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Darien Booster Club says stadium sponsorships sold out, donated $14,100 to schools; seeks expansion
Summary
Doug Wilson of the Blue Wave Booster Club told the finance committee the stadium sponsor-recognition program sold out in its first year, paid off startup costs and delivered a $14,100 donation to Darien Public Schools; the club seeks permission to expand the program to other fields.
Doug Wilson, president of the Blue Wave Booster Club, told the Darien Board of Education Finance Committee on Jan. 16 that the district—s first-year sponsor-recognition program at Stadium Field sold out, covered startup costs and produced a donation of $14,100 to Darien Public Schools for 2024.
"We paid off all material and marketing costs, and we're in the first year and we're able to offer a substantial donation to the Darien Public Schools in the amount of $14,100 for 2024," Wilson said. He described the Booster Club as a registered 501(c)(3) formed in February 2006 to support all Darien teams and related student activities.
Wilson said the Booster Club underwrote upfront vendor costs so the district incurred no initial cost, managed accounts receivable and handled installation. The club reported strong community polling after the first home football game—more than 100 respondents with an over-98% positive rating—and said the vinyl banners have withstood recent high-wind storms.
Wilson told the committee the club paid for custom materials and that most project expense was incurred in year one; future years will mainly cover turnover and maintenance. He said the club uses UV-resistant ink and fasteners and has insurance; Wilton's similar program has maintained banners for about five years, the presentation said.
The Booster Club said the sponsorships are recurring annual commitments and that sponsors have a right of first refusal to renew. Diamond-level sponsorships were described as carrying an extra $5,000 payment; Diamond and platinum sponsors also receive scoreboard recognition during games.
Board members discussed expanding the program to the Center Oval and Stadium East. Administration and the board chair said a formal board vote did not appear required to expand, but they agreed the full board should be apprised and could weigh in.
Wilson said the Booster Club has donated in excess of $700,000 since 2006 to town athletics and schools and listed recent gifts including AEDs for MMS, cold-weather gear for teams, band equipment and mental-health events for student athletes.
Committee members praised the work and asked the club to explore phased expansion. Wilson said the club will seek sponsors for additional fields and engage both local merchants and potentially national sponsors if capacity allows.
