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Rice University Athletics
Rice, First Community Credit Union announce 20-year stadium naming rights deal
10/1/2026 11:30:00 AM | Football
New name debuts on Saturday
HOUSTON, TX – Rice University and First Community Credit Union have signed a 20-year football stadium naming rights and campus collaboration agreement as announced Thursday by Rice interim athletic director Eric George.
Rice Stadium will now be recognized as First Community Stadium beginning with the football game Oct. 3 when Rice hosts UTSA to open conference play. As part of the agreement, First Community Credit Union becomes the official financial institution of Rice Football, Rice Athletics and the Association of Rice Alumni.
"I am excited about this groundbreaking partnership between Rice and First Community Credit Union," George said. "First Community's commitment to serving the Houston community perfectly aligns with Rice Athletics' goal of further enhancing our connection with the community through the Gateway Project. In addition to their support of athletics, First Community will provide financial services, educational programs and career development opportunities for our entire campus community. We look forward to this multifaceted partnership and for First Community Stadium being a place where Houstonians can come together for years to come."
Originally opened in 1950, the stadium will undergo a significant renovation as a part of the ongoing Gateway Project, a transformative initiative that will reimagine the west side of campus and seamlessly connect the university with the vibrant Rice Village.
"Rice and First Community Credit Union share a deep commitment to Houston, our community and college athletics," Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. "I am grateful for First Community's partnership and excited about the opportunities this historic collaboration will create for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, fans and the broader Rice community. Together, we will build on the proud tradition of Rice Athletics while strengthening its ability to bring together and inspire our city."
First Community is a full-service financial institution and trusted financial partner for individuals, families and businesses at every stage of their financial journey. With more than $3.1 billion in assets, over 190,000 members and 14 full-service branches, First Community proudly serves 41 Texas counties, delivering comprehensive financial solutions, personalized service and a commitment to strengthening the financial well-being of the members and communities it serves.
"Founded in 1954 by educators in Spring Branch ISD, First Community was built on the enduring principle that investing in people creates stronger communities," said TJ Tijerina, president and CEO of First Community. "More than 70 years later, that commitment to education, service and community remains at the heart of who we are. As a full-service financial institution serving members across Texas, we are honored to partner with Rice University, a world-class institution renowned for its academic distinction, groundbreaking research, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. Together, we look forward to supporting students, faculty, staff and alumni while creating lasting opportunities that enhance educational achievement, strengthen community connections and contribute to the continued success of greater Houston and beyond."
In addition to naming the football stadium, First Community and Rice have established a fully- integrated campus partnership that will see First Community engaged with financial literacy education across campus, establish internship programs for Rice students and engage with the Center for Career Development to provide opportunities for students after graduation. First Community will also offer banking services and special programs to students, alumni, faculty and staff. Fans will soon be able to show their Rice spirit by taking advantage of First Community's Rice Athletics branded debit and credit cards, providing exclusive access to Rice Athletics special events and other perks.
The national search for a stadium naming rights and campus partner for Rice University was led by Elevate, an award‑winning global sports and entertainment agency, supported Rice University throughout the evaluation, negotiation, and execution of the new stadium naming rights partnership. With more than $4B in ticketing and partnership revenue delivered across college athletics over the past decade, Elevate applies unmatched commercial expertise to help institutions build partnerships that drive both revenue and fan engagement.
About First Community Credit Union
Founded in 1954 by Spring Branch ISD, First Community serves the diverse needs of over 190,000 members with a full array of financial services, 14 full-service branches and on the strength of $3.1 billion in assets. First Community is federally insured by the NCUA and an equal housing opportunity lender. Their mission is to empower members so they can achieve their financial goals. First Community is open to anyone that lives, works, attends school or worships or is part of a Select Employee Group (SEG) in the 41 Texas counties they serve, ranging from Houston, DFW, Austin, and San Antonio, or is a relative or family member of an FCCU member or employee. To learn more about First Community, visit FCCU.org.
About Elevate
Elevate is an award-winning global sports and entertainment agency founded in 2018 and the chosen growth partner for the world's leading brands, properties, and experience-driven businesses. Through one integrated model, Elevate serves as the trusted advisor for more than 1,000 clients, helping them solve complex challenges and drive business wins.
What began in sports has evolved into a platform now serving clients across culture, attractions, culinary, and hotels. Today, Elevate brings operational expertise, data-driven intelligence, and world-class creativity together under one roof.
