CULLOWHEE, N.C. — Western Carolina University Athletics has expanded its partnership with Champion Credit Union through a five-year agreement that gives the credit union naming rights to a premium seating area at E.J. Whitmire Stadium/Bob Waters Field.
The area formerly known as Catamount Corner has been renamed Champion Credit Union Corner. The agreement includes prominent in-stadium signage and Champion Credit Union branding on gameday tents in the premium seating area in the southeast corner of the stadium.
“Western Carolina University is an important part of the fabric of Western North Carolina, and we’re proud to continue growing our partnership with the university and its athletics program,” Champion Credit Union President and CEO Jake Robinson said. “We believe in investing in the people and organizations that make our region stronger, creating opportunities for students, athletes, and our communities to experience more.”
Longtime Sponsor
Champion Credit Union has been a longtime sponsor of Western Carolina Athletics.
The Champion Credit Union Corner offers VIP seating for Western Carolina football games, with table seating for 50 and views of Bob Waters Field and the surrounding Cullowhee mountain valley. The area includes an in-game meal provided by Ingles — The Chef’s Kitchen, along with beer and wine service.
“We are excited to expand our partnership with Champion Credit Union in this premium seating experience at Catamount football,” WCU Director of Athletics Kyle Pifer said.
Pifer also noted Robinson’s ties to the university as a former student-athlete.
“During his time as a student-athlete in Cullowhee, Jake Robinson was the epitome of what a Catamount represents,” Pifer said. “We are beyond appreciative to him and his family for their continued support, as well as the employees and all the members of the Champion Credit Union for this extended partnership with Catamount Athletics.”
Western Carolina will open its 12-game football schedule Aug. 29 against Eastern Kentucky at Whitmire Stadium/Waters Field. The Catamounts have six home games scheduled for the 2026 season.
