SAN JOSE, Calif.–First Tech FCU has introduced “First Tech Beyond,” which it described as a unified program that brings together its sponsorships — including Portland Timbers, Thorns, the city’s new WNBA team and the NBA’s Trail Blazers.

First Tech said the “groundbreaking program” offers members exclusive access and special perks consistent across all four teams and supports community STEM initiatives — “setting a new standard for engaging with the people of tech at their passion points.”

The program also encompasses sponsorships for the Oregon International Air Show and the Hood To Coast Relay.

“First Tech Beyond” Member Benefits
“First Tech Beyond was created to include a broad spectrum of new experiences and community initiatives that go beyond the typical banking relationship,” according to the credit union.

For team game-day events, it offers members a diverse variety of benefits, including:

• First Tech VIP Entrance access for members and their guests at Providence Park and Moda Center
• Unique fan experiences and members-only surprises such as seat upgrades and special team merchandise
• Access to the member lounge at Providence Park, Club Level access at Moda Center and pop-up events on select game nights
• Early access and special discounts on tickets for select games and events
• Discounts on team merchandise and clothing
• Opportunities to attend exclusive member events

Additional Features

According to First Tech, stadium venues will prominently feature First Tech Beyond, showcasing “Innovation Has No Offseason,” which “celebrates the relentless pursuit of excellence shared by both the people of tech and sports teams.”

“The goal of First Tech Beyond is to celebrate and reward the people of tech who advance our world. It’s a unifier where we can meet our members at their passion points to spark engagement,” said Mairi Burns, VP of brand marketing, in a statement. “We designed this program to create memorable experiences beyond the typical banking relationship. For our sports sponsorships, we offer a wide range of unique experiences and perks, consistently across all four teams. Integral to our ‘First Tech Beyond’ program is support for local STEM initiatives, further underscoring our commitment to tech innovation.”

Support for Community and STEM Initiatives
The credit union added that through the partnerships, the “First Tech Beyond” program also features community initiatives and programs that spark interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) among youth and historically underrepresented populations in the tech industry — “using sports as the shared passion point and mechanism to spark the imagination.”

“Inspiring the next generation of tech innovators through First Tech’s partnership across all four teams will bring STEM-related curriculum to thousands of local students, connecting to their passions in sports,” First Tech continued. “The program will sponsor game statistics segments for Trail Blazers, Timbers and Thorns games. By integrating advanced statistical analysis into sports, First Tech fosters innovation and excellence on and off the field.”

Examples Shared

Among the examples shared by First Tech:

• Thorns Robotics Competition highlights First Tech’s dedication to STEM education and inspiring the next generation of engineers and technologists by fostering innovation.
• OMSI Science of Soccer camp ‘presented by First Tech’ in partnership with the Timbers, provides fourth and fifth graders a chance to see how science, technology, engineering, art and math are revolutionizing the game.
• CU4Kids with four teams aligned to one great cause will shine a spotlight in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Spotlight on Tech 
During sporting events, the First Tech Beyond program will feature emerging tech companies and tech-related nonprofits through its Spotlight on Tech initiative, the credit union said.

“This will increase the visibility of these companies and enhance the experience for attendees by showcasing local tech advancements happening right in their community,” First Tech added.

Financial Education and Resources for Teams
First Tech’ said its partnerships will offer Timbers, Thorns, and WNBA organizations with resources supporting financial literacy and comprehensive banking solutions, including their leading Relocation Services.

Enhancing Community Connections
According to the credit union, the “First Tech Beyond” program will extend to include other sponsorship partners — Oregon International Air Show and Hood To Coast Relay. First Tech is honored to play a role in these events that further strengthen its community connections and support member passion points.

The “First Tech Beyond” program is offered at no charge to members,  the credit union said, adding that any member can simply show their First Tech debit or credit card at designated VIP entrances (game tickets required).