Weinstein Beverage secures naming rights for WVC’s Smith Gym court

WENATCHEE — The playing surface at Wenatchee Valley College’s Smith Gymnasium will be named Pepsi Cola Court under a new sponsorship and naming rights agreement between WVC Athletics and Weinstein Beverage Company.

The college and Weinstein Beverage announced the agreement Sept. 22 after reaching the partnership Sept. 16. The court is home to WVC’s basketball and volleyball programs. Weinstein Beverage is the Pepsi bottler and distributor serving North Central Washington.

The newly named court is scheduled to debut Sept. 25 when the Knights volleyball team hosts Columbia Basin in its home opener. A formal dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for later this fall, according to WVC.

The agreement will also bring updated Pepsi branding, signage and court markings to Smith Gymnasium. Financial terms and the duration of the naming rights agreement were not provided in the announcement.

Weinstein Beverage has supported WVC athletics, campus events and other college initiatives for decades, according to the college.

"This partnership means so much to our team because it's personal — Wenatchee Valley College isn't just a name on a building to us, it's part of our community's story, and so are we," Weinstein Beverage General Manager Jason Throneberry said. "Seeing the Pepsi logo on that court isn't about a brand. It's about showing up for the students and athletes who represent this valley every time they take the floor."

Throneberry said the company intends to continue supporting WVC student-athletes.

"Weinstein Beverage has been pouring into this community for a long time, and Wenatchee Valley College has been right there with us every step of the way," Throneberry said. "Pepsi Cola Court is our way of saying thank you — and it's a promise that we're going to keep showing up for these student-athletes for years to come."

WVC Athletic Director Greg Sparling said the company's support assists the college's athletic programs and facilities.

"We are extremely grateful to Weinstein Beverage for their continued commitment to Wenatchee Valley College and our student-athletes," Sparling said. "Pepsi Cola Court represents more than just a name on the floor. It represents a partnership between two organizations that care deeply about this community and its future. The support from Weinstein Beverage helps us provide our student-athletes with the facilities, experiences, and opportunities they deserve, while also creating a place where our entire community can come together and support the Knights. We are proud to call it Pepsi Cola Court."