RENO, Nev.–America First Credit Union said it has entered into a long-term partnership with the University of Nevada Reno athletics program.
The deal—the terms of which were not released—is just the latest in sports tie-ins by America First in Nevada, which has previously partnered with the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, minor league baseball’s Las Vegas Aviators, professional soccer’s Las Vegas Lights FC, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Athletics Department.
As part of the multiyear partnership with the University of Nevada Reno, the credit union said it will be providing priority entrance to men’s basketball at the 12,000-seat Lawlor Events Center, and will make a donation drive for every men’s basketball free throw made by UNR during its home games throughout the regular season and championships to benefit “Swish for a Wish.” America First said it expects to raise $10,000 for Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada, which will be donated at the end of the year.
In addition, AFCU said it will receive “sponsorship assets” each year for football, men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and softball, “allowing the credit union to connect with vital constituencies such as employees, members and prospects.”
For AFCU cardholders who are UNR Wolf Pack fans, the credit union said the deal includes a UNR Athletics Picture Perfect card design, as well as high visibility signage in the football stadium and basketball arena.
‘Passion Point’
“Northern Nevadans support UNR in a tremendous way and this allows us to connect with a passion point of the community,” said AFCU president and CEO Thayne Shaffer, who was born in Elko and grew up in Sparks, Lovelock, Fernley, Lovelock, Wells and Carlin, Nevada. “Through this partnership, we are able to help children with life-threatening medical illnesses get their wishes granted while simultaneously providing perks for our members. We are overjoyed to be able to build a presence in Reno and make connections with the local community.”