Independence High School to potentially sell naming rights of stadium

The naming rights of the main stadium at Independence High School are to be potentially purchased by Northern Virginia-based moving company Prince Movers. According to an article by Loudoun Now, the cost of this sponsorship would be $242,000. The sponsorship and naming rights to the stadium would last for ten years. 

In the article, Principal John Gabriel suggested that funds could be used for athletic equipment such as a batting cage or a lacrosse wall, flags/landscaping, or professional development. In order for Independence to be able to rename the stadium, the Loudoun County Schools Board’s Finance and Operations committee voted unanimously to approve the proposal.

Students agreed that these funds could be allocated to useful things in the school facility. Among those students polled, many agreed that if given the choice, they would wish to have a say in where funds such as these were directed. 

In the past, there were numerous occasions in which students felt administration/SCA choices for spending were questionable. Previously, students were confused after learning the alleged cost of the winter pep-rally, notably the 10’ foot LED robot with a steam gun. Among other examples is the recently constructed tiger statue, “prowling” near the main entrance to the stadium, surrounded on all sides by a railing. Students agreed that this statue constructed of either brass or bronze could not have been cheap, and many felt it excessive. 

Hopefully, students will be given a say in such instances in the future, and money that the school generates for campus and learning enhancement will not be spent excessively.