Kansas Wesleyan University now has JRI Stadium. Other venues named after companies
Just over a week ago, Kansas Wesleyan University announced the stadium at Graves Family Sports Complex will have a new name, JRI Stadium.
This name change comes after a 10-year naming-rights agreement was reached between KWU and Salina-based JRI Hospitality, a franchisee of Freddy's and owner of the Mokas brand.
This is the latest example of a company with local ties putting their name on a venue that hosts sports and entertainment events in Salina.
More: Salina owner going after a Freddy's-like explosion for Mokas Cafe
Tony's Pizza Events Center
In 2017, the City of Salina and the owners of what was originally called the Bicentennial Center, reached an agreement with Schwan's Company for the right to name the venue Tony's Pizza Events Center.
That venue, which has an arena with capacity of more than 6,500, is named after the frozen pizza company that began in Salina.
In 2020, Schwan's used the exterior of the events center to announce the expansion of the frozen pizza plant, which, when completed, will become the largest frozen pizza plant in the world.
Great Plains Manufacturing Convention Hall
Located within the Tony's Pizza Events Center is a 18,000 square-foot conventional hall space.
In January 2020, Spectra Venue Management, which is now OVG360, announced a 10-year agreement to rename this hall the Great Plains Convention Hall, after another company founded and still headquartered in Salina.
Funding raised by hospital and others for Salina Fieldhouse
While it is not specifically named after the organization, Salina Regional Health Center contributed $1.25 million to the $11.7 million construction of the Salina Fieldhouse, and as such had its logo predominately placed on the building.
More: Retiree and CASA volunteer in Salina looks out for the best interest of each child he serves
The subject of naming the facility was one of the most contentious discussions in 2016, with the Salina City Commission split as to whether to recognize the hospital's contribution inside or outside the facility.
In the end, a decision was reached to not name the facility after the hospital, but instead to place the logo, in smaller type, below the Salina Fieldhouse name.
Olivia's Playground named after a person
Olivia’s Playground, which was specially-designed to provide all children, including children with disabilities, a place to play was built in 2019. The park’s construction was funded through donations to the Salina Regional Health Foundation (SRHF).
The playground at Center Street Park is named after Olivia Bloomfield, 7, of Leawood, who was disabled and wanted a place for other children with disabilities to feel welcome.
City has procedure for naming of facilities
When it comes to the naming of places owned by the City of Salina, there have been guidelines since 2007 that requires the City Commission to approve names.This includes commercial naming of properties like that of TPEC and when there is a naming for philanthropic, honorary and landmark purposes.
The city has set up its naming policy as a five-step p of process, so any time someone may want to rename a city-owned facility, which may require city finances for things such as signage, it does not happen quickly, but instead takes time for appropriate thought and consideration by everyone involved, including the City Commission.
This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina venues named after companies including JRI Stadium
