Empower FCU Secures Central New York Amphitheater Naming Rights

Three credit unions recently spread the word about significant new partnerships this week – one earned the naming rights to a Syracuse, N.Y., amphitheater, while two others became the official banking partners of a Southern California theme park and professional hockey team, respectively.

Empower Federal Credit Union ($3.2 billion, Syracuse, N.Y.) announced Oct. 20 that it earned the naming rights to the former St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse. The venue is now called The Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The amphitheater, which opened in 2015 and hosts more than 200,000 visitors annually, is owned by New York’s Onondaga County and exclusively promoted by Live Nation Entertainment.

“Empower FCU was born and raised in the Salt City, and now is among the largest credit unions in New York, with over 250,000 members, over 600 employees and more than $3.2 billion in assets,” Empower President/CEO Ryan McIntyre stated. “The Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview reflects a commitment to our Central New York roots by creating unique experiences for our members and the local community we serve.”

The $5.8 billion, Pasadena, Calif.-based Wescom Credit Union is the Official Banking Partner of the Buena Vista, Calif., theme park Knotts Berry Farm, which also operates Knott’s Soak City Water Park, Knott’s Berry Farm Marketplace and the Knott’s Hotel, Wescom announced this week.

The eight-year partnership includes exclusive rights for Wescom to offer its full range of products and services to Knott’s guests and associates. The credit union also plans to offer an affinity card program for Knott’s guests, offer memberships to new hires during the Knott’s onboarding process and open a new Wescom branch near Knott’s California Marketplace in Buena Park in late 2024. In addition, Wescom members and team members will have access to ticket giveaways and discounts throughout the year, the credit union said.

“We are so thrilled to enter this eight-year partnership with Knott’s as both of our organizations are recognized as bedrocks of the local community and have fostered deep and enduring relationships with generations of Southern Californian families,” Ashley White, SVP, chief marketing officer for Wescom, stated. “This partnership with Knott’s allows us to expand our membership growth initiatives into the consumer experience space with a brand that, like ours, is so deeply rooted in California.”

The $2.9 billion GTE Financial in Tampa, Fla., became the Official Credit Union of National Hockey League team Tampa Bay Lighting, the credit union revealed this week.

The multi-year sponsorship agreement will allow the credit union and professional hockey team to “bring financial literacy programming to fans of all ages through a fun and engaging curriculum aimed at growing confidence and making informed decisions around personal finances to build financial security,” according to GTE Financial.

“Being the Official Credit Union of the Tampa Bay Lightning fills me with great pride for our institution,” GTE Financial President/CEO Brian Best stated. “The decision to partner with the Lightning was an easy one as both of our organizations possess similar values, putting philanthropy, diversity and community engagement at the forefront of everything we do. Together, we will make a huge impact on the communities we serve.”