Starkville Parks Commission will formally dedicate one of the Sportsplex’s main facilities after famed NBA forward and Starkville native Travis Outlaw on Friday.
Parks Director Herman Peters said the event, which is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., will serve as a kickoff for Saturday’s annual Travis Outlaw Day at McKee Park.
Peters said the commission will announce a donation from Outlaw in tandem with the event. The Sacramento Kings’ forward’s name is expected to grace the building for 15 years, Peters said.
“It makes us proud, my wife and me, knowing that we did the best we could in raising him and making sure he never forgets where he comes from,” Outlaw’s father, John Outlaw, said. “It’s a great feeling since he’s so happy and he’s proud of his home. He tells young kids that they can accomplish anything they set out to do, and that there is no limit to their potential.”
Peters did not disclose the amount of the donation, but SPC minutes from its June 27 meeting show the board unanimously approved a $100,000 donation that was to be deposited in Parks’ revenue account. Minutes from SPC’s June 20 meeting show Peters presented the signage that will reflect the name change. The topic was first brought up at an SPC meeting in January, minutes show.
A copy of the contract was not available in SPC’s minutes.
The city first decreed Travis Outlaw day on Aug. 26, 2005. The annual event serves as a homecoming for Travis Outlaw and reunites the star basketball player with his family, friends and fans.
Saturday’s event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.