James Madison University received the first private investment of $500,000 from the Charlie Obaugh Auto Group towards the transformation of the Madison District.

The Madison District is a reimagined portion in the center of campus that will include student and athletic facilities as well as shopping, dining, and lodging.

Included with the gift is the 10 year naming rights of the Champions Parking Deck located just behind the football stadium.

The gift seeds a general expendable account with the JMU Foundation to receive charitable contributions supporting naming opportunities on campus.

JMU President Jim Schmidt said, “Gifts like this, along with other kinds of investments and partnerships, will be essential to turning our plans into reality. It is heartening to see that our campus vision is already resonating with the JMU community and beyond. I look forward to what we can accomplish together.”

For more information on the announcement, click here.