s, a brand that is synonymous with families, quality and community,” said Republic FC president and co-founder Warren Smith. “Just as soccer and pizza gather people together, so does Papa Murphy’s Park. Our home pitch has always been an intimidating place for opponents and that will continue under the banner of Papa Murphy’s.”
Formerly known as the Bonney Field, Papa Murphy’s Park is a privately funded facility and private-public collaboration among Comcast Spectacor, Republic FC and Cal Expo. It opened in June 2014 with a capacity of 8,000 seats and later expanded in 2015 to its current capacity. The facility holds over 11,500 for sporting events and as high as 14,000 for concerts.
Located on the grounds of Cal Expo, Papa Murphy’s Park provides one of the largest grass pitches in the country for a professional soccer club and was the site of the 2014 USL Championship match. The pitch has also hosted the likes of international clubs CD Guadalajara, Atlas FC, Newcastle United F.C., Sunderland AFC, West Bromwich Albion F.C., Rangers F.C. and Liverpool FC U21. It has also been host to USA Rugby, Pro Rugby, various concerts including City of Trees and a Bernie Saunders rally of more than 14,000 in 2016. It has been the site of numerous attendance records for USL including sellouts of all but one regular season match for Republic FC.
“This is an incredible opportunity to partner with a growing sports enterprise that has huge potential for our brand and fits wonderfully into the Greater Sacramento area,” said Papa Murphy’s co-op president Greg Wellington. “Republic FC couldn’t be a better partnership and we are looking forward to activating it on various levels over the coming years.”
The multi-year naming rights arrangement will consist of a variety of marketing elements beyond the naming of Papa Murphy’s Park. Papa Murphy’s will be featured on various marketing materials, advertising in broadcasts, signage at the site and in a series of promotions and events. In alignment with their core values and commitment to the Sacramento region, Papa Murphy’s and Republic FC will also be engaging in a variety of community activities that include but are not limited to underserved youth and families.
Image courtesy Sacramento Republic FC.