LAKE CHARLES – The 2025 McNeese Cowboy football season is breaking records long before it even begins thanks to a $5 million naming rights agreement that spans over 10 years between McNeese Athletics and local philanthropist Ryan Navarre.
This is the largest naming rights gift in both McNeese Athletics history and in the Southland Conference.
"This is a monumental moment," said McNeese Vice President and Director of Athletics Heath Schroyer. "A moment that signifies not only a new era in Cowboy football but in McNeese athletics as a whole. When Ryan and I started talking about this years ago, it was never about having his name on the stadium; it was more than that. We had a shared vision to elevate the university and all of Southwest Louisiana."
"I'm deeply honored to support my alma mater, the place that shaped me into who I am today," said Navarre. "McNeese holds a special place in my heart. My wife, Bridgette, my oldest son, Gage, and myself are all graduates of McNeese. Three of our children, Jaide, Blaide, and Juliana, are current students, and our youngest, Scarlett, who is just seven-years-old, wants to follow in her sister's footsteps of becoming a Cowgirl Kicker.
"This University is not just a school, it is the starting point for so many families, including mine. The growth we are having from the McNeese basketball success both financially and in enrollment is phenomenal, and we will keep that same momentum going with the football program. I am proud to be a part of something that has given so much to us and this community. Geaux Pokes!"
"I've said it many, many times and I'll say it again: McNeese Athletics is the backbone and soul of SWLA. It's an economic engine for our region," said Schroyer. "As McNeese Athletics goes, so goes the University and our community. Ryan not only believes in that vision but has invested in it always."
Bill Doré previously held naming rights for Cowboy Stadium. Dore' is a long-time supporter of McNeese State University, a McNeese graduate and a former student-athlete. He's also a member of the McNeese Athletics Hall of Honor.
"This historic gift would not be possible without Mr. Bill Dore'. Mr. Dore' generously relinquished press box naming rights, allowing us to advance the University," commented Schroyer. "We will always be indebted to Mr. Dore' for this incredible act of selflessness. It says a lot about his commitment to McNeese State University, and for that, we are endlessly grateful."
Navarre Stadium has been home to Cowboy football since 1965. "The Hole" has one of the most unique settings in all of Division I football. Nicknamed for a playing surface settled more than 10 feet below ground level, "The Hole" was recently rated fourth-best stadium in the FCS, holds one of the most successful winning percentages (222-104-5) at the FCS level—just under 70 percent, and has been home to 15 unbeaten seasons.
"The future is now, Poke Nation," said Schroyer. "I can't thank Ryan and his family enough for this generous gift and I can't wait for the first snap this football season in Navarre Stadium."
In its history, Navarre Stadium has hosted NFL Hall of Famers and well recognized NFL players such as Jackie Smith (Northwestern State, 1960), Roger Staubach (Pensacola Navy, 1968), Terry Bradshaw (Louisiana Tech, 1967 and 1968), Fred Dean (Louisiana Tech, 1971 and 1973), Kurt Warner (Northern Iowa, 1993), Steve Williams, aka, Stone Cold Steve Austin (North Texas, 1986), Mike Tomlin (William & Mary, 1993), Chad Pennington (Marshall, 1995), Daunte Culpepper (Central Florida, 1995), and Malcolm Butler (West Alabama, 2013), just to name a few.
McNeese will kick off the 2025 season in Navarre Stadium on August 30 when it hosts Louisiana Christian.
