HOUSTON – Rice fans heading to Saturday’s football game against UTSA will hear a new name for the school’s stadium: First Community Stadium.
Rice interim athletic director Eric George announced Thursday the change is part of a 20-year agreement between Rice University and First Community Credit Union that combines stadium naming rights with a broader campus partnership.
The credit union will become the official financial institution of Rice Athletics, Rice Football and the Association of Rice Alumni.
The deal also creates new opportunities for Rice students. First Community plans to support financial literacy efforts, offer internships and work with the university’s career development center on post-graduation opportunities, according to university officials. Banking services and special programs will also be available to students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Rice President Reginald DesRoches said the agreement could benefit the university community while strengthening the school’s connection to Houston.
“Together, we will build on the proud tradition of Rice Athletics while strengthening its ability to bring together and inspire our city,” DesRoches said.
The renamed stadium will be introduced during Rice’s Oct. 3 home game against UTSA, which marks the start of conference play for the Owls.
The venue, which opened in 1950, is also included in the university’s Gateway Project. The planned renovation is part of a larger effort to remake the west side of campus and create a stronger link to Rice Village.
First Community was founded in 1954 by educators in Spring Branch ISD. It now has more than 190,000 members, 14 branches and more than $3.1 billion in assets, serving customers across 41 Texas counties.
Future Rice-themed debit and credit cards are expected to give fans access to special athletics events and other benefits.
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