WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Northern Credit Union has signed a five-year, $115,000 naming-rights agreement for the Watertown Fairgrounds Arena, which will now be known as the Northern Credit Union Community Arena.
Northern Credit Union said the partnership includes $100,000 in direct funding to the city of Watertown and $15,000 for community initiatives associated with the arena and city programming.
The credit union said it also plans to support programs intended to increase awareness of city activities and strengthen engagement with Watertown residents.
“As a member-owned, local financial cooperative, our mission closely aligns with the city’s vision of fostering vibrant community spaces and economic opportunity,” Northern Credit Union President and CEO Dan St. Hilaire said in a statement.
‘Beyond Traditional Sponsorship’
St. Hilaire said the agreement is intended to extend beyond a traditional sponsorship.
“We see this as far more than a sponsorship,” he said. “It is an opportunity to build a meaningful, long-term partnership that creates lasting value, strengthens community connections, and enhances the experience for everyone who uses the arena.”
The arena serves as a community gathering place for sports, recreational programs and other local events. Northern Credit Union said the partnership is designed to increase awareness of the facility and its role in the community.
Watertown Mayor Sarah Compo Pierce said the agreement reflects a shared interest in strengthening the community and expanding experiences available to residents and visitors.
“Northern Credit Union’s investment in our arena reflects a shared commitment to strengthening our community and enhancing the experiences available to residents and visitors alike,” Pierce said in a statement.
She said the city looks forward to working with the credit union to ensure the arena “remains a vibrant hub for recreation, events, and community pride for years to come.”
Reflects ‘Commitment’
Northern Credit Union said the new Northern Credit Union Community Arena name is intended to retain the facility’s community identity while reflecting the credit union’s commitment to the region.
Formal Renaming in California
Separately, in California, Long Beach State officially re-dedicated the Pyramid as the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid on Friday night, prior to the Beach’s 7pm volleyball match against UCLA. LBSFCU is giving Long Beach State $8.5 million for the naming rights to one of the city’s most iconic sports venues.
The naming agreement will last for 12 years. The school is also honoring Mike and Arline Walter, whose name adorned the iconic Pyramid for decades; the Walters allowed the school to offer up naming rights to help raise funds.
