Jordan Valley Ice Park lines up naming-level sponsor

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board has reached a new naming-level sponsorship agreement for the Jordan Valley Ice Park, Springfield City Council members learned near the conclusion of its meeting last night.

Ron Schneider, who started as director of parks and recreation last month, told council that internet service provider Brightspeed LLC has penned a 10-year contract for the naming rights at $150,000 annually, with an option to renew after the term completes.

"We're excited for this opportunity that will provide some needed financial resources for the ice park and overall park operations," Schneider told council members.

Council is scheduled to vote Aug. 19 on the bill that would amend the Park Board's 2024-25 budget by increasing revenues in the amount of $175,000. Schneider said Brightspeed additionally would reimburse expenses to implement co-branded signs and logo placements at Jordan Valley Ice Park, with 50% to be paid in 2024 and the remainder in the second year of the contract.

"I think this is a great idea," Councilmember Abe McGull said. "We should always try to look for ways to monetize any available city property that can put money back into the coffers."

The Jordan Valley Ice Park has not had a naming-level sponsor since 2019, when Mediacom Communications Corp. chose not to extend its contract with the Park Board, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.

Brightspeed, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is leasing the fiber network created by a nearly $150 million multiyear expansion project by City Utilities of Springfield, according to past reporting.