Clippers' new home will be Huntington Park

The Columbus Clippers' new home will be called Huntington Park after Huntington Bancshares, Inc. purchased naming rights for the downtown stadium at a cost of $12 million over 23 years.

The agreement was announced Tuesday by the Franklin County Parks and Recreation Board and Franklin County Stadium Inc.

"Huntington has been a Clippers supporter for many years," said Dick Smith, chairman of Franklin County Stadium Inc. "We are delighted that our hometown bank is deepening its relationship with our team with this significant investment in our community. This announcement represents a maojr step in securing the necessary financial commitments from the private sector to fund the stadium, and it adds momentum and excitement to the project."

Huntington Park, a 10,000-seat facility, is slated to open during the 2008 season at the northwest corner of Nationwide Boulevard and Neil Avenue. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year. Franklin County is responsible for design and construction of the stadium, while Franklin County Stadium Inc. will lease the facility from the county and assume debt service and operational responsibilities.

Plans to move the Clippers from Cooper Stadium, where they have played since 1977, were announced last year. The county is in the process of acquiring eight acres of land in the arena district.

"This is a significant step forward," said Paula Brooks, president of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. "This is just the latest example of Huntington's rich tradition of supporting important community projects. Huntington Park will be one of our downtown sports and entertainment anchors, attracting fans and visitors."

Huntington Bancshares Inc. is a $33 billion regional bank holding company with headquarters in Columbus. It operates more than 300 regional banking offices and has a network of more than 900 ATMs.

"Triple-A baseball is a tremendous asset to our community. Our investment in Huntington Park is another way we can help ensure that our community remains vibrant," said Thomas E. Hoaglin, chairman, president and CEO of Huntington. "The energy that Huntington Park will generate has the potential to make the entire area a family destination for years to come."

The Clippers have been the International League affiliate of the New York Yankees since 1979. Ironically, the archrival Boston Red Sox played at the Huntington Avenue Grounds before Fenway Park opened in 1912.