ENMU sports facilities to get new names

Greyhound Stadium and Greyhound Arena will soon have new names.

Eastern New Mexico University officials on Monday announced the football stadium and basketball arena this fall will become the Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium and Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena, respectively.

Changes are part of a naming rights agreement between ENMU and the Loy Foundation in exchange for the Loy family’s $2.5 million donation for university athletes and athletic programs.

ENMU in June called the donation the “single largest gift in university history.”

“Loy, a 1974 graduate of ENMU, was the 1973 team captain of the ENMU football team, a member of the ENMU golf team, and a 1991 inductee into ENMU’s Athletics Hall of Honors,” ENMU stated in a news release on Monday. “Steve’s wife, Linda Bell Loy, is also a 1974 ENMU graduate and Chi Omega Sorority member.”

Steve Loy is known for managing some of the “world’s best athletes” in his sports management career; that list includes golfer Phil Mickelson.

Loy is president of Global Golf for Sportfive and Sportfive Americas.

“My family has been blessed in many ways, starting with the framework ENMU provided,” said Steve Loy in Monday’s news release. “We wanted to make our gift count to make a difference for others to follow and serve as a legacy for the Loy family’s appreciation for the ENMU community.”

The naming rights agreement includes changing all signage from Greyhound Stadium or Greyhound Arena to Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium and Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena. ENMU’s Board of Regents approved the request for the naming rights at their June 1 board meeting.

“Along with gifts like this is the decision by the donor to associate their family name with ENMU and our mission,” said James Johnston, ENMU chancellor. “This demonstrates the Loy family’s belief in our work, which I do not take lightly. We will continue to do our part to honor their trust in ENMU.”

In addition to the name changes, the news release states: 

There will be three monuments placed at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium featuring Steve Loy, former ENMU football coach Jack Scott, and former ENMU football coach Don Carthel. “At the center of these monuments will be a 50-foot lighted flagpole featuring the American flag prominently so it can be seen from Highway 70 as visitors enter Portales,” the news release stated.

“At the Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena, there will be a single monument to Steve Loy and a lighted 50-foot flagpole featuring the American flag …”

Said Noelle Bartl, executive director of the ENMU Foundation: “The Loy family’s generosity transcends mere philanthropy; it’s a heartfelt investment in the dreams and aspirations of our student-athletes. The naming of these two facilities is not just a tribute to one family but a symbol of the enduring legacy and spirit of ENMU. Steve and Linda’s generosity will inspire a new era of pride and excellence within our athletic programs.”

A dedication ceremony for the football stadium is scheduled Oct. 19 at the annual Wagon Wheel rivalry game vs. West Texas A&M, the release stated.