The Albany, N.Y.-based Broadview Federal Credit Union has entered a 15-year, $31.75 million partnership with the University at Buffalo that includes naming rights for the Bulls' football stadium, basketball arena and athletics village, along with funding for student scholarships and emergency aid.
The agreement, approved by both the UB Council and the SUNY Board of Trustees, is the largest in the Mid-American Conference, Broadview said, adding that it is also among the first in the country to combine naming rights for a stadium and arena with philanthropic support and an alumni association partnership. The deal built on a relationship that spans more than a decade, during which Broadview has sponsored UB Athletics and operated a branch on the university's North Campus.
The agreement also connected two organizations that focus on community programs. Broadview supports initiatives related to higher education, hunger relief, health and well-being, and services for people experiencing homelessness. The University at Buffalo conducts research, education and public service programs serving Western New York, the state and beyond.
"We are grateful to Broadview for their partnership and shared commitment to expanding opportunity," Satish K. Tripathi, UB president, said. "This collaboration strengthens our ability to support our student-athletes as they pursue excellence in competition, academics and personal development. Just as importantly, the scholarships and emergency funding made possible through this partnership will help students across our university overcome challenges, pursue their ambitions and reach their full potential."
Michael Castellana, CEO of Broadview, agreed.
"This partnership ushers in a bold new chapter for both the University at Buffalo and Broadview," Castellana said. "It signifies a deep commitment to public higher education and its impact on communities in Western New York and beyond. We are honored to support UB's vision and proud to pursue our purpose of changing lives alongside this exceptional institution."
Revenue from the $29.5 million naming rights agreement will support UB athletics programs and student-athletes through scholarships, financial education, academic advising and health insurance, as well as programming related to life skills, nutrition and wellness. Along with the naming rights, Broadview will fund a UB scholarship, contributing $100,000 annually to student scholarships and $50,000 to the emergency fund, for a 15-year total of $2.25 million.
In addition, as part of the agreement, Broadview will offer a co-branded debit card displaying the Broadview logo and UB's Bulls mark. Funds from new accounts will support UB student scholarships through the Alumni Association.
"At UB, we provide our student-athletes with a first-class collegiate experience through academic excellence, social development and competitive success," Mark Alnutt, vice president and director of athletics, said. "This transformative campuswide partnership allows us to successfully compete at the highest level through a sustained investment into our Athletics program.
"Furthermore, by establishing a long-term partnership with Broadview, we're able to work side-by-side with a likeminded organization as we continue to support the needs of the Western New York community. It's a great day to be a Bull and I can't wait to welcome our fans to both Broadview Arena and Broadview Stadium."
Under the partnership, UB Stadium, which hosts Bulls football, soccer, and track and field as well as large university events, will be renamed Broadview Stadium. Alumni Arena, home to UB's men's and women's basketball teams, women's volleyball and wrestling, will be renamed Broadview Arena. The arena, which seats 6,100, also hosts commencement, the UB career fair and student research symposiums, and includes a natatorium and space for recreation and intramural activities. The naming rights also cover the Broadview Village, the area between the arena and stadium, which includes Nan Harvey Field, the Murchie Family Fieldhouse and the Brittany Murchie Mulla Sports Performance Center.
The national search for UB's naming rights partner was led by Van Wagner, a sports marketing agency focused on live events, sponsorships and multimedia rights.
Broadview has almost $9 billion in assets, more than 500,000 members and more than 60 branches in New York's Capital Region, Binghamton, Syracuse, and Buffalo.
Joyce Moed can be reached at joyce.moed@arc-network.com.
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