The newly-named Rothman Orthopaedic Sports Complex at the John Bennett Athletic Center, Toms River, N.J., May 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
The Bennett Bubble, long named for a former district superintendent, has received an update to its official title.
The Toms River Regional School District has inked a deal with Rothman Orthopaedics, a multi-state group of orthopaedic specialists, for naming rights to the youth sports “bubble” complex, located at Toms River Intermediate School East. The facility will now be known formally as the Rothman Orthopaedic Sports Complex at the John Bennett Athletic Center.
The signage will carry the Rothman logo, and a large sign highlighting the Rothman practice has been mounted on the exterior of the bubble, facing south.
The newly-named Rothman Orthopaedic Sports Complex at the John Bennett Athletic Center, Toms River, N.J., May 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Michael Kenny, a district spokesman, said the naming rights deal will generate $151,000 for the district over three years. The practice will pay a $25,000 sponsorship fee to cover the remainder of the current year, and $42,000 each for the next three years. After the initial four years, Rothman will have the option of extending the sponsorship for another five years.
The sponsorship came after the president of the Rothman practice publicly stated that he wanted to connect to communities through high school sports. That caught the attention of those behind a company representing a consortium of school districts and municipalities known as Shore District Advertising. A deal ultimately was reached.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Toms River School District on the naming rights of the Bubble,” said company president Dr. Alexander Vaccaro, who also serves as the Richard H. Rothman Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics, and Professor of Neurosurgery at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals. “We’ve served the Toms River community for years and are honored to develop a true partnership dedicated to supporting and educating youth athletes.”
The newly-named Rothman Orthopaedic Sports Complex at the John Bennett Athletic Center, Toms River, N.J., May 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
The naming deal is currently active–the venue’s new branding is already in effect, with signage reflecting the new name draped between two entrances facing the newly-renovated parking lot.
“This venue is eminently recognizable, and serves as an important physical asset for student athletes throughout New Jersey, as well as a financial asset for this district,” said Superintendent Mike Citta. “This new partnership with Rothman Orthopaedics maximizes that value, while also bringing attention to the great work being accomplished by the practice, which is especially helpful for the athletes and families utilizing the complex throughout the year.”
