Two Credit Unions Level Up Their Sports Partnerships

The Grand Blanc, Mich.-based Dort Financial Credit Union has extended its naming rights partnership with the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Mich., and the Flint Firebirds junior hockey team by 10 years, according to a joint announcement from the three organizations last week.

The $2.2 billion Dort Financial became the official naming rights partner of the Dort Financial Center in July 2015, ahead of the Firebirds’ very first season. The initial 10-year partnership was set to expire in July 2025; now, it will run through the 2034-35 Firebirds season.

“Dort Financial Credit Union has been a fantastic partner since the Firebirds inception in 2015.  They have been an integral part of the Dort Financial Centers revitalization,” Firebirds President and Dort Financial Center General Manager Jeremy Torrey said. “We are so excited about the future and the positive impact our continued partnership will have on the community.”

The Dort Financial Center, which is not only home to the Firebirds but a premier event center in Michigan’s Genesee County, has received upwards of $8 million in capital improvements since its partnership with Dort Financial began in 2015, according to the announcement. These have included new seating in the main arena, a new video board, LED ribbon board signage, rink upgrades and the construction of the Firebirds hockey operations complex.

“We are excited about the opportunity to have naming rights of the Dort Financial Center for another 10 years,” Dort Financial President/CEO Brian Waldron said. “It has been a great partnership with the event center and the Flint Firebirds. We are proud to support the Flint community and this great entertainment venue.”

In other credit union sports partnership news, the $9.7 billion, Colorado Springs, Colo.-based Ent Credit Union, announced two new brand partnerships with Bo Nix, the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, and play-by-play announcer Dave Logan, former NFL player and current Voice of the Broncos.

Ent announced earlier this year that it would become the official banking partner of the Denver Broncos NFL team beginning this season.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Bo Nix and Dave Logan to the Ent family,” Ent Chief Experience Officer Chris Chippindale said. “Our sponsorship of the Denver Broncos allows us to connect with passionate fans across Colorado, and having Bo and Dave as spokespeople strengthens that connection. Their leadership – on the field, over the airwaves and in Colorado communities – aligns perfectly with Ent’s mission to improve the financial lives of our members and make a positive impact across Broncos Country.”

As a result of the credit union’s new multi-year agreements with Nix and Logan, the two men will participate in various capacities at special events at Ent service centers, philanthropic opportunities in communities across Colorado’s Front Range region, and in Ent’s partnerships with the Broncos and the Broncos Foundation. They will also promote Ent’s products and services through the credit union’s traditional marketing and social media channels.

“I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Ent Credit Union,” Nix said. “As someone who values teamwork, trust and community, I see those same principles in Ent. I’m excited to work with a locally based financial institution that is focused on helping families achieve their dreams. They support community organizations across the entire state that care about making a positive impact. [My wife] Izzy and I are looking forward to joining Ent on initiatives that will make a difference in Colorado.”

Logan added, “Working with Ent Credit Union is a natural fit for me. They’ve been a tremendous partner for the Broncos and an important resource for Coloradans. I’m proud to stand behind an organization that’s dedicated to putting people first and empowering their members to achieve more.”