Chevron keeps naming rights, adds rodeo to NM State Fair sponsorship under new deal

The New Mexico State Fair signed a $310,000 deal with Chevron Corp., ensuring the oil giant will remain a key sponsor of the annual event for years to come.

The three-year deal gives Chevron sole presenting rights for the New Mexico State Fair and keeps its name attached to the Chevron Pavilion Stage at Expo New Mexico. Starting in 2025, the deal also gives the company sponsorship over the rodeo, all to provide Chevron with “a visible presence throughout the grounds during the 11-day event to highlight Chevron’s New Mexico activities and efforts to grow its lower carbon businesses.”

Chevron, which operates thousands of wells in the Permian Basin — a major contributor to both state revenue and global greenhouse gas emissions — first sponsored the State Fair in 2022. The 2025 New Mexico State Fair runs from Sept. 4 through Sept. 14 at Expo New Mexico.

“Chevron is a tremendous partner to the New Mexico State Fair, with a complementary mission to provide an excellent product that improves the lives of New Mexicans,” Dan Mourning, general manager of the New Mexico State Fair, said in a news release. “The continuation of our relationship demonstrates a long-term commitment to working together to support and celebrate our state’s unique culture, natural resources and industry sectors.

“There really is no better place to do that than in the heart of New Mexico at our beloved State Fair.”

In the news release announcing the sponsorship deal, the company highlighted its partnership and support for state events.

“Chevron has been a leading energy producer in New Mexico and the Permian Basin through our legacy companies since the early 1920s. Our involvement in the New Mexico State Fair highlights our long-standing partnership with the community and our commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Scott Neal, general manager of New Mexico and Texas Asset Development for Chevron, in the news release.