by NRAB posted 11/20/2010
Serpentini Chevrolet purchases naming rights to North Royalton's stadium for $100,000
Published: Friday, November 19, 2010, 3:12 PM
Sara Macho/Sun NewsBob Serpentini of Serpentini Chevrolet speaks Nov. 19 alongside North Royalton City School District Superintendent Ed Vittardi who holds proposed designs for a renovated Gibson Field.
NORTH ROYALTON Serpentini Chevrolet has purchased the naming rights to North Royalton Schools stadium, which is to be renovated before the 2011 fall sports season.
The North Royalton Stadium Foundation is five months into an aggressive campaign to privately raise $1.4 million before February allowing for the installation of an all-weather, eight-lane track, a synthetic turf field and a host of site renovations.
In a press conference Nov. 19, Superintendent Ed Vittardi shared his enthusiasm for the large donation.
“Now, with Bob Serpentini and Serpentini Chevrolet’s commitment to our stadium project, we are one step closer to being the host to more than 200 events a year,” Vittardi said. “Soccer will again return to the field, along with track meets, band competitions, youth athletics, community events and so much more.”
Sara Macho/Sun NewsNorth Royalton High School athletes listen in as Bob Serpentini of Serpentini Chevrolet illustrates his passion for the North Royalton City School District.
Serpentini Chevrolet purchased the naming rights for $100,000. The site will remain Gibson Field after former Principal Chuck Gibson who began his district career in 1961 as a teacher.
Foundation Chairman Larry Vasil said more than $500,000 has been raised for the “Turf the Field” initiative.
“What a successful five months it has been,” Vasil said. “Our plan is aggressive, but our community is strong and supportive. That is evident with the large amount of donations that we have received.”
Parma Community General Hospital has also signed on as a significant sponsor and project partner, and beginning next school year, the stadium will also be the home field for Holy Name High School.
Vasil acknowledged donors contributing $10,000 or more for the project, including Royalton Music Center, Pinzone Financial Services, Tina Stopar Insurance, Jocko’s Bar and Grill, Pete Ragone Family, Rushmore Construction, Richard Pilat Insurance, Southern Hills Youth Football, North Royalton Athletic Boosters and Soccer Club.
Renovation plans also call for the replacement of the 1,900-seat home grandstand with a 3,000-seat section housing a large press box and possible viewing box. The concession stand restroom facilities are also slated for replacement.
For more information about “Turf the Field,” click on nrstadiumfoundation.com.
The Stadium Foundation has a goal to raise the funds from our Royalton Community and Family within the next few months to pay for an artificial turf surface and track at the NR High School as early as the 2011 season!
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18 High Schools make up the Northeast Ohio Conference (NOC).
The Bears played their first game at the newly renovated Gibson Field at Serpentini Chevrolet Stadium in North Royalton on Sept. 2. Chuck Gibson, left, Superintendent Ed Vittardi and Bob Serpentini conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony before the game.
