Arkansas State University and Centennial Bank announced a multi-year sponsorship that will see the bank's logo emblazoned on the Red Wolves' football jerseys beginning with the 2026 season.
This partnership marks the first corporate jersey patch sponsorship in the history of Arkansas State Athletics, representing a new milestone for the program.
A Landmark Sponsorship for the Red Wolves
The Centennial Bank logo will make its debut on the front of the jerseys during the season opener against Memphis on September 5, 2026, drawing immediate attention from fans and media alike.
Vice Chancellor Chris Pezman highlighted the bank's longstanding commitment to Arkansas State, noting that the collaboration builds on decades of support since the dedication of Centennial Bank Stadium in 2014.
Johnny Allison, a distinguished A‑State alumnus and founder of Home BancShares, played a pivotal role in shaping the agreement, leveraging his extensive philanthropic history with the university that began in 2014.
The sponsorship aligns with Arkansas State's recent on‑field achievements, including consecutive bowl appearances and back‑to‑back bowl victories in 2024 and 2025, underscoring the program's rising stature within the Sun Belt Conference.
Butch Jones, head football coach, expressed pride in the partnership, emphasizing how it reflects the program's community‑focused values and its dedication to fostering local talent.
Beyond the athletic arena, Centennial Bank has deepened its ties to the campus by opening a welcome center in 2018 and maintaining a network of 225 branches across Arkansas, Florida, Texas, South Alabama, Tennessee, and New York City.
The bank's recent recognition as No. 9 on Bank Director's list of the "Best U.S. Banks" with assets between $5 billion and $50 billion further attests to its strong financial standing.
Together, these elements illustrate a strategic alliance that promises to enhance both the university's athletic profile and its broader community engagement for years to come.