Eastern New Mexico University reveals naming decision for stadium and arena

PORTALES, N.M. (KAMR/KCIT) — Eastern New Mexico University announced that the Steve Loy Family Foundation has revealed the new names for the ENMU football stadium and basketball arena.

According to ENMU officials, ENMU’s football stadium will be renamed the Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium. ENMU’s basketball arena will officially be renamed the Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena.

University officials said Steve Loy, a 1974 ENMU graduate, was the 1973 team captain of the ENMU football team, a member of the ENMU golf team, and a 1991 inductee into ENMU’s Athletics Hall of Honors. Steve’s wife, Linda Bell Loy, is also an ENMU graduate and Chi Omega Sorority member.

“My family has been blessed in many ways, starting with the framework ENMU provided,” Loy said. “We wanted to make our gift count to make a difference for others to follow and serve as a legacy for the Loy’s family’s appreciation for the ENMU community.”

Officials said the naming rights agreement includes updating all signage named Greyhound Stadium or Greyhound Arena to Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium and Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena. At the June 1 board meeting, the ENMU Board of Regents approved the request for the naming rights for Eastern New Mexico University’s current Greyhound Stadium and the Greyhound Arena.

“Along with gifts like this is the decision by the donor to associate their family name with ENMU and our mission,” said James Johnston, ENMU Chancellor. “This demonstrates the Loy family’s belief in our work, which I do not take lightly. We will continue to do our part to honor their trust in ENMU.”

ENMU officials detailed that three monuments will be placed at the stadium, featuring Steve Loy, former ENMU football coach and 1996 ENMU Hall of Honors inductee Jack Scott, and former ENMU football coach, football player, and 3001 ENMU Hall of Honors inductee Don Carthel. At the center of the monuments will be a 50-foot lighted flagpole featuring the American flag.

At the Steve Loy Family Foundation Area, officials said there will be a single monument of Steve Loy and a lighted 50-foot flagpole featuring the American flag.

“The Loy family’s generosity transcends more than philanthropy; it’s a heartfelt investment in the dreams and aspirations of our student-athletes,” stated Noelle Bartl, executive director of the ENMU Foundation. “The naming of these two facilities is not just a tribute to one family but a symbol of enduring the legacy and spirit of ENMU. Steve and Linda’s generosity will inspire a new era of pride and excellence within our athletic programs.”

ENMU officials noted the stadium’s dedication ceremony will be held on Oct. 19 at the annual Wagon Wheel Rivalry Game vs. West Texas A&M University.

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