Veterans Stadium, InkStop Field, WOW

From the school’s website:

The business agreement, reached on July 30, will give naming rights to InkStop, scheduled to open its doors in Aurora in August. It will also enable the newly-formed Greenmen Pride organization to reach its “million dollar goal” in Phase #1 of the community’s stadium renovation project.

            “We are delighted to have InkStop step forward in support of our efforts to create a state-of-the-art stadium in Aurora,” said George Balog, who created the citizen-based Greenmen Pride organization this spring. The non-profit group of citizen volunteers began with a handful of community volunteers who stunned many, including Bennett, when they raised more than $800,000 in private donations in a little more than two months for their stadium project.

            “It’s not just impressive, but heart-warming to see such an outpouring of support in our school community by private citizens and local businesses,” said Bennett. “The field will not only benefit our schools in numerous ways, but will be a showpiece and an asset for the city of Aurora for years to come.

            Phase #1 of the renovation of the AHS field , which by a 10-year agreement will be known as “InkStop Field at Veterans Stadium,” includes installation of an artificial surface and a scoreboard with video capability.

            “Our goal is to create a first-class facility for the community of Aurora,” said Balog. “With the installation of the field and the purchase of a high-resolution video scoreboard, we will be the envy of other schools.”

            The installation of the high-tech scoreboard will provide opportunities, he said, for students to become involved in filming games and capturing crowd footage for fan enjoyment and instant replay.

            Phase Two of the Greenmen Pride project will include renovation of stadium concession stands, locker rooms and bleachers, including an 800 sq. ft. concession addition for Greenmen spirit wear. 

            Aurora resident Dirk Kettlewell, CEO and founder of InkStop that operates more than 130 stores in 12 states, said he is confident his business agreement with Aurora City Schools will reap benefits beyond the city of Aurora.

            “We are thrilled to be the springboard that will enable Greenmen Pride to complete the first phase of the community’s stadium renovation,” said Kettlewell. “A key element of our [InkStop] culture is being a good corporate citizen, and this partnership will benefit not only Aurora residents but also surrounding neighborhoods by improving the quality of community life.”

            The artificial surface at InkStop Field will be ready for use for the Greenmen Football Team’s first home game against Avon on August 21.   The high-tech scoreboard will be installed by mid-season. The privately-funded project is expected to be a welcome enhancement for Aurora soccer, AHS gym classes, and youth sports in Aurora.

            The field renovations, funded entirely by donations, are also expected make Aurora a highly desirable location for high school playoff games, which can generate substantial revenue for the schools, Bennett said.

            “Overall the benefits of the Greenmen Pride project will be seen and felt by many for years to come,” he said. “It’s an extraordinary example of the vision and generosity of the people of Aurora.”