Sun Dome To Be Renamed Yuengling Center

TAMPA, FL – Admittedly, Coors or Miller would have been so much easier to spell and pronounce. But it was America’s oldest brewery, D. G. Yuengling & Son Inc., that made the successful bid for the naming rights of the USF Sun Dome.

Starting July 1, the Sun Dome will be called the Yuengling Center.

The University of South Florida and Tampa Bay Entertainment Properties announced this week that they have reached a 10-year agreement with D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. for the naming rights of the 10,500-seat arena, following the precedent set by the Amalie Arena, the Raymond James Stadium and the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre.

The amount USF is expected to receive for the naming rights has not been disclosed. However, the agreement is expected to infuse a substantial amount of funds into the university’s athletic program.

"This is a momentous and transformative day for USF as we formally announce our partnership with one of America's most admired family-owned companies,” said USF interim athletic director Scott Kull.

While acknowledging that re-naming the university’s arena for a major beer distributor might raise a few eyebrows among those who maintain that alcohol has no place on a college campus, Krull noted that beer has been served at university athletic events for more than two decades.

Jennifer Yuengling, vice president of operations for D.G. Yuengling & Son, added that the company is committed to responsible drinking.

"As part of this partnership, we pledge to educate the students of USF, local residents, visitors and Tampa at large about ways to drink responsibly," she said.

Images via USF Athletic Department