Carleton University announced today that its athletic stadium and field bordering Bronson Avenue, home to the Ravens football, soccer and rugby teams, has been named MNP Park after a multi-year naming rights deal was struck with the national accountancy and consulting firm.
MNP LLP (previously known as Meyers Norris Penny) is one of the largest full-service chartered accountancy and business advisory firms in Canada. Details of the five-year naming rights agreement were not disclosed.
The money will help sustain the long-term financial viability of the football team, which is funded in large part by the football alumni.
“This is a positive partnership – one that capitalizes on Carleton’s visibility in the community and provides an important investment in the success of Carleton University athletics,” said Athletics Director Jennifer Brenning. “MNP’s support will help us ensure stability for our football program and a great experience for all of our student-athletes, fans and alumni.”
“We are very pleased to be associated and supportive of Carleton University,” said Randy Mowat, senior vice-president of marketing for MNP. “MNP is relatively new to Ottawa and we wanted to get involved in the community in a supportive way. Our sponsorship of the athletic stadium will ensure programs remain strong at Carleton.”
Carleton’s playing field has been known as Keith Harris Stadium since 1998. A plaque and entrance sign recognizing Harris – a long-time athletics director who greatly expanded varsity sports at the university – will be erected. Harris served as director for 35 years, planning and overseeing construction of athletics facilities, as well as broadening sports programs.
“We will continue to honour Keith Harris, who did so much for our student-athletes over so many years,” said Brenning.
The Old Crow Society, Carleton’s football alumni chapter (established in 1965), worked hard to revive the football program. In 2008, Ottawa entrepreneur John Ruddy donated $2.5 million to the effort.
The team is mostly funded by the Old Crows Football Inc., which receives financial support through donations, sponsorship proceeds, gate receipts and ongoing fundraising activities.
The football home opener against Waterloo will take place during Orientation Week on Sunday, Sept. 6. It’s the third season for the revived team, which hit the field in fall 2013 after a 15-year hiatus.
About MNP:
MNP LLP is one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in Canada, providing client focused accounting, taxation and consulting advice. National in scope and local in focus, MNP has proudly served individuals and public and private companies for more than 55 years. Though the development of strong relationships, MNP provides organizations with personalized strategies and a local perspective to help them succeed. Please visit MNP.ca.
About Carleton University:
Located in the nation’s capital, Carleton University is a dynamic research and teaching institution with a tradition of leading change. Its internationally recognized faculty, staff and researchers provide more than 25,000 full- and part-time students from every province and more than 100 countries around the world with academic opportunities in more than 65 programs of study, including public affairs, journalism, film studies, engineering, high technology, and international studies. Carleton’s creative, interdisciplinary and international approach to research has led to many significant discoveries and creative works in science and technology, business, governance, public policy and the arts. As an innovative institution Carleton is uniquely committed to developing solutions to real-world problems by pushing the boundaries of knowledge and understanding daily.
Media Contact:
Nick Greenfield
Media Relations
MNP LLP
nick.greenfield@mnp.ca
403-536-5552
Chris Cline
Media Relations Officer
Carleton University
613-520-2600, ext. 1391
christopher_cline@carleton.ca
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Wednesday, August 26, 2015 in News Releases
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