Doggett gains turf in Beaumont

A pivotal moment unfolded during the Nov. 14 Jefferson County Commissioners meeting, marking the culmination of a nearly year-long process. The final filings were issued for the Naming, Advertising, and Sponsorship agreement between Jefferson County and Doggett Company, LLC, in relation to what is currently known as Ford Park but will soon undergo a name change as part of the agreement.

As per the terms outlined in the contract, Doggett has already made an initial payment of $200,000 and commits to a similar amount in the coming year. Subsequently, they will contribute $250,000 annually for the remaining years of the 10-year agreement, totaling $2.4 million. The official nomenclature for the complex is yet to be decided by Doggett. Richard Doss, responsible for media relations, stated that, once Doggett finalizes its preferences for signage and wording, the proposal will be presented to commissioners for approval; new signage is anticipated to be in place by early next year.

Jefferson County Auditor Patrick Swain recently highlighted the financial aspect of the naming rights. From 2003 to 2017, the entertainment complex garnered $220,000 annually, with varying amounts in subsequent years. The county’s naming rights contract with Southeast Texas Ford Dealers concluded on Dec. 31, 2022, leading to a cessation of funding.

Simultaneously, the Jefferson County Entertainment Complex, under the management of Claudio Oliveira, witnessed a significant development. A project valued at $1.38 million commenced to replace the facility’s 12 baseball/softball fields. Despite an initial quote of $1.5 million, KMI Sports of Dripping Springs, familiar with the complex due to prior repairs, came in under budget.

Oliveira outlined the strategic approach of staggered installation across the complex’s three pods, each containing four fields. The complex manager expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating that, after the first weekend in December, teams would locally pause until February when the Spring season begins, aiming to complete the project by then.

Highlighting the economic impact of Ford Fields, Oliveira informed commissioners that, over the last 12 months, the facility’s use contributed $3.5 million in economic benefit to the region. Oliveira emphasized the urgency of the replacement, citing approximately $70,000 spent on recent repairs for safety concerns. This investment, according to Oliveira, is crucial for the complex to maintain its competitiveness in hosting local tournaments.

In related news, Doggett Equipment Services Group was awarded naming rights to the Beaumont ISD stadium last July in a 10-year contract totaling $1.1 million.