Portales, NM – July 29, 2024 –The Steve Loy Family Foundation announced today the new names for the ENMU football stadium and basketball arena.
The Steve Loy Family Foundation has chosen to rename the on-campus football stadium and basketball arena after their family foundation. ENMU's football stadium will be renamed the Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium. ENMU's basketball arena will officially be renamed the Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena.
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. Steve's wife, Linda Bell Loy, is also a 1974 ENMU graduate and Chi Omega Sorority member.
"My family has been blessed in many ways, starting with the framework ENMU provided," said Steve Loy. "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 updating all signage that currently is Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium or Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena to Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium and Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena. The ENMU Board of Regents approved the request for the naming rights for Eastern New Mexico University's current Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium and the Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena at their June 1, 2024, 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."
There will be three monuments placed at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium featuring Steve Loy, former ENMU football coach and 1996 ENMU Hall of Honors inductee Jack Scott, and former ENMU football coach, football player, and 2001 ENMU Hall of Honors inductee 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.
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 that can be prominently seen along Highway 70 as you pass by the arena.
"The Loy family's generosity transcends mere philanthropy; it's a heartfelt investment in the dreams and aspirations of our student-athletes," stated Noelle Bartl, executive director of the ENMU Foundation. "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 stadium will be held on Saturday, October 19, at the annual Wagon Wheel Rivalry Game vs. West Texas A&M. More details on the dedication ceremony will be shared closer to the date.
