DEFOREST, Wis. — Wings Credit Union has entered a naming-rights partnership with DeForest Yards, putting its name on an ice arena and outdoor entertainment venue as the credit union expands its visibility in the greater Madison area.
Under the agreement, the arena will be called Wings Arena at DeForest Yards, while the outdoor concert and event space will be known as The Landing powered by Wings Credit Union. Financial terms were not disclosed in the announcement.
Wings also is the official credit union of the Madison Capitols, a United States Hockey League team scheduled to play its home opener at the arena Friday, Nov. 13. The team develops players seeking NCAA Division I and professional hockey opportunities.
“DeForest Yards is creating something really special for this community, and we’re excited to be part of it,” said Amy Nigrelli, Wings’ chief brand and impact officer. She said the development is intended to bring people together for hockey, concerts, dining and community events.
Norm Creveling, Wings’ executive vice president of commercial lending, said the credit union has an established lending relationship with the development’s ownership group. He also pointed to Wings’ nearby Windsor service center as a connection to the area.
A growing mixed-use development
The 54-acre DeForest Yards district combines sports, entertainment, restaurants and residential development. Existing amenities include Youngblood Taproom, Aranda’s Mexican Restaurant, outdoor volleyball courts and gathering spaces. Organizers envision concerts, outdoor movies, festivals and other events.
The district’s residential plans encompass 960 apartment units, including the 406-unit Residences at DeForest Yards and the 354-unit Enklov at DY project, which is under development. Also planned are an 89-room Marriott TownePlace Suites and a 180,000-square-foot multipurpose sports complex called DY Fieldhouse.
On-Site Presence
Wings said it will have an on-site presence at DeForest Yards and intends to use its Capitols partnership to support youth initiatives in the Madison area. Details of additional programming and investments will be announced later.
Wings, which has headquarters in Apple Valley, Minnesota, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, serves nearly 1 million members and has approximately $20 billion in assets. It operates more than 90 service centers across six states.
