BROOKINGS, S.D.–Credit unions in South Dakota and Arizona are expanding their support of athletics through new partnerships ranging from NCAA Division I sports to a youth football and cheer program serving nearly 400 families.
In South Dakota, the $751-million Dakotaland Federal Credit Union and South Dakota State University have entered into a multiyear partnership making Dakotaland the exclusive credit union of Jackrabbit Athletics.
Under the agreement, Dakotaland will have a presence throughout SDSU’s athletic programs, including signage at athletic venues, digital and broadcast advertising, fan engagement programs and co-branded initiatives.
Jackrabbit Sports Properties, the locally based Learfield team that represents South Dakota State Athletics, manages the university athletic department’s multimedia rights and corporate partnerships.
Historical Ties
The partnership also reconnects Dakotaland with its historical ties to the university. The credit union’s Brookings branch was originally established as South Dakota State University Credit Union to serve the financial needs of the SDSU community.
“This partnership provides an excellent opportunity to align Dakotaland with one of our state’s most recognizable brands and connect with people who share our values of community and service,” Dakotaland CEO Ryan Goehner said in a statement.
Goehner said the organizations plan to use the partnership to create experiences for fans, support students and promote financial well-being.
South Dakota State is the state’s largest university and competes at the NCAA Division I level.
Founded in 1935, Dakotaland serves more than 48,000 members through locations in Huron, Volga, Brookings, Madison, Redfield, Aberdeen, De Smet, Mitchell, Watertown and Woonsocket.
Tucson Federal Supports Youth Football, Cheer Program
Meanwhile, in Arizona, the $1-billion Tucson Federal Credit Union is covering field and lighting expenses and providing a new inflatable player tunnel for the Southwest Tucson RAMS youth football and cheer program as part of a sponsorship benefiting nearly 400 local families.
TFCU joined players, coaches, cheerleaders and families Aug. 7 at Desert View High School for the program’s season kickoff practice and pep rally.
The event, hosted by the Desert View Booster Club, included food trucks, a photo booth and the debut of the inflatable tunnel, which players used during introductions.
Growing Conversations
The credit union said its involvement grew out of discussions over several months with a parent about sponsoring one RAMS team. Those conversations eventually expanded into an agreement to support the entire youth program.
As part of the sponsorship, Tucson Federal will pay the RAMS’ field and lighting fees for the season in addition to funding the player tunnel.
“Investing in youth is investing in the future of our community,” Tucson Federal President and CEO Matthew Gaspari said. “Supporting these kids, and their 400 families in this program is the kind of specific impact that’s at the heart of who we are as a credit union.”
Southwest Tucson RAMS President Rene Romero and Head Coach Roy Burr participated in the kickoff event along with Desert View High School football Head Coach Robert Bonillas and cheer Head Coach Pam Moraga.
Tucson City Council member Selina Barajas, who represents Ward 5, also attended the event.
