JONESBORO, Ark. (9/3/26) – Arkansas State Athletics and Centennial Bank are further strengthening one of the most impactful partnerships in school history, announcing Thursday a multi-year sponsorship that will place Centennial Bank's logo on the Red Wolves' football jerseys beginning with the 2026 season.
 
The Centennial Bank logo will be prominently displayed at an appropriate place on the front  of the game jerseys, debuting when Arkansas State opens the season at Memphis on Sept. 5. While Centennial Bank becomes the first corporate partner to secure a jersey patch sponsorship with Arkansas State Athletics, this represents the latest chapter in a relationship that has helped transform the university and its athletics department since Centennial Bank Stadium was dedicated in 2014.
 
"Every time our team takes the field, this partnership will be on full display – a reflection of Centennial Bank's commitment to Arkansas State and to the communities we both serve," said A-State Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Chris Pezman. "As we navigate the realities of revenue sharing and a rapidly evolving NIL environment, corporate partnerships provide the kind of stable, long-term investment that allows us to compete at the highest level while continuing to prioritize our student-athletes' academic and athletic success.
 
"The support provided by Johnny Allison and Centennial Bank helps us build a more sustainable athletics department – one that isn't solely reliant on traditional revenue streams, but is strengthened by partners who believe in what we're building here. We're grateful for their investment and excited to grow this relationship for years to come."
 
Since 2014, Centennial Bank and Home BancShares founder and chairman Johnny Allison have provided A-State Athletics with multiple major gifts that have had a profound impact on the department and its student-athletes. In addition to Centennial Bank Stadium, the north end zone facility bears the name Centennial Bank Athletics Operations Center, while Allison Field and the Johnny Allison Tower stand as tributes to his commitment to the program.
 
Allison is a former A-State letterman who played on the 1968 football team, served on the ASU Board of Trustees from 1979-84 and was named an Arkansas State University Distinguished Alumni in 1998.
 
"Davy Carter and I are both ASU alumni and huge supporters of our Red Wolves," said Allison. "It is with pride and honor that we announce today that our Centennial Bank logo will be on the jerseys of Coach Butch Jones' Red Wolves, debuting in the season opener on Sept. 5. We at Centennial Bank know what it takes to win, either on the field or in the business world, because we share the same drive, commitment and fortitude to be a winner."
 
"I am a native of Jonesboro and come from a long family lineage of Arkansas State alumni and supporters. The University has been an important part of my family all of my life. I am proud that Centennial Bank can support both the Red Wolves as well as the city of Jonesboro through our banking centers."
 
Centennial Bank's support of Arkansas State University extends beyond athletics to many areas on campus. In 2018, a 3,833-square-foot welcome center featuring a Centennial Bank branch opened in the heart of campus, further reflecting the strong connection between Arkansas State University and one of its most valued community partners.
 
"Arkansas State's success has always been closely connected to the strength of the communities and organizations around us," said Interim Chancellor Dr. Calvin White Jr. "Centennial Bank has been an exceptional partner because its investment in A-State ultimately represents an investment in our students. We are proud to continue building on a relationship that has made such a meaningful difference across our campus."
 
Home BancShares, Inc., headquartered in Conway, Ark., is a $25 Billion New York Stock Exchange company, founded by John W. Allison, that is the bank holding company for Centennial Bank. Centennial Bank provides a broad range of commercial and retail banking services, along with related financial services, to businesses, real estate developers, investors, individuals and municipalities. The bank operates branches across Arkansas, Florida, Texas, South Alabama, Tennessee and New York City.
 
Since 1999, Centennial Bank has grown from a single location in Conway to 225 branches, including a branch on the Arkansas State University campus, with over 2,600 employees. Centennial Bank was recently ranked No. 9 on Bank Director's list of the 'Best U.S. Banks' with assets between $5 billion and $50 billion. While strength and performance have been hallmarks of Centennial Bank's growth, supporting the communities it serves remains central to its mission.
 
"Successful programs are built on strong foundations, and our historic partnership with Centennial Bank has played a critical role in the growth of our football program," said A-State Head Football Coach Butch Jones. "Putting the Centennial Bank logo patch on our jersey isn't just a branding milestone – it's a point of pride and reflects our commitment to being a community-based program.
 
"Centennial Bank's principles and values, championed by Johnny Allison, align with the culture of our football program. We are grateful for their long-standing support and proud our team is associated with such a highly respected, community-focused company."
 
A-State, the only current Sun Belt Conference program to win a bowl game in both 2024 and 2025, is among just 18 Group of Six programs to appear in a bowl game each of the last three seasons. Following Arkansas State's game at Memphis, the Red Wolves will play their home opener a week later on Sept. 12 versus West Georgia.