AKRON, Ohio — In the heart of post-industrial Akron, where the channels of the past century have long yielded to the ambitions of modern revival, the legendary Canal Park stadium stands on the verge of a transformation that could become a symbol of both economic uplift and nostalgic loss. Pending approval from the city council and Major League Baseball (MLB), the arena’s name, which opened in 1997 as the home of the local Akron RubberDucks team, will change to 7 17 Credit Union Park — a deal expected to last until the end of the 2031 season. This is not just a rebranding; it’s a strategic move in the game for the city’s soul, where corporate investments intertwine with community dreams of prosperity.
For Akronites who have seen their native Ohio suffer industrial decline and population drain, Canal Park has always been more than just a stadium. Opened as part of an ambitious urban revitalization plan, it transformed an abandoned waterfront into a lively entertainment hub, where families and fans gather for affordable Double-A affiliate Cleveland Guardians games. "This park — like an anchor for the city center — keeps us from sinking completely into oblivion," noted Ivan Aschenbrunner, a local resident and baseball enthusiast, whose words echo insider sentiments among those who remember how the arena revitalized nearby bars and restaurants like The Daily Pressed. Aschenbrunner, a typical "blue-collar" Ohioan who transitioned into the tech sector, admitted to nostalgia: "I didn’t even know about this change, but I know parks get rebranded every few years. I’ll miss the old name, but if it draws more people — why not?"
This deal, announced at a press conference at Duck Club, is the first corporate naming rights partnership for the RubberDucks. Owner and CEO Ken Babbie, known for his passion for "affordable family fun," emphasized that the funds would keep ticket prices low — $5 for tickets and $2.50 for hot dogs — and fund an annual community scholarship. "This partnership allows us to give back to Akron while maintaining accessibility for everyone," Babbie stated, hinting at a broader strategy where the revenue from the name goes directly to the club, following the 2012 lease agreement with the city. John Dhemmler, president of 7 17 Credit Union — a cooperative founded in 1957 in Warren with over 120,000 members and 13 branches across Northeast Ohio — views this as "a way to strengthen the community and achieve financial well-being." The recently launched co-branded RubberDucks credit card underscores this deep connection, where some transactions support charitable causes.
Akron Mayor Shamas Malik, a young leader who promised "expanding opportunities," welcomed the deal as a catalyst for growth. "New jobs, investments, opportunities for small businesses — this is what our city needs," he said, referencing the credit union's focus on housing programs that resonate with local challenges of homelessness and urban development. A resident like Freedom Harper, owner of a small café nearby, shares the optimism: "I understand why they’re changing — to attract crowds, fill our halls." The city hall spokesperson clarified that approval is only necessary from the administration, with a presentation to the council in the near future, and that MLB needs to give the "green light" for full legitimacy. The team expects a "quick and smooth" process, with new signage already in place during the off-season.
Such evolution is not new in American sports, where stadium names have long become commodities — from Yankee Stadium to modern arenas like SoFi Stadium. In Akron, where the downtown is experiencing a renaissance with new residential projects and business incubators, this step could be a turning point. "Undoubtedly, downtown upgrades — residential construction, small business development — will generate revenue," predicts Aschenbrunner, reflecting a broader trend: in an era when minor leagues struggle for spectators, corporate sponsors are becoming the saviors. Will 7 17 Credit Union Park turn Canal Park into a tourist magnet, or is this merely another layer of corporate wrapping around cultural heritage? Akron is watching, crossing fingers for a home-run revival.
