From left: Brian White, FAU vice president and director of athletics; Brian Waldron, president and CEO of both Dort Financial and Flagler Credit Union; Stacy Volnick, FAU President. (Photo by Alex Dolce)

A historic, 15-year football stadium naming partnership between Florida Atlantic University Athletics and Flagler Credit Union, a division of Dort Financial, was approved by FAU’s Board of Trustees during a special meeting today.

As presented to the board by Brian White, vice president and director of athletics, FAU Stadium will be recognized as Flagler Credit Union Stadium, beginning immediately with the 2024 Boca Raton Bowl on Dec. 18. As part of this agreement, Flagler Credit Union will become the official credit union of FAU Athletics and the FAU Alumni Association in 2025.

The term and value of the naming rights deal is the largest corporate sponsorship in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) for a football stadium and among the largest in the Group of Five conferences, which includes the AAC, Conference USA, Mid-American, Mountain West and Sun Belt.

“We are thrilled and honored to formalize an incredible partnership with Flagler Credit Union,” said White. “This is a historic agreement for Florida Atlantic University and among the largest stadium naming deals in the Group of Five. It not only speaks to the remarkable momentum of FAU, 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 FCU, its employees and its members to the Owl family and look forward to the affiliation for many years to come.”

Dort Financial was founded in 1951 and serves more than 110,000 members with assets exceeding $2 billion across 15 locations in Michigan and Florida. Dort Financial Credit Union operates as Flagler Credit Union in the Florida market following its acquisition of Flagler Bank in December 2023. The credit union provides comprehensive financial services for its members.

Flagler Credit Union has locations throughout the community FAU serves with branches in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, and Lake Clarke Shores. Membership is open to residents of Palm Beach, Martin, Hendry and Broward counties in Florida.

“This is a transformational partnership, not only for Florida Atlantic Athletics, but for the entire university,” said FAU President Stacy Volnick. “The generosity of Flagler Credit Union will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes and athletic programs. We are incredibly thankful to Flagler Credit Union for their belief in our vision and for sharing our commitment to the Boca Raton community. Florida Atlantic University is excited to forge this long-term collaboration.”

In addition to football stadium naming rights, the relationship includes an extensive multimedia arrangement with Florida Atlantic Athletics for all varsity programs. Flagler Credit Union will also participate in FAU student and alumni engagement opportunities and have marketing activations with FAU’s Career Center and the university’s 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 both Dort Financial and Flagler 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.”

Opened as FAU Stadium in 2011, Flagler Credit Union Stadium is the home of the Owls, FAU’s football team. The 30,000-seat venue with more than 60 different suite and luxury seating options, hosts a variety of annual events, and since 2014, has been home to the Boca Raton Bowl.

FAU 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.

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