NFL & College Teams Magnify Branding Deals With Two Credit Unions
A new debit card and new arena name are part of a credit union branding build happening across the country.
Two credit unions expand branding efforts into professional and college sports – one on an NFL team’s debit card and the other on a Zamboni.
Last year, America First Credit Union headquartered in Riverdale, Utah ($13.4 billion in assets and more than 1.1 million members) became the official credit union of the Las Vegas Raiders NFL team. Recently, the credit union launched its branded Visa debit card with the team.
According to a statement, the AFCU Las Vegas Raiders debit card turned into “a unique collaboration between the team and credit union that stands out from the rest with the Raider’s iconic colors and logo.” The announcement comes during an NFL season where many stadiums, including the home of the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, are not allowing fans to come to the games due to the pandemic.
“The Raiders’ partnership underscores our continued investment and interest in supporting the communities and sports fans we serve, which represents the ultimate personalized experience for our members,” said AFCU president/CEO John B. Lund said. “AFCU’s comprehensive partnership with the Raiders is an extension of the Raider Nation.”
“We are delighted to partner with America First Credit Union, which not only offers an outstanding portfolio of products, but also aligns with our commitment to the community,” Las Vegas Raiders President Marc Badain said. “In addition, the branded design of the official Raiders debit card allows holders the opportunity to show their Silver & Black pride.”
Across the country in Pennsylvania, Clearview Federal Credit Union headquartered in Moon Township ($1.4 billion in assets and more than 105,000 members), announced it has secured the naming rights for the arena at Robert Morris University.
According to information from the credit union, Colonials Arena will now be named Clearview Arena as part of Clearview’s partnership as the official credit union of RMU Athletics.
According to a statement, the deal will update the arena with the credit union logo on marquee and signage around the arena – even on the Zamboni.
The arena is home to RMU men’s and women’s hockey, cross country, track and field and rowing programs.
In normal times, more than 600,000 people visit the Island Sports Center annually, and according to Clearview’s CEO, the credit union is thrilled for the opportunity to connect with the community that makes RMU Athletics so special. “We are excited about the opportunity this partnership gives us, Ron Celaschi, CEO of Clearview, stated. “Our commitment to western Pennsylvania, and to the health and education of our youth is demonstrated through this partnership with RMU. We are proud to be part of this extraordinary university and its outstanding facilities.”
“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Clearview Federal Credit Union as the official credit union of RMU Athletics and proud to announce that Colonials Arena will now be the Clearview Arena,” RMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Chris King said. “The Clearview Federal Credit Union brand mirrors the excellence that Robert Morris University and RMU athletics is known for, and we truly wanted a partner who is identified within the Pittsburgh region and involved in the local community. We are grateful to RMU’s Institutional Advancement team for bringing this premier partnership together.”
The credit union did not provide the cost of the arena branding deal with the university.