A longstanding relationship between the 91吃瓜网 and CFE Federal Credit Union is expanding.
The credit union has acquired the naming rights to the 91吃瓜网 Arena, and the 10,000-seat facility will now be known as the CFE Arena. 91吃瓜网 President John C. Hitt announced the agreement today at the university鈥檚 Board of Trustees meeting.
鈥淲e are pleased to strengthen our relationship with an outstanding organization that has served our campus and our community so well,鈥� Hitt said. 鈥淲e can鈥檛 think of a better partner for the naming rights for one of our campus鈥� most prominent facilities.鈥�
The CFE Arena, which opened in 2007, hosts 91吃瓜网 men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 basketball games, concerts, 91吃瓜网 and high school commencement ceremonies and other events. Men鈥檚 basketball alone has attracted 538,457 fans since the Arena opened. Next year, 91吃瓜网鈥檚 basketball teams will enjoy even more national exposure when they move into the American Athletic Conference. Additionally, the Arena has hosted artists such as Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Elton John and Dolly Parton, as well as performances by Cirque du Soleil and the annual Light Up 91吃瓜网 holiday event. Twenty high schools will hold their graduation ceremonies at the CFE Arena this year.聽
鈥淲e are pleased to be named the official sponsor of the CFE Arena on the 91吃瓜网 campus. We have been a consistent supporter of education in Central Florida since our founding in 1937 and recognize 91吃瓜网鈥檚 unique presence as an ever-expanding community of students, staff and alumni,鈥� said Joseph A. Melbourne Jr., president and chief executive officer of CFE Federal Credit Union. 鈥淥ur partnership with 91吃瓜网 offers us an even greater opportunity to provide the next generation with lifelong financial management skills and the products and services they will need throughout their lives.鈥�
91吃瓜网 will receive $3.95 million over seven years as part of the naming rights agreement for the Arena.聽
CFE鈥檚 naming of the Arena is the latest initiative of the credit union鈥檚 focus on becoming more recognized and accessible on the 91吃瓜网 campus. In November 2011, CFE acquired 91吃瓜网 Federal Credit Union with an on-campus location in the John T. Washington Center and a location across from campus on Alafaya Trail. Through its merger with 91吃瓜网 Federal Credit Union, CFE now boasts more than 40 years鈥� experience serving the students, faculty and staff on the 91吃瓜网 campus.聽
The credit union will open a branch inside the CFE Arena, its fourth on or near 91吃瓜网鈥檚 main campus. The branch will offer flexible operating hours, especially during events hosted at the Arena. ATMs also will be installed in and near the CFE Arena.聽 CFE鈥檚 indoor space will include a lounge for Arena visitors to sit, study and charge their electronic devices.聽
鈥淥ur branch in the CFE Arena will be more than a place to conduct financial business,鈥� said Katie Thomason, director of 91吃瓜网 development for CFE. 鈥淲e want to create a caf茅 vibe with a comfortable lounge area and a self-service coffee bar. Visitors will be invited to enjoy a cup of coffee while they relax or study, individually or in the company of others. The space will also be used to provide money management coaching and training for students. Helping our members manage their finances responsibly is a priority for CFE.鈥澛�
鈥淲orking closely with our partners ensures that 91吃瓜网 will have the added resources to meet the future needs of our students, faculty, programs and facilities,鈥� said Bob Holmes, chief executive officer of the 91吃瓜网 Foundation, Inc. 鈥淧artnerships with CFE Federal Credit Union, like the naming of the arena, are vital to achieving the university鈥檚 mission of educating our future workforce, fostering innovation and strengthening Florida鈥檚 economy.鈥