Two credit unions recently partnered with baseball teams to support fan experiences and community initiatives through new sponsorship agreements in Michigan and Maryland.
The Berrien Springs, Mich.-based Honor Credit Union secured naming rights to the Kalamazoo Growlers' home stadium, while the Laurel, Ms.-based Tower Federal Credit Union became the presenting sponsor of the Baltimore Orioles' Bird Bath section at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
In Kalamazoo, the Growlers' home stadium will be renamed Honor Credit Union Stadium under a long-term agreement with Honor. The field of play will continue to be known as Homer Stryker Field, located within Mayor's Riverfront Park in Kalamazoo.
"This partnership with Honor Credit Union is an exciting step forward for our organization and our community," Brian Colopy, owner of the Kalamazoo Growlers, said. "Honor shares our vision for using fun to make a difference in the community while also creating unforgettable experiences at the stadium and investing in improvements that will benefit our fans for years to come."
Scott McFarland, CEO of Honor, said the partnership with the Growlers is about creating great moments for families and fans while continuing to invest in experiences that make the ballpark special.
"Just as the Growlers focus on making it a great day for every person who walks through the gate, Honor strives to create that same welcoming experience for every member," McFarland said.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to collaboration and community engagement, Heather Luciani, Honor's chief strategy officer, said.
"At Honor, everything we do starts with the culture we build with our team, our members and the communities we serve," Luciani said. "We share a commitment to collaboration and community with the Growlers, making this partnership a natural fit. Whether someone lives here, works here, or is visiting for the day, we're excited to help create a place where people can come together and make lasting memories."
The agreement is expected to support fan experience upgrades, year-round events at the venue, and future stadium improvements.
In Baltimore, Tower will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Bird Bath, a popular fan section at Oriole Park at Camden Yards known for celebrating extra-base hits and home runs with a splash.
"We're excited to expand our partnership with Tower, whose deep roots in Maryland and commitment to the local community reflect our shared values," Don Rovak, chief revenue officer for the Baltimore Orioles, said. "Their partnership brings additional fun and energy to the Bird Bath, enhancing an experience our fans already love."
Tom Poe, vice president and director of marketing for Tower, said the sponsorship is designed to blend fan engagement with community impact.
"We're thrilled to partner with the Orioles to enhance one of the most unique experiences in Major League Baseball," Poe said. "We're proud to combine fun, fandom and community impact. From surprise giveaways to exclusive experiences, we're creating opportunities for fans and local charity partners to be part of something truly special."
As part of the sponsorship, fans seated in the Bird Bath will receive a free ticket to a future game if an Orioles home run lands in the section, courtesy of Tower. The partnership also includes "Splash for Good," an initiative that will provide complimentary tickets to nonprofit organizations through the TowerCares Foundation. Mr. Splash, the Orioles' "Chief Hydration Officer," will also continue surprising fans with giveaways throughout the season, with Tower adding opportunities for selected fans to participate as guest splashers.
Joyce Moed can be reached at joyce.moed@arc-network.com.
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