Angel’s Envy, the Louisville-based craft distiller that produces small batch, finished whiskeys, has agreed to a $4 million naming rights deal with University of Louisville Athletics.
In appreciation of the donation that will be paid over 10 years, the Cardinal Stadium space currently known as the Brown & Williamson Club will be renamed as the “Angel’s Envy Bourbon Club.” The funds will be used to renovate the 18,000 square-foot club, which has not seen any significant upgrade since the stadium opened in 1997.
“We are sincerely appreciative of Angel’s Envy’s gift and interest in becoming the naming rights sponsor for the club,” said Vince Tyra, UofL athletics director. “We will now partner with Angel’s Envy to design and build one of the most unique event spaces in the city of Louisville. Our fans will enjoy a high-end club for gameday activities while our campus and community will enjoy a terrific event venue. I want to also acknowledge and thank British American Tobacco for availing us the opportunity to rename the Brown & Williamson Club.”
UofL is in the process of planning the club renovation and intends to begin the makeover in late November at the conclusion of the 2021 home football schedule. UofL has issued a request for proposal to select a design/build firm to plan and execute the renovation and construction of the space. Renovations are slated to be complete by the 2022 football home opener on September 24, 2022. Visitors will now be able to order and enjoy Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels throughout Cardinal Stadium.
“We’re excited to share the Angel’s Envy story with the Cardinal fans, alumni, guests and visitors who come to the stadium year after year,” said Wes Henderson, Angel’s Envy co-founder and chief innovation officer. “As a company with proud downtown Louisville roots, we can’t wait to engage with the many fans who continue to connect with, root for and celebrate our hometown.”
When Cardinal Stadium was built, Brown & Williamson Tobacco had secured the naming rights for the west club space. The long-time Louisville-based tobacco company exited Louisville in 2003 and was absorbed by British American Tobacco. After a two-year negotiation with British American Tobacco, the Board of Directors relinquished the naming rights and returned them to UofL to extend to another community partner or donor.
While the club, which spans the length of the football field, is a popular gathering place for fans at UofL football games, the space is used throughout the year for multiple events. This club space has been utilized for weddings, job fairs, conferences, meetings, awards dinners, registrations for car shows, bridal shows and many other events. The club can accommodate up to 1,500 for receptions, 1,000 in a theatre setting and 700 for banquets.
