Trustmark Corp. will be the title sponsor of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum’s conference center until 2011 under a five-year extension announced Tuesday.

The Jackson-based banking and financial services company was a charter sponsor of the museum and has been the title sponsor of the Trustmark Conference Center since the facility opened July 4, 1996.

“Much of the history of this Hall of Fame is intertwined with Trustmark, probably more than any other business or corporation,” said Michael Rubenstein, the museum’s executive director. “They were involved in the organizational efforts long before the doors ever opened, were charter sponsors and have been supportive every step of the way.”

The decade-old museum which honors Mississippi’s rich sports history draws more than 35,000 visitors each year.

The 2,400-square-foot conference center annually plays host to more than 200 meetings, banquets and other events.

“Our state is known nationally for its outstanding athletics, and this facility helps keeps those memories alive by honoring our stars and great moments in sports,” Trustmark spokesman Gray Wiggers said.

Trustmark operates 145 offices in Mississippi, Florida, Tennessee and Texas.

SOCCER