A generation or two ago, it was extremely common to see university sports stadiums and arenas named after notable people in the university community — often major donors.
Some still exist, such as the Huntsman Center at the University of Utah and Bryant-Denny Stadium at the University of Alabama, but more and more, universities are selling naming rights to companies in exchange for money, particularly as the new costs of paying players rise.
In that respect, it was significant Monday when Utah State University announced that effective Jan. 1 of next year, the campus football stadium will be renamed from Maverik Stadium to Jim Laub Family Stadium in recognition of the Aggies’ most notable booster.
“Jim and Carol have been instrumental in supporting Utah State throughout the years and have a clear vision for where Aggie Athletics can go, while helping our university make an impact on the national stage,” Utah State athletic director Cameron Walker said in a statement.
“Their unwavering loyalty, leadership and investment have been critical to the success and growth of the athletics department. This is a fitting tribute to all they have done, continue to do and will do for the future of Aggie Athletics.”
A legacy built on commitment and unwavering support for Utah State.
Welcome to the future home of @USUFootball, Jim Laub Family Stadium!
Jim Laub and his family have long been champions of Utah State Athletics, our university and the Cache Valley community. A legacy of support… pic.twitter.com/mo4AP7L5cn
A 1974 graduate of Utah State, Jim Laub attained business success as CEO of Cache Valley Electric and has been an extremely influential figure at Utah State for many years.
He was selected to the Utah State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.
The move means severing ties on the Maverik naming rights deal for Utah State, which has been in place since 2015. The deal was set to run through 2037 and pay the university a total of $6.7 million, or roughly $87,000 per year.
“Utah State expressed sincere gratitude for Maverik’s generous scholarship support, which has helped create meaningful educational opportunities for countless students,” the school said in a statement.
“Maverik’s partnership has extended far beyond athletics, reflecting a deep commitment to education, community enrichment, and empowering the next generation of leaders.”
Prior to the change to Maverik Stadium, the facility was called Romney Stadium in honor of E.L. “Dick” Romney, who was a coach and athletics administrator at the university from 1918-1949.
The playing surface at the stadium is still named Merlin Olsen Field in honor of the Aggies star from 1959-1961, who went on to make the Pro Bowl 14 times in the NFL.
A general view of Merlin Olsen Field at Maverick Stadium during an NCAA college football game between the UTEP Miners and the Utah State Aggies, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Logan, Utah. | Tyler Tate
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