It's Official! Security Bank Ballpark

A new era at the Scharbauer Sports Complex was ushered in today as Security Bank Ballpark was formally introduced.

Representatives of the City of Midland, Security Bank and the RockHounds Baseball Club were in attendance at Wednesday's press conference and ceremony, which was highlighted by the unveiling of the Security Bank Ballpark sign above the stadium's main entrance.

Security Bank was awarded the naming rights by the Midland City Council last August, with the agreement taking effect on January 1, 2014. The basic agreement is for 25 years, bringing $3.6 million to the City of Midland in that time. 

Mayor Jerry Morales pointed to corporate partnerships as a major component in the success of the sports complex.

"The citizens of Midland can be proud of the Scharbauer Sports Complex, and the partnerships developed are key to its success," Morales said. With the RockHounds, M.I.S.D., Grande Communications, and now Security Bank, we look forward to growing together."

The RockHounds are the stadium's primary tenant, hosting 70 regular season professional baseball games each year from April through Labor Day.

"Security Bank has always been a good partner of the RockHounds," said the team's general manager, Monty Hoppel. "We are really excited they stepped up for the naming of the ballpark. It will be a great investment for them, and we are committed to promoting the bank in many ways as we market our franchise and all the other events that are hosted at the park."

About Security Bank

Security Bank was founded in 1928 in the city of McCamey, Texas, at the onset of the Great Depression. The bank withstood

the instability of that era and remains one of the oldest financial institutions in West Texas and perhaps the state. Over the years, Security Bank has expanded to a total of 12 locations in nine communities and employing more than 130 team members.

Security Bank has been recognized as a Top Place to Work For in Texas four years in a row and a top 10 Best Bank to Work For in 2013. The bank continues to exceed the market standard in its strength and stability and remains a leading small business bank. Ranked number 13 among the nation's Top 100 Best Performing Community Banks of 2012 by SNL Financial of banks with assets between $500MM and $5B, Security Bank specializes in small business financing and is committed to meeting the needs of small businesses. The bank also provides a comprehensive array of products and services in personal banking to meet the ever-changing needs of the communities served.

About Security Bank Ballpark

The facility, part of the Scharbauer Sports Complex, opened in 2002 as First American Bank Ballpark. Citibank subsequently bought out First American in 2005 and the stadium was known as Citibank Ballpark through 2013. 

The stadium seats 4,709, with grass berm areas adding substantially to the overall capacity. The RockHounds have drawn in excess of 7,000 fans on seven occasions, including a single-game record of 9,108 (August 26, 2005). In 2013, the team drew

a franchise record 317,233 fans and also set a per-game attendance mark for the third consecutive season (4,598).   

The facility also plays host to local and regional high school baseball, concerts, and other special events.   

About The RockHounds

The franchise, "born" in 1972, will open its 43rd season of professional baseball on April 3 (hosting the Arkansas Travelers at Security Bank Ballpark).

Before adopting the RockHounds nickname in 1999, the club was known as the Midland Cubs (1972-84) and Angels (1985-98). The affiliation with the A's, now in its 16th season, began in 1999 and is the longest in franchise history. It is also among the longest active in all of Double-A Baseball (there are 30 AA clubs in the country, one for each Major League team).

Miles Prentice and Bob Richmond, who purchased the club in 1990, are entering their 24th season of ownership, while Monty Hoppel is now in his 25th season as the club's general manager. Monty is a five-time Texas League Executive of the Year and was named Minor League Baseball's Executive of the Year in 2010.

The franchise received Minor League Baseball's highest honor, the John H. Johnson Award, in 2007. Presented annually to

the "complete franchise," the award is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, as the winner is chosen from among more than 160 affiliated clubs nationwide.   

"Security Bank has deep roots in Midland and is committed to the ongoing success of the community and surrounding areas.

"Security Bank Ballpark is a great opportunity for us to partner with the RockHounds and the City of Midland to bring exciting sporting events and entertainment to the area. It's a partnership that truly enhances the quality of life for residents.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone to Security Bank Ballpark this season."

Jim Smitherman
Security Bank  
President and CEO