Spitz Stadium retains its name with new sponsorship deal

Lethbridge baseball fans will continue flocking to Spitz Stadium to cheer on their favourite teams, including the Lethbridge Bulls of the Western Canadian Baseball League. The facility has held the name since 2008.

A new five-year, $250,000 sponsorship will see the ballpark keep its moniker through the 2029 season. The funding is coming from the founder of Spitz International, Thomas Droog. Droog is now President of T & E Ventures Inc. Although he now calls Ontario home, he still considers himself a westerner. He notes it was a challenging process to finalize the initial ballpark sponsorship. During the years, he has remained grateful to the Bulls and the City of Lethbridge for their partnership.  

“I liked what they did at the beginning,” says Droog. “They stuck their neck out to do this. This is the way I say thank you to the people of Lethbridge and surrounding area for supporting us in the beginning with Spitz.”

The 15-year naming and product distribution agreement was scheduled to end in 2022. Due to a lost season during the COVID-19 pandemic, the contract was extended by one year.

The former Henderson Stadium was renamed Spitz Stadium in July of 2008. In December of that year, PepsiCo acquired Spitz International. An agreement with PepsiCo will continue the naming rights and use of the Spitz logo. A one-time funding amount of $10,000 will see additional signage installed outside of the stadium.

“I would like to acknowledge PepsiCo for their support in allowing the continued use of the Spitz name and logo,” says Droog.

“We would like to thank Mr. Droog for his continued commitment to Spitz Stadium,” says Robin Harper, General Manager of Recreation and Culture. “Sponsorships like this help reduce operational costs for taxpayers and maintain this great local ballpark.”

In addition to the Spitz Stadium sponsorship, Droog is also committing to a 10-year, $100,000 sponsorship of the Lethbridge Longhorns. Founded in 2021, the High School Baseball Academy is the affiliate team of the Lethbridge Bulls and Prairie Baseball Academy.

“It goes to show his passion for the local baseball community,” says Kevin Kvame, President and General Manager of the Bulls and the overarching Under The Lights baseball groups. “On behalf of all the players who play here and the citizens who come to enjoy this tremendous facility, thank you Tom.”

“Baseball fans in this city have come to know and love Spitz Stadium,” says Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “I’m thrilled the ballpark is keeping its name for at least five more years.”

The new Spitz Stadium sponsorship deal includes renewal options that could see the naming rights extended for an additional two years.

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