Rent this stadium space for $6,000

There are a lot of things $6,000 can buy in this country, but naming rights to a professional stadium has never been one of them.

Until now.

Earlier this week, the Peoria Chiefs announced they would be offering single-game naming rights for the remainder of the season. Unprecedented in the world of Minor League Baseball, this initiative will mean that the team could change the name of its stadium upwards of 50 times this season.

Hey, why not?

"We've never seen this done anywhere else, but that's not the reason we're doing it," said Chiefs senior director of ticket sales Eric Obalil. "This came about due to a combination of different factors."

In a nutshell, what happened with this: the Chiefs' previous naming rights agreement with O'Brien Automotive Group concluded at the end of last season. In the current economic climate, the team had thus far been unable to secure a new long-term naming rights partner. So, in the interim, they decided to have a little fun while generating some new advertising dollars.

"This is Minor League Baseball at its essence," said Obalil. "As an industry, we're known for doing things that are wacky, so why not this? We're hoping it will appeal to community organizations and regional businesses, because it's a really unique marketing opportunity."

Those who take the single-day plunge will see a significant (albeit short-term) return on their investment. The $6,000 cost includes two 6x40-foot signs (placed on top of each dugout), in-game mentions on the PA and radio broadcasts and the opportunity to promote their product on the concourse and outside the stadium. Additionally, the sponsoring organization will receive a ticket package for 50, including custom t-shirts, food and beverages.

This all kicks off May 15, when the stadium formerly known as O'Brien becomes Spring Green Field, after a local lawn care company.

"Nothing else is set in stone, but we're currently working with four or five other companies," said Obalil. "We'll accept anyone, within reason."

Would this include any of the Chiefs' Midwest League opponents?

"If I was a GM, I would make that call just to have some fun, not necessarily with the intent of doing it," said Obalil. "That's the fun part of this. We just don't know what is going to end up happening."

And the Chiefs seem intent on enjoying the process, no matter what the ultimate result.

"It'll be extra work, in terms of the signs and the [game] scripts," said Obalil. "But if we're able to work with new organizations and make it fun for the fans, then it will be worth it. ... This is our version of a dating show; we're out there looking for the right match."