Northville School Board to Allow Tom Holzer Ford to Name Stadium in Exchange for 250K Donation

In exchange for a donation of $250,000 paid over 10 years, Tom Holzer Ford seeks to acquire naming rights of the Northville Public Schools' stadium at Eight Mile and Center roads.

The school board approved a contract Tuesday night authorizing the donation. It awaits approval by the car dealership.

The contract between the district and the dealership about the stadium – which is currently undergoing drastic revamping thanks to a combination of district dollars and fundraising monies raised by the Northville Education Foundation – calls for a lump sum payment of $172,600 in the first year and $8,600 for the nine years following. It is used for several of the district's athletic events including high school football games.

"It is anticipated, but not required, that the District will use the donated funds for improvements to its athletic facility," according to language in the approved contract. The car dealership will not have any say on how the money is used.

Signs would be placed at the north and south ends of the athletic facility and on the front and back of the score board, according to the contract.

In addition, "the donor shall have the option of utilizing LED advertising messaging during all events at the athletic facility." According to the contract, the messages shall be subject to district approval.

The district also agrees to allow the dealership to set up car displays at the facility.

Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher said the contract presented to the board reflects several back-and-forth drafts reviewed by the dealership's and school district's attorneys.

Editor's Note: A typo in the headline has been corrected.