OGDEN, Utah ––Two credit unions have announced expanded relationships with professional sports teams.
In Utah, America First Credit Union said it has entered into a long-term extension to its partnership with Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake. With the extension, America First said it will become the Official Credit Union of Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals FC and Rio Tinto Stadium, and will also have a significant partnership with the 2019 USL Championship title-winning Real Monarchs and the RSL Youth Development Academy.
The credit union said the partnership will also provide more exclusive America First Credit Union member-only benefits and connectivity with fans, and generate deeper, stronger and better market-wide promotions - including AFCU/Real Salt Lake and AFCU/Utah Royals FC co-branded credit and debit cards.
“Building on a long-standing partnership between the club and AFCU that has seen numerous activations at Rio Tinto Stadium, including in the America First Credit Union Pavilion, the two Utah community leaders will now extend their relationship to include promotions with the America First Charitable Foundation and the RSL Youth Development Academy,” the credit union said.
“America First Credit Union is always looking for ways to provide value to our members and enhance our communities and we’re thankful to be able to provide that through our partnership with Real Salt Lake,” said John B. Lund, America First’s president and CEO. “We’ll continue to invest in community members and organizations that support and inspire those in our community to secure their goals, both literally and financially.”
Real Salt Lake will open the 2020 season on the road against Orlando City SC on Feb. 29 before returning to Rio Tinto Stadium for the home opener against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, March 7.
The 11.7-billion America First has more than one million members.
NBA-Branded Debit Card
Separately, in New Orleans, the NBA’s Pelicans and OnPath Credit Union have announced the design for the first ever co-branded debit card. The credit union also has naming rights to a section at the team’s home arena.
The new card features popular Pelicans imagery and logos, with fans given four designs to choose from.
OnPath FCU cardholders can receive a 10% discount at all Centerplate concessions located inside the Smoothie King Center during Pelicans home games and at the Pelicans team shop. In addition, cardholders will receive individual game ticket offers during the Pelicans regular season, pre-sale opportunities for concerts and behind-the-scenes access to events at the Smoothie King Center.
“2019 was a pivotal point in the history of our credit union”, stated Albert Richard, President and CEO of OnPath FCU. “We rebranded ourselves to better represent what our members and community needed from us and set our sights on bringing better experiences to our membership. As an extension of our mission to be financial advocates to our members and the community, we are proud of our continued partnership with the Pelicans and are excited to present this unique opportunity to fans across the greater New Orleans area.”
Naming Rights to Club
Along with the co-branded debit card, the partnership provides exclusive naming rights to the OnPath FCU Club at the Smoothie King Center.
The relationship includes “OnPath FCU Member Mondays” during which OnPath FCU members will have a chance to receive game tickets, early in-venue access, pre-game food & beverage in the On-Path Club and a behind-the-scenes look of the Smoothie King Center.