The Rock Gets a New Name | Hattiesburg News

Southern Miss football’s iconic “The Rock” is getting a fresh identity—starting in 2026, it’ll be Renasant Stadium after a $13.7 million naming deal with Renasant Bank. The 10-year agreement, approved by the state’s higher education board, kicks off with $500K in Year 1 and climbs to $1.65M annually by the end. This marks the end of a 50-year legacy honoring M.M. Roberts, who helped shape the university’s athletic future. Originally opened as Faulkner Field in 1932, the stadium became a beloved home for Golden Eagle fans. University officials vetted the deal against similar contracts at peer schools and included exit clauses for major reputational or structural issues. Beyond the name change, this partnership injects serious financial muscle into Southern Miss athletics while preserving the spirit of a stadium that’s witnessed decades of unforgettable moments. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c37b496d909b3fd3