MSU 'open for business' on selling naming rights to Spartan Stadium

Detroit — On the potential of selling naming rights to Spartan Stadium, Michigan State athletic director J Batt is receptive.

“What I would tell you is, we are open for business,” Batt told members of the Detroit Economic Club during a presentation Friday at MotorCity Casino, along with MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz.

There are other sponsorship possibilities like jersey patches and logos on the field or court at Spartan Stadium or the Breslin Center, Batt said. And any sponsorship deals with Spartan athletics will still have to pass some muster of aligning with the university and brand, Batt said.

“We want it to be the right brand,” Batt said. “We want it to be the right partner. It matters. I think it takes careful consideration, and those are partnerships that will stand the test of time. It's not simply a slap a logo down. That's hallowed ground. We'll do it the right way.”

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As for the planned $500 million in renovations for Spartan Stadium, those will be accomplished by the 2029 season, Batt said, and the Spartans are planning to play all the upcoming football seasons at Spartan Stadium.

The football program will not be displaced by construction, Batt said. Construction on these renovations is expected to begin in November 2027.

As for what will change in and around Spartan Stadium, the university is still in the request for proposals (RFP) stage as developers and contractors submit possible plans. It’s expected that the plans will update the facade of the stadium and create more experiences for donors and premium ticket holders.

Andrew Graham is a freelance writer.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: MSU 'open for business' on selling naming rights to Spartan Stadium