GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Canvas Credit Union has signed a five-year naming-rights agreement with Colorado Mesa University that will put the credit union’s name on a new football complex being developed as part of an expansion of Stocker Stadium.
The facility will be known as the Canvas Credit Union Champions Center, Canvas Credit Union said. The agreement was announced during a groundbreaking ceremony for the stadium expansion.
Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
The agreement marks CMU’s first corporate naming-rights partnership and expands a relationship between the university and Canvas that began in February 2025, when the credit union became CMU’s student banking partner.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to build on our partnership with Colorado Mesa University and to be part of a project that will have an impact well beyond the CMU campus,” Steve Ferrero, Canvas chief community engagement officer, said in a statement.
Stocker Stadium Name to Remain
While the new football complex will carry the Canvas name, the stadium itself will continue to be called Stocker Stadium.
Canvas said retaining the name recognizes Ralph Stocker’s historic significance and contributions to the Grand Junction community.
The development involves partnerships among CMU, Canvas, the city of Grand Junction and Mesa County Valley School District 51. The project is intended to improve the venue for CMU student-athletes, local high schools, fans and other community users.
“This facility will create a great home for CMU student-athletes while continuing to serve local high schools, families and the broader Grand Junction community,” Ferrero said. “We’re proud to play a small part in something that will benefit so many people for years to come.”
Partnership Has Expanded Since 2025
Canvas said its relationship with CMU has grown beyond student banking and financial education to include sponsorships, campus events and athletics programs.
Among the initiatives supported by the credit union are:
- Event and student club sponsorships.
- In-game activations at CMU athletic events.
- A twice-yearly contest in which students design game-day T-shirts and can receive CMU scholarship funding.
- Sponsorship of CMU’s annual Parents’ Weekend in September.
The Champions Center is part of CMU’s Building Maverick Champions capital initiative, which is supporting investments in the university’s athletics programs and facilities.
“Canvas Credit Union is a true partner of CMU,” Athletic Director Rob Courtney said. “They continually invest in our students, give back to our community and make an impact through brighter banking.”
Courtney said the university looks forward to opening the Champions Center to student-athletes and the broader community.
