Tampa Bay Rays bank new sponsor

Kentucky-headquartered financial services company Republic Bank has entered into a partnership with Major League Baseball franchise the Tampa Bay Rays.

Under the agreement, the new Republic Bank Draft Room area will be opened at the Rays’ Tropicana Field ballpark. The length of the deal was not disclosed but will at least cover the 2016 MLB season, which got underway at the weekend.

The area will be open for season ticket holders and guests, and will feature special access to Rays staff, players and coaches, as well as pre- and post-match entertainment. It will also sell themed foods related to the Rays’ opponent.

David Feaster, president and chief executive of Cornerstone Community Bank, which recently merged with Republic Bank, said: “When we finalised the agreement to merge Cornerstone Community Bank with Republic Bank, (Rays chairman and chief executive) Steve Trager immediately told me that he wanted to not only make an impact in the bay area in the financial industry, but also have a commitment to the community.

“I suggested, and he readily agreed, that as a business in Tampa Bay, we needed to partner with the Tampa Bay Rays as a way to reach our target customers and to support this wonderful Tampa Bay-wide institution.”