CONWAY, S.C. – The South Carolina State Election Commission and Coastal Carolina University, in conjunction with Van Wagner, announced today the signing of a one-year partnership for branding on Benton Field at Brooks Stadium. The Chanticleers' iconic playing surface will feature the South Carolina State Election Commission logo during the 2024 season.

Brooks Stadium has been the home of the Chanticleer football team since its inception in 2003 and the women's lacrosse team since its inaugural season in 2013. In 2015, the playing surface was changed from natural grass to artificial teal turf, which has been dubbed "The Surf Turf." Over the past two seasons, Coastal has averaged over 17,000 fans per home football game.

"When looking for partnership opportunities for the upcoming football season, Coastal Carolina was a no-brainer for us at the State Election Commission," said TJ Lundeen, Director of Public Information and Outreach for the SEC. "Placing our logo on the field at Coastal Carolina gives us the opportunity to remind the fans in the stands and the millions viewing on TV and streaming services to Prep for the Polls at scvotes.gov. This is an exciting partnership for us that will resonate around the nation as Coastal Carolina enters another exciting football season on the Surf Turf."

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the State Election Commission to continue to spread the word about the importance of voting in South Carolina," said Howie Knapp, Executive Director of the State Election Commission. "Being able to place our branding on the iconic Surf Turf at Coastal Carolina University gives us another opportunity to remind voters about another important voting season while they enjoy watching the Chanticleers play."

Coastal Carolina is the first FBS program in the nation to announce the branding of their football field with an agreement that does not involve naming rights.

"I extend our thanks to the South Carolina State Election Commission for their partnership, which will now be showcased on our iconic teal 'Surf Turf' at Brooks Stadium for the next year," said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and University Recreation Chance Miller. "This collaboration underscores the importance of partnering with South Carolina agencies and businesses that support our athletic department and student-athletes, while furthering state agency missions and initiatives. We are grateful for their support and commitment. Additionally, I would like to thank Van Wagner for their efforts in securing this valuable partnership."

The South Carolina State Election Commission holds approximately 300 elections annually. South Carolina was the first state in the nation to have a state-wide voter registration system and also the first to have registration available online.