A record $2.5 million gift from Simmons Bank to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff athletic program means short-term cosmetic improvements and, hopefully, a long-term competitive edge, officials and coaches said Tuesday.
In a ceremony at the UAPB HPER building that was part tailgate, part pep rally, Simmons First National Corporation Chairman and CEO George Makris announced the gift, the largest in school history. The money will go toward artificial turf and a digital video scoreboard at Golden Lion Stadium and completion of the pavilion at Torii Hunter Baseball & Softball Complex.
“I am especially honored to celebrate with you on this occasion,” said Makris, noting the unifying impact sports programs can have on a community.
Simmons Bank Chairman and CEO Marty Casteel presented the ceremonial check, and UAPB Chancellor Laurence Alexander officially accepted the donation, pending approval by the University of Arkansas system board of trustees at its meeting Wednesday and Thursday.
“On behalf of Golden Lions Nation, thank you for this most generous gift,” said Alexander, echoing the sports and community connection.
“We can tell by the show of support today this is a win for the greater Pine Bluff Community,” said Alexander, who unveiled artist’s renderings and announced facility name changes — to Simmons Bank Field at Golden Lion Stadium and Simmons Bank Pavilion at the Torii Hunter Complex.
UAPB is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, a league of historically African-American schools.
First-year football coach Cedric Thomas said benefits would be felt in team morale and recruiting “because now we have assets” to show potential players.
“These upgrades will level the playing field as far as the facility goes,” Thomas said. “We will now have one of the top facilities in the SWAC.”
UAPB was 2-9 under former coach Monte Coleman last year.
“We’re ready to get on our new field and have a great first season at Simmons Bank Stadium,” Thomas said.
Baseball coach Carlos James agreed with the potential positive impact on recruiting and said the facility upgrades could make it possible to host a conference tournament and bring additional revenue to the university and Pine Bluff.
Hunter, the Pine Bluff native and former Major Leaguer who was present at Tuesday’s announcement, has also been a long-time financial supporter of the UAPB athletic program. He has donated roughly $750,000 to construction of the namesake ballpark, a work in progress since opening in 2011, and described the “domino effect” of one good work leading to more.
“This community is where I grew up; it’s all about giving something back” said Hunter, who played for the Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers in a 19-year career.
Torii Hunter agreed with the choice of facility upgrades, which are expected to enhance the fan experience, improve attendance and possibly draw youth tournaments, championships and other events outside the SWAC confines.
“I definitely think it’s in the right areas,” he said.
From construction projects to salaries to scholarships, Simmons has supported UAPB in a relationship dating at least to the building of Golden Lion Stadium two decades ago, interim athletic director Alyse Wells-Kilbert said.
“That partnership sounds like a marriage made in heaven,” she said.
“UAPB’s hardworking students chase their dreams every day and we’re here to support them,” Makris said.
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