Austin Peay celebrated more than just the conclusion of spring football practice during this year's Spring Fling event. Governor fans were celebrating a new era in Austin Peay football.
Governors Stadium—an iconic landmark on Austin Peay's campus since 1930 and two years removed from a massive renovation—was getting a new name.
When Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union rebranded as Fortera Credit Union, the longtime community pillar joined with Austin Peay to expand its presence on campus. The culmination was a 25-year partnership for two Clarksville institutions that will be mutually beneficial to both parties—enhancing Fortera's presence before a student body of 10,000-plus and improving facilities within the athletic department.
In 1993, the University agreed to purchase Municipal Stadium from the Stadium Authority and Montgomery County, and the name of the stadium changed to Governors Stadium. The University demolished the home side of the original stadium at the end of the 2013 football season and opened the new facility at the start of the 2014 season.
Now it was time to give the new facility a new moniker.
"The people of this community, people and businesses like Fortera, are what provides us the great opportunity we have to be a highly successful and competitive athletics department," said Austin Peay athletics director Ryan Ivey. "Without their support and generosity, we couldn't do what we do."
The naming celebration—including speeches from Ivey, Austin President Alisa White, head football coach Will Healy and Fortera President and CEO Tom Kane—was followed by a concert by Maggie Rose and a fireworks display.
2015-16 Top 10
No. 10 - Liermann a dynamo for APSU in her freshman campaign
No. 9 - APSU Track battles injury to remain among the OVC's best
No. 8 - Beach volleyball coming to Clarksville
No. 7 - Quartet of Govs picked in MLB draft
No. 6 - Yanes Garcia's historic season bodes well for APSU Tennis
No. 5 - Wild weekend for Austin Peay baseball at the OVC Tournament
