Florida Atlantic: Partnership in Paradise

When the Florida Atlantic University football team takes the field this fall, it will be at Flagler Credit Union Stadium. Florida Atlantic Athletics and Flagler Credit Union have come together in a 15-year naming partnership for the former FAU Stadium.

“Since FAU Stadium opened in 2011, we have been looking for the right naming partner and I am very proud to share that we found that partner in Flagler Credit Union,” said then-Interim FAU President Stacy Volnick. “We have signed a 15-year naming rights deal, worth $22.5 million, and FAU Stadium will now be named Flagler Credit Union Stadium.”

Flagler Credit Union is a division of Dort Financial Credit Union, headquartered in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Dort Financial began operating its Florida branches under the Flagler Credit Union name following its acquisition of Flagler Bank in December 2023. Founded in 1951, Dort Financial Credit Union serves more than 110,000 members and manages assets exceeding $2 billion across 16 locations in Michigan and Florida. It offers a full range of financial services designed to meet the diverse needs of its members. Flagler Credit Union has branch locations in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach and Lake Clarke Shores. Membership is open to individuals who live, work, worship, attend school or conduct business in Palm Beach, Martin, Hendry and Broward counties.

“We are excited and honored to formalize an incredible partnership with Flagler Credit Union,” said Brian White, vice president and director of athletics. “This is a historic agreement for Florida Atlantic. It not only speaks to the remarkable momentum of the university, but to the leadership at Flagler Credit Union. They have deep ties to our area and have been a trusted community partner for nearly 25 years. We welcome Flagler Credit Union, its employees and its members to the Owl family and look forward to the affiliation for many years to come.”

At the time of the signing, the term and value of the naming rights deal was the largest corporate sponsorship in the American Athletic Conference for a football stadium. It also is among the largest in the Group of Five conferences, which includes the American, Conference USA, Mid-American, Mountain West and Sun Belt.

Florida Atlantic will continue to honor the late Howard Schnellenberger, who founded the football program and served as its inaugural head coach from 2001 to 2011, with the playing field remaining designated as Howard Schnellenberger Field.

“This is a transformational partnership, not only for Florida Atlantic Athletics, but for the entire university,” said Volnick. “The generosity of Flagler Credit Union will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes and athletics programs. We are incredibly thankful to Flagler Credit Union and its board of directors and leadership team for their belief in our vision and very excited to forge this long-term collaboration.”

In addition to football stadium naming rights, Flagler Credit Union will become the official credit union of Florida Atlantic Athletics and Florida Atlantic Alumni when the deal fully commences on July 1. The relationship also includes an extensive multimedia arrangement with Florida Atlantic Athletics. Additionally, Flagler Credit Union will participate in student and alumni engagement opportunities and have marketing activations with Florida Atlantic’s Career Center and business mentoring program.

“We are thrilled to partner with Florida Atlantic University on the naming rights for Flagler Credit Union Stadium. The partnership underscores our commitment to supporting our community,” said Brian Waldron, president and CEO of Dort Financial Credit Union. “This stadium is more than just a venue — it’s a place where memories are made; where athletes, alumni and fans come together to celebrate teamwork, dedication and excellence. We are honored to partner with a university that shares our values of supporting community and enriching lives.”