ETSU renaming sports complex after major partnership – East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University’s Campus Recreation Field Complex is getting a new name and a significant investment in student recreation facilities. 
Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union has entered a 10-year naming rights agreement with ETSU Campus Recreation, bringing $500,000 in sponsorship support to rename the complex as the Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union Sport Complex. 
The partnership will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, April 28, on ETSU’s main campus. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and happens at 1510 Seminole Drive.
“This partnership is a major investment in student experience and the recreation spaces that support wellness, connection and active campus life at ETSU,” said Kari Albarado, director of Campus Recreation. “We’re grateful to Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union for their support, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with our campus and community during the April 28 ribbon cutting.” 
The agreement marks a major milestone for ETSU's recreation facilities, which serve thousands of students annually and help position the university as a leader in outdoor recreation and active student life. 
"Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union is committed to service in our community. We're proud to support the sports complex because it expands the spirit of community to encompass health and fellowship.” said Lynn Summers, CEO/president of KTVAECU. “The students and faculty will benefit from this space for years to come," commented Summers.
Sport programs at ETSU anchor student life and provide thousands of opportunities each year for students to compete, connect and stay active through intramural sports and sport clubs.
The newly named Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union Sport Complex serves as the “home” for ETSU’s sports programs, supporting  intramural and club competition year-round .
In 2024-25, more than 2,400 students participated in 573 intramural teams, logging 9,869 total participations and playing in 1,100 intramural games. Campus Recreation hosted more than 30 leagues, tournaments and events,  featuring 37 different sports throughout the year.
ETSU also supports 22 sport clubs with 475 participants, and those teams competed more than 70 times in 2024-25.
“This complex is a central hub for intramurals and sport clubs — two of the most popular ways students build friendships, stay healthy and find community at ETSU,” Albarado said. “This partnership strengthens our ability to support those programs and continue investing in spaces where students thrive.”
Outdoor Adventure opportunities remain an important part of campus recreation at ETSU, including the five-mile University Woods and Trail System, a nine-hole disc golf course, the Basler Team Challenge and Aerial Adventure Course and an indoor rock-climbing wall in the Wayne G. Basler Center for Physical Activity. The Outdoor Adventure Center equips students with gear rentals and organizes group excursions including backpacking, whitewater rafting and mountain biking on local trails and waterways.
Learn about the many ways ETSU improves the quality of life for the region and beyond at etsu.edu/our-region.  
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
Sign up for ETSU's newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest ETSU news from industry-leading research to community impact, campus events, and more.
300 Burgin Dossett Hall | PO Box 70717
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-4317

source