Elevate partners with clients worldwide from offices across North America, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit us at www.oneelevate.com.
Rice Stadium will now be recognized as First Community Stadium beginning with the football game Oct. 3 when Rice hosts UTSA to open conference play. As part of the agreement, First Community Credit Union becomes the official financial institution of Rice Football, Rice Athletics and the Association of Rice Alumni.
"I am excited about this groundbreaking partnership between Rice and First Community Credit Union," George said. "First Community's commitment to serving the Houston community perfectly aligns with Rice Athletics' goal of further enhancing our connection with the community through the Gateway Project. In addition to their support of athletics, First Community will provide financial services, educational programs and career development opportunities for our entire campus community. We look forward to this multifaceted partnership and for First Community Stadium being a place where Houstonians can come together for years to come."
Originally opened in 1950, the stadium will undergo a significant renovation as a part of the ongoing Gateway Project, a transformative initiative that will reimagine the west side of campus and seamlessly connect the university with the vibrant Rice Village.
"Rice and First Community Credit Union share a deep commitment to Houston, our community and college athletics," Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. "I am grateful for First Community's partnership and excited about the opportunities this historic collaboration will create for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, fans and the broader Rice community. Together, we will build on the proud tradition of Rice Athletics while strengthening its ability to bring together and inspire our city."
First Community is a full-service financial institution and trusted financial partner for individuals, families and businesses at every stage of their financial journey. With more than $3.1 billion in assets, over 190,000 members and 14 full-service branches, First Community proudly serves 41 Texas counties, delivering comprehensive financial solutions, personalized service and a commitment to strengthening the financial well-being of the members and communities it serves.
"Founded in 1954 by educators in Spring Branch ISD, First Community was built on the enduring principle that investing in people creates stronger communities," said TJ Tijerina, president and CEO of First Community. "More than 70 years later, that commitment to education, service and community remains at the heart of who we are. As a full-service financial institution serving members across Texas, we are honored to partner with Rice University, a world-class institution renowned for its academic distinction, groundbreaking research, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. Together, we look forward to supporting students, faculty, staff and alumni while creating lasting opportunities that enhance educational achievement, strengthen community connections and contribute to the continued success of greater Houston and beyond."
In addition to naming the football stadium, First Community and Rice have established a fully- integrated campus partnership that will see First Community engaged with financial literacy education across campus, establish internship programs for Rice students and engage with the Center for Career Development to provide opportunities for students after graduation. First Community will also offer banking services and special programs to students, alumni, faculty and staff. Fans will soon be able to show their Rice spirit by taking advantage of First Community's Rice Athletics branded debit and credit cards, providing exclusive access to Rice Athletics special events and other perks.
The national search for a stadium naming rights and campus partner for Rice University was led by Elevate, an award‑winning global sports and entertainment agency, supported Rice University throughout the evaluation, negotiation, and execution of the new stadium naming rights partnership. With more than $4B in ticketing and partnership revenue delivered across college athletics over the past decade, Elevate applies unmatched commercial expertise to help institutions build partnerships that drive both revenue and fan engagement.
About First Community Credit Union
Founded in 1954 by Spring Branch ISD, First Community serves the diverse needs of over 190,000 members with a full array of financial services, 14 full-service branches and on the strength of $3.1 billion in assets. First Community is federally insured by the NCUA and an equal housing opportunity lender. Their mission is to empower members so they can achieve their financial goals. First Community is open to anyone that lives, works, attends school or worships or is part of a Select Employee Group (SEG) in the 41 Texas counties they serve, ranging from Houston, DFW, Austin, and San Antonio, or is a relative or family member of an FCCU member or employee. To learn more about First Community, visit FCCU.org.
About Elevate
Elevate is an award-winning global sports and entertainment agency founded in 2018 and the chosen growth partner for the world's leading brands, properties, and experience-driven businesses. Through one integrated model, Elevate serves as the trusted advisor for more than 1,000 clients, helping them solve complex challenges and drive business wins.
What began in sports has evolved into a platform now serving clients across culture, attractions, culinary, and hotels. Today, Elevate brings operational expertise, data-driven intelligence, and world-class creativity together under one roof.
Elevate partners with clients worldwide from offices across North America, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit us at www.oneelevate.com.
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