The University of Southern Mississippi and Renasant Bank announced a 10-year, exclusive naming rights partnership for the school’s football stadium. The venue will be renamed Renasant Stadium, replacing the previous name, M.M. Roberts Stadium, which was used since its renovation before the 1976 season, according to sources.
The deal is believed to be the first of its kind in Mississippi for a university sports venue and is among the largest in the Group of Six conferences of the Football Bowl Subdivision. The agreement runs through June 30, 2036, and will include prominent signage and a comprehensive sponsorship package with digital messaging, game-day activations, and premium-area signage, officials said.
Southern Miss Athletic Director Jeremy McClain called the partnership a significant milestone for the university’s athletics program. “This partnership signifies tremendous growth for our brands, in Hattiesburg, the Pine Belt, and our entire regional footprint,” he said. “As college athletics continues to evolve, the need for strong partners does as well, and we are thankful for Renasant’s commitment to the Southern Miss community.”
Hoppy Cole, senior executive vice president and board member of Renasant Bank, expressed pride in the partnership. “South Mississippi is an important part of who Renasant is today and tomorrow,” Cole said. “Putting the Renasant brand on this stadium is about much more than a name. It’s a statement that we believe in Southern Miss, we believe in the Gulf South region, and we’re proud to invest in the future of both.”
Founded in 1904 as a small bank in Lee County, Mississippi, Renasant now operates across the Southeast with assets of approximately $27 billion. The bank offers consumer and commercial banking, mortgage, and wealth management services through 279 offices. Renasant’s success stems from its community-focused approach, officials said.
Since the stadium’s renovation in 1976, the Southern Miss Golden Eagles football team has posted a 168-91 record, a winning percentage of 64.9%. The team has claimed conference titles in 1996, 1997, 1999, 2006, and 2011. Notable victories include wins over Mississippi State, Louisville, Colorado State, Houston, Utah State, Nevada, Oklahoma State, TCU, Illinois, North Carolina State, and Virginia during the stadium’s 50 seasons of play.
