CHS' field to be named for Smuggler's Event Management

PUNTA GORDA — Smuggler’s Event Management has bought the naming rights to the Charlotte High School football field for $75,000.

According to a recently approved contract, Smuggler’s Event Management will pay the Charlotte County School Board $15,000 annually for five years to have its name on the stadium and field in Punta Gorda.

Smuggler’s Event Management specializes in the oversight and planning of large community events.

Events include the annual Chili Beer & Music Fest, Smoke on the River BBQ Festival, the Peace River Jam and the Downtown Hoedown and Haunting on the Harbor.

The payment is an “irrevocable pledge” to be paid in full each year before July 30. The payments can be used to benefit “competitive student athletics.”

Charlotte County School Board members said they liked the idea of allowing naming rights because the money generated goes to help with items that are needed but not in the budget, or where there’s a shortfall in athletic programs.

Due to Hurricane Ian, scoreboards, fences and other outdoor items at the high schools in Charlotte County were replaced. There’s several other improvements being done to athletic facilities on high school campuses including new concession areas, bathrooms, replacement turf.

The board recently approved a naming rights agreement for a five-year contract with A-D Mortgage Loan Specialist for Lemon Bay High School’s Field. A-D Mortgage will pay $15,000 each year for naming rights to the facility, which will be named for Custom Mortgage Corp.

School Board members were excited about the $75,000 contract that will help the LBHS athletic program.

They also approved a contract with Port Charlotte High School with Harbor Nissan of Port Charlotte. The auto dealer will pay $10,000 a year to name Pirates’ home field Harbor Nissan Stadium.

It will also pay $15,000 for its name on the baseball field through July 30, 2027.

The schools are able to name other sports venues as well.