Florida Atlantic University’s board of trustees is anticipated to give the green light to a groundbreaking $22.5 million, 15-year agreement that would grant Flagler Credit Union the prestigious naming rights to the institution’s esteemed football stadium. This impending deal, in both its total financial value and average annual worth, is set to stand as the most substantial publicly disclosed naming rights pact among all schools within the American Athletic Conference that currently possess an on-campus stadium.
A special meeting has been convened for Tuesday by the board, and prominently featured on the agenda is the item of securing the naming rights. Brian White, the esteemed athletic director of FAU, is poised to unveil the comprehensive plan for endorsement during the meeting. In a move reflective of the significance of this impending decision, FAU’s athletic department has proactively organized a news conference to immediately follow the conclusion of the meeting, promising a “significant announcement” without divulging further specifics.
Should the agreement receive the official seal of approval, the stadium will bear the distinguished title of Flagler Credit Union Stadium. It is important to note that the field itself will continue to bear the name of Howard Schnellenberger, a revered figure who not only served as FAU’s inaugural head coach but also laid the groundwork for the program’s inception in the late 1990s.
This development marks the second major announcement within the realm of FAU football in recent weeks. Just earlier this month, on December 2nd, the Owls made waves with the appointment of Zach Kittley as their new head coach. Kittley, who most notably served as the offensive coordinator at Texas Tech for a triumphant three-year stint, secured a lucrative $6 million contract spanning five years.
In addition to the naming rights, the comprehensive sponsorship agreement includes provisions for the credit union to access certain multimedia rights pertaining to FAU’s football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball programs. Notably, FAU has committed to absorbing the initial $150,000 in expenses tied to the installation of new signage reflecting the stadium’s revamped nomenclature. Beyond this threshold, any subsequent costs will be shared between the university and the esteemed sponsor.
