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Football to host SPLOST Appreciation on Sept. 17 at Barron
By Matt Green
ROME – Two years ago, the voters of Rome and Floyd County stepped up to the plate and passed the latest Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax, a bill that enacted several major upgrades to the region.
Next Saturday, the Shorter University football program will extend its appreciation to those voters.
On Sept. 17, Shorter will host SPLOST Voter Appreciation day as the Hawks take on the University of Pikeville at 1:30 pm at Historic Barron Stadium.
Individuals who display their voter registration card at the ticket window will receive two free game tickets, a gesture of gratitude from the Hawks as they compete in their 2011 home opener in Rome’s new and improved football facility.
“This promotion was put into place as a way to thank the Greater Rome community for contributing to the progress of our district,” said Shorter Senior Woman Administrator and Director of Development Rachel Rogers. “While Shorter directly benefits from the improvements to Barron Stadium, as a community partner we are dedicated to any and all efforts that improve the Greater Rome community.”
The 2009 SPLOST package allocated $3.36 million for renovations to the Barron Stadium complex including a new Astroturf surface, improved lighting, a state-of-the-art Beynon track surface, new concession, locker room and restroom facilities and a digital video LED scoreboard.
Passage of the SPLOST also secured a five-year contract extension between the NAIA and Rome and Floyd County to keep the NAIA Football National Championship in Rome through 2015.
The event, which Rome has hosted since 2008, has generated over $5 million of economic impact to Rome and Floyd County over the first three years.
“What a tremendous act of generosity for Shorter to serve as such a great city partner in hosting this promotion,” said Lisa Smith, Executive Director of the Greater Rome Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “Passing a SPLOST is important because it is the best mechanism for funding infrastructure and additional assets to a community that will, in turn, continue to bring people to our community.”
Gates will open at 12:30 pm and fans are encouraged to arrive at the stadium early as Saturday will also serve as Childhood Cancer and Mal’s Pals Awareness Day.
Said Rogers: “Not only are we excited about our 2011 home opener, but also the opportunity to thank the community that has embraced us as Rome’s team.”
