DALLAS - First it's airline terminals and now it's sports arenas. That's what might be called the "futures" market for credit union-run ATMs, according to American Airlines Federal Credit Union. The big Dallas CU-the sixth largest credit union in the U.S.- which landed a city contract last year to service ATMs in the Reunions Arena, home of pro hockey and basketball teams, is already experiencing brisk activity on the four American Airlines CU-owned ATMs in the stadium complex. "We've been averaging 8,000 transactions a month since we started in December, 1999," said Beverly Willms, manager of electronic services for AAFCU. The Dallas CU, with $2.6 billion in assets, expects to bid on servicing ATMs in the new American Airlines Center, a larger sports complex, set to open in 2001. "Our goal is to be where our members are, offering convenience in handling their financial needs," said Willms. That is why the AA credit union has been a national leader in pushing CUs to bid on airport ATM contracts across the country on the premise the machines give the credit union industry high public visibility while also providing special surcharge-free service to CU members who travel extensively. AAFCU, joined by a coalition of airline CUs and Mountain America Credit Union of Salt Lake City, was successful in February in landing a contract to replace Utah banks in servicing ATMS at the Salt Lake City airport in time for the 2001 Olympics (CU Times, May 3.) AAFCU has been less successful elsewhere in trying to wrest ATM contracts from big banks which have considerable political and financial clout to hold on to ATM business in airport cities across the country. For one, Bank of America/NationsBank, has a lock on many of the key ATM contracts. AAFCU has a contract proposal pending at O'Hare Airport in Chicago, but the credit union, joined by Delta Airlines Credit Union, recently lost a bid to service ATMs at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. But on sports and other entertainment, AAFCU sees new potential for ATM growth. Indeed, the new ATMs in the Reunion Arena enjoyed high activity during recent Western Conference Championship playoff games pitting the Stanley Cup Champion Dallas Stars against the Colorado Avalanche. "Hockey fans were lined up to access the credit union's ATMs for cash to buy Stars memorabilia, food and refreshments," noted Willms. And the Arena, seating 17,000, is also the playing home for the Dallas Mavericks NBA basketball club. "We are always pleased to see our fans enjoying themselves during a Stars or Mavericks game and also enjoying the convenience of the four ATMs," said Willms. But it is not just sports that "are important," she said, since "every month the arena management has booked other significant activities from conventions to concerts, the circus and ice shows." When the new AA Center, seating 20,000, is built, the Reunion Arena will continue to be used for such events, and AA CU expects to keep operating its ATMs. AAFCU is a member of the Co-Op Network of Ontario, Calif. and of CU24/CU Here Network. AAFCU operates 65 ATMs, of which half are in airline work and maintenance areas not accessible to the public. Eventually, said Willms, by working with the CU networks, AAFCU hopes to establish more ATMs in public office buildings and other sites all "closer to where are members work and play." -
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