Spartanburg, SC – Nov. 1, 2023 – Fifth Third Bank has agreed to a multi-year agreement with Diamond Baseball Holdings, an organization that owns and operates select Minor League clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball, to become the official bank and naming rights sponsor for Spartanburg’s new state-of-the-art ballpark, the future home of the city’s professional baseball team.

Unveiled at a groundbreaking ceremony today at what will be the site of the highly anticipated stadium, the relationship marks the beginning of a new era in Spartanburg’s professional baseball history. Spartanburg Mayor Jerome Rice, South Carolina Speaker of the House Representative Murrell Smith, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Bruce Bannister, and Peter Woodfork, senior vice president of baseball operations at MLB attended the event and underscored the shared commitment of Fifth Third Bank and Diamond Baseball Holdings to foster deep connections within the Spartanburg community and create exciting fan experiences and family memories at the ballpark for generations to come.

“Serving our communities is the focus of our business and we are confident this ballpark will enhance the lives of the Spartanburg community,” said Charlie Arndt, South Carolina market president for Fifth Third Bank. “Fifth Third Bank is proud to extend our long-term commitment to Spartanburg and the Upstate through this partnership and our continued retail expansion.”

Fifth Third Park will be part of a multi-use project led by local development company, The Johnson Group, and is set to be completed before the 2025 season. The ballpark will feature modern amenities, cutting-edge technology and a seating capacity that ensures an intimate and electrifying atmosphere for fans. In addition to serving as the home turf for the club, the stadium will host a variety of marquis events, making it a hub of activity and excitement for residents of Spartanburg and beyond.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Fifth Third Bank to bring this remarkable ballpark to life,” said Andrew Judelson, Chief Commercial Officer of Diamond Baseball Holdings. “Their dedication to the community and shared vision for a vibrant Spartanburg align perfectly with our goals at Diamond Baseball Holdings. We are confident this venue will not only be a premier destination but also a source of pride for everyone in Spartanburg.”

“Breaking ground on Fifth Third Park marks a significant milestone in Spartanburg’s economic future, bringing new opportunities that will have a tremendous positive impact on the community,” said Mayor Jerome Rice.

“In partnership with Fifth Third Bank and the Johnson Group, we are going to build one of the most beautiful facilities in minor league baseball,” said Tyson Jeffers, general manager for the Spartanburg Professional Baseball Club. “Our goal is to establish a community-first culture here that harnesses the unique personality of the Upstate and creates nationwide attention for Spartanburg. But most importantly, Fifth Third Park will be a community destination for fun any night of the week.”

The Spartanburg Professional Baseball Club will be a minor league affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The SPBC name is currently a placeholder until a new Club name, logo and mascot are unveiled to the public at a later date.