The “Biggest Party in College Basketball” has a new home after Grand Canyon University and Global Credit Union agreed to a multi-year partnership to rename the university’s on-campus arena.
Global Credit Union Arena at Grand Canyon University will become the official name of the arena when NCAA Tournament runner-up San Diego State University visits GCU for a men’s basketball game tonight at 7 p.m. The unveiling of new signage at the arena will occur in early 2024.
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“Global Credit Union is so proud to partner with Grand Canyon University,” said Global President and CEO Geoff Lundfelt. “Our institutions have more in common than just our initials. We’re both 75 years old, we both are committed to the long-term well-being of everyone we connect with, and we’re both motivated by a desire to lift up our communities by helping others wherever we can.
GCU students are on a path to success, and we at Global want to ensure that their financial lives are just as secure and fulfilling. I can’t wait to watch us grow together. Go Lopes!”
GCU basketball has garnered national attention both on and off the court. Despite still being in its infancy as an NCAA Division I program the Lopes men’s team has reached the NCAA Tournament two of the past three years under coach Bryce Drew. GCU’s student section, the Havocs, has created one of the most energetic and exciting in-game experiences in college basketball with their passion and enthusiasm, being dubbed the “Biggest Party in College Basketball” by SB Nation and earning praise from legendary coach Rick Pitino, among others, after a visit by his University of Louisville team in 2017.
Global is one of the largest credit unions in the U.S., serving more than 750,000 members across the country and around the world. Members have access to online financial services, more than 5,500 shared branches in all 50 states, and over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide.
“Global Credit Union is one of the fastest growing credit unions in the country and has rapidly expanded its footprint here in the Valley,” said Grand Canyon President Brian Mueller. “As one of the fastest growing universities in the country, we are proud to embrace them as part of the GCU family.”
GCU is 6-1 entering tonight’s game, which is sold out and will be a “white-out” theme. Global Credit Union is sponsoring a light show during the Purple Pregame Party as well as free white T-shirts to all fans in attendance. Students and families without a ticket can attend a watch party on the quad outside GCU Arena, where the game will be shown on the videoboard of the College of Education building. Outdoor festivities will include members of the GCU Spirit team, rides for children, free food from Canes, giveaways to those in attendance and postgame fireworks. The game will also be broadcast on ESPNU.
