Nebraska’s Liberty First Credit Union Inks Arena Naming Rights Agreement

The Lincoln-based credit union expects the deal will help capture more name recognition as it expands into the Omaha market.

Aerial view of downtown Omaha, Neb. (Source: AdobeStock)

The $384 million Liberty First Credit Union purchased the naming rights of the 4,600-capacity seat arena in Ralston, a suburb of Omaha, Neb.

On Jan. 1, the Ralston public venue was officially renamed the Liberty First Credit Union Arena. The Lincoln, Neb.-based credit union will pay $1.6 million, or $160,000 a year, according to the naming rights agreement.

Liberty First began its expansion into the Omaha market after opening its first branch there last year. Omaha is the state’s largest city with a population of more than 486,000, according to the U.S. Census.

Angie Schreiner, SVP of marketing for Liberty First, said acquiring the naming rights of a top-notch arena will help the credit union capture more name recognition throughout the Omaha market. In addition to the credit union’s name on display outside and inside the arena, the credit union’s name will appear on the venue’s website, social media sites and ads promoting arena events.

“We’re excited to partner with the arena in providing a unique experience, and for us it’s going to hopefully create that people helping people [sentiment] with the type of acts the arena brings in and the low cost that they keep their shows at to provide entertainment to the area,” Schreiner said.

In addition to hosting concerts of new or up-and-coming artists and well-known ones such as Alice Cooper, Styx and Chicago, the arena features a variety of family shows and special events.

Liberty First Credit Union Arena is also the home of the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League and the Omaha Beef, an indoor football team.

The arena houses 12 luxury suites, 3,000 club seats and four branded “fan zones.”

Liberty First’s 93 employees operate six branches that serve more than 29,000 members.