New Sponsors to be Recognized at Mediacom Stadium
Casey’s, Fareway, Scheels Join in Support of the New DMPS, Drake Venue
As Mediacom Stadium – the new football/soccer stadium being developed by Des Moines Public Schools and Drake University – rises along Forest Avenue, new sponsors are showing their support for the construction and operations of the facility.
In an update by Drake’s athletic director Brian Hardin at the June 6 meeting of the Des Moines School Board, he shared that three areas of the stadium will recognize well-known companies for their support:
- The Casey’s Concourse and Plaza
- The SCHEELS Video Board
- The Fareway Hillside
“We are committed to providing our students and spectators with a first-rate facility, one that we believe will be the best of its kind in Iowa,” said Teree Caldwell-Johnson, chair of the Des Moines School Board. “The partnership between DMPS and Drake University, the taxpayers of our community, and the financial support of businesses and individuals is providing Des Moines with a facility that will be enjoyed for many years to come.”
“We are grateful for this partnership with DMPS and for the philanthropic support received, including the leadership support of Casey’s, SCHEELS, and Fareway,” said Brian Hardin, Athletics Director, Drake University. “DMPS soccer and football programs, marching bands, other co-curricular groups, and Drake soccer will flourish in this first-rate competition stadium. As Des Moines’ Hometown Team, we celebrate with all who will benefit from this new community venue.”
“At Casey’s, we want to build stronger communities by helping create great spaces for people to connect, compete and cheer on their local teams. Taking pride in your team and school has a significant impact on the student-athlete experience as well as the families and greater Des Moines community,” said Darren Rebelez, President and CEO, Casey’s. “We are honored to play a role in this important project and look forward to seeing the Casey’s Concourse and Plaza welcome attendees into the stadium this fall.”
“SCHEELS is proud to support the project as it offers athletes in our community a state-of-the-art stadium to compete in their passions of athletics,” said Chrissy Brabandt, Store Director. “As an Employee-Owned business, we are committed to giving back to the community that supports us as loyal customers of our brand.”
“We are proud to serve and support our local communities and look forward to partnering with two, area institutions for a community stadium,” said Fareway CEO Reynolds W. Cramer. “This public/private partnership will not only provide for a state-of-the-art athletic venue for Central Iowa students and their families, but the project will enhance the vibrancy of the neighborhood in the heart of the city.”
The sponsorship recognition of Casey’s, Fareway, and Scheels is in addition to three announced in February. Those included Mediacom Stadium in recognition of the communications company’s contribution to Drake University for the project; the Albaugh Field in recognition of a contribution by the Dennis Albaugh family to Drake for the project; and the Prairie Meadows West Gate, in recognition of financial support from Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino to Des Moines Public Schools.
The stadium, located adjacent to the Knapp Center, near the corner of Forest Avenue and 25th Street, is slated to open in the Fall of 2023. Designed to seat 4,000 spectators, the stadium will be the new home field for DMPS football, soccer and other secondary school activities as well as the Drake Bulldogs men’s and women’s soccer teams.
For more information visit stadium.dmschools.org.