Jacksonville, AL – At a momentous gathering during Jacksonville State University’s Board of Trustees Meeting on Tuesday, a groundbreaking partnership was unveiled that will reshape the landscape of the university’s football legacy. Jax State, AmFirst, and the Jax State Foundation have entered into a multi-year agreement to rename the home of Jax State Football as AmFirst Stadium.
This landmark commitment marks the first-ever naming of Jax State’s football stadium, endorsed by Jax State’s Board of Trustees. Beyond simply renaming the stadium, the agreement positions AmFirst to have a substantial presence on Jax State’s campus, extending benefits far beyond the Gamecocks’ football endeavors.
Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jacksonville State University, expressed profound enthusiasm about this transformative alliance. “Jacksonville State University is thrilled to enter into this transformative partnership with AmFirst,” he remarked. “This collaboration signifies not only a new chapter in our football program’s history but also underscores our commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our students, athletes, and the entire Jacksonville community. We are excited about the future and the possibilities this partnership will bring to our campus.”
The partnership between Jax State and AmFirst has been cultivating over several years, benefiting the university’s athletic programs and student-athletes. Tuesday’s agreement solidifies this relationship, paving the way for new and extraordinary collaborative ventures.
Bill Connor, President and CEO of AmFirst, emphasized the significance of this historic agreement. “AmFirst is honored to deepen our relationship with Jacksonville State University through this historic agreement,” he stated. “We are proud to support the Gamecocks and contribute to the thriving university community. This partnership reflects our commitment to the growth and success of both Jax State and the broader Jacksonville community. We look forward to the exciting future that lies ahead at AmFirst Stadium and on the campus of Jax State.”
AmFirst Stadium, now graced with the credit union’s name, is renowned as one of the most venerable football facilities in the southeastern United States. Since its inception in 1961, the stadium has witnessed the Gamecocks achieve an impressive record of 301 wins, 108 losses, and 8 ties, boasting a remarkable .731 winning percentage. It has served as the home to 25 conference championship teams and has hosted numerous nationally televised games, a tradition that will continue as Jax State embarks on its inaugural season as a full member of Conference USA and the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision in 2024.
Greg Seitz, Athletic Director at Jacksonville State University, underscored the significance of this partnership for the university’s athletic ambitions. “As we move into a new and exciting era of Jax State Football, AmFirst has stepped up and made a significant commitment to our university and our football program,” he affirmed. “This partnership will enhance what is already one of the best environments in college football, on display to a national television audience week in and week out, while also benefiting our fans and community.”
The Gamecocks are slated to play six home games at AmFirst Stadium in 2024, with four games already scheduled for national television broadcast. This heightened exposure promises to further elevate the profile of a stadium that led Conference USA in attendance in 2023.
