VCU announces new 10-year naming rights deal for Siegel Center arena

When VCU tips off its basketball seasons in November, it will do so inside the newly christened E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, the school announced in a news release this week.

On Thursday, VCU Athletics formally announced a 10-year naming-rights pact with Jeff and Janet Wade, owners and founders of Mechanicsville-based E.J. Wade Construction and the E.J. Wade Foundation.

The 10-year, $2.75 million naming-rights agreement replaces VCU’s expired arrangement with Verizon, which had provided $165,000 annually. The Wades have also pledged additional donations as part of this agreement that will push their overall financial commitment to VCU Athletics to $4.05 million over the length of the contract.

“The generosity of the entire Wade family is humbling and inspiring,” said VCU Vice President and Director of Athletics and Ed McLaughlin. “Jeff and Janet have shown incredible philanthropy in the Central Virginia community and the naming of the E.J. Wade Arena is the perfect example. This gift will have a direct impact on our student-athletes’ experience and development at VCU. We love having the E.J. Wade family involved with the Rams and we look forward to a long relationship.”