By Rich Larson, KYMN News
The Northfield School District is taking a new approach to funding athletic facilities by selling naming rights, starting with the high school football stadium. Northfield Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Matt Hillmann, said on Tuesday that Heritage Bank will sponsor the stadium, which will be known as Heritage Bank Stadium at Memorial Field under a proposed agreement presented to the school board this week. As schools nationwide seek creative funding solutions, Northfield’s evolving stance on naming rights reflects a pragmatic approach by preserving tradition while embracing partnerships that support students and programs.
The deal, pending board approval, calls for Heritage Bank to pay the district $18,000 annually for 10 years, totaling $180,000. Dr. Hillmann acknowledged the shift in philosophy this represents for the district—and for himself.
“For a long time, I was very against advertising and naming rights. Public schools are for the public, and I’d prefer not to do this if we didn’t have to. But one of my responsibilities is to make sure we have a variety of revenue streams, especially with declining enrollment. I’ve done a 180 on this.”
Hillmann said the partnerships go beyond financial benefit. “Local businesses are incredibly proud of the community and the school district. They want to put their stamp on it. It’s a real partnership.”
The district has already sold naming rights for the press box to NCC Builders and is planning additional opportunities, including sponsorships for a new video scoreboard. That scoreboard, expected to be installed this summer, will be fully funded through sponsorships from multiple partners. Mock-ups of the design are available on the district’s website.
Hillmann emphasized that Memorial Field’s historic name will remain intact, even as the stadium adopts its new title.
“Right now it’s going to be Heritage Bank Stadium at Memorial Field. Really, Memorial Field has a historical connotation in this community. So that field will remain Memorial Field and we’re just augmenting the name, not replacing it.”
Dr. Hillmann said the district is working with LMR Media to manage advertising and sponsorships, calling the effort “ahead of the game” in creating sustainable revenue without burdening taxpayers.
The Northfield School Board is expected to vote on the agreement in the coming weeks.
