UWF Athletics
The University of West Florida announced two significant athletics commitments on back-to-back days last week, a sign of how much local money is lining up behind the school’s transition to NCAA Division I competition.
On Aug. 20, Pensacola law firm Michles & Booth became the “Official Law Firm of UWF Athletics.” A day later, on Aug. 21, PenAir Credit Union announced a $1.7 million commitment that expands a partnership going back more than 15 years.
Michles & Booth: Uniforms, Suites and a 25-Year Milestone
The firm’s commitment includes three firsts and one naming right. Michles & Booth will:
- Become the first-ever uniform patch sponsor in UWF Athletics history, with its logo on football, cross country, and swimming and diving uniforms
- Name the press tower pavilion at the new Darrell Gooden Stadium, which opens in 2027 and will house two premium club spaces, 18 luxury suites, the President’s Box and gameday operations areas
- Carry the title “Official Law Firm of UWF Athletics”
“At Michles & Booth we are proud to be celebrating our 25th year of representing local injury victims. It’s our privilege and honor to emphasize our commitment to the next 25 years by partnering with UWF Athletics, a shining example of what hard work, vision and a commitment to excellence can bring to our community,” said Marcus J. Michles II, Founding Partner.
UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. said, “Their significant commitment reflects the important role our business and community partners play in helping UWF continue to strengthen our programs and compete at the highest level.”
PenAir: $1.7 Million and Its Name on the Field House
PenAir’s gift is the larger of the two, and it comes with naming rights on two fronts. The $1.7 million commitment will:
- Rename the UWF Field House as the PenAir Field House
- Name the exclusive premium club space in the new Darrell Gooden Stadium the PenAir Champions Club
- Help fund construction of Darrell Gooden Stadium
- Establish a new endowed scholarship for future Argonaut student-athletes
- Make PenAir the “Official Credit Union of UWF Athletics”
PenAir’s UWF ties go beyond athletics. Over 15-plus years, the credit union has backed scholarships, campus engagement and financial education and wellness programs for students across the university, not just athletes.
“Our relationship with UWF has been about creating opportunities for students to succeed,” said Lee Morgan, President and CEO of PenAir Credit Union. “Through athletics, scholarships, financial education and campus engagement, we’ve worked together to help students prepare for what’s next.”
Athletics Director Dave Scott said the gift “reflects a shared vision for what Argonaut Athletics can become” as the university prepares to open the new stadium.
Why It Matters
Both gifts land at the same moment: the buildout of Darrell Gooden Stadium, set to open in 2027, and the university’s push into Division I competition.
UWF is directing supporters to give through Athletics Excellence as it continues fundraising for the DI transition. More on the transition is available at uwf.edu/DI, and more on Argonaut Athletics at goargos.com.
