PHOENIX–Desert Financial Credit Union has announced an expansion of its relationship with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals that now makes it the "Official Banking Partner” of the team.
Expanding on a 20-year relationship between the two organizations, the Desert Financial Credit Union logo will now be prominently displayed on Cardinals practice jerseys worn throughout the year, the organizations said.
In addition, the $8.77-billion Desert Financial has also become the presenting partner of Arizona Cardinals training camp with plans to enhance the fan experience in a number of ways.
‘Statewide Reach’
“The partnership will have statewide reach with a focus on community impact,” the organizations said in a statement. “Starting in 2025, Desert Financial's (sponsorship) of the annual ‘Civics Matters Arizona’ program will add meaningful financial literacy education to an already robust curriculum. Entering its fourth year, the all-expenses-paid, four-day trip involves the Cardinals sending more than 250 (Arizona) high school students — most from Title I communities — on the team's plane to Washington D.C. where they learn first-hand about government in a way that is both educational and fun.”
In addition, at the team’s home venue, State Farm Stadium, Desert Financial will sponsor the Cardinals Flight Deck, which features an oversized LED video wall and gourmet concessions available for purchase, with additional activations coming to life in 2025.
Additional Sponsorships & Tie-Ins
In addition, Desert Financial said it will:
- Activate a game day sponsorship takeover on an annual basis with “exciting fan engagement” across Arizona at its nearly 50 years.
- Be the exclusive provider of newly designed Cardinals-branded debit cards, providing cardholders will soon receive exclusive benefits at State Farm Stadium.
- Will also deliver year-round financial well-being and literacy education for members of the Cardinals organization as well as community partners. “This will include providing team employees with access to regular financial wellness coaching and strive to positively impact and educate those throughout the community,” the organizations said.
- Will be featured across an array of Cardinals marketing assets, including microphone flag branding for Cardinals media events at State Farm Stadium and the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center, stadium signage and advertising, social and digital media as well as gameday and community activations.
- Will collaborate with the team on ongoing charitable programs and initiatives.
‘Even Larger Impact’
"As a supportive partner for 20 years, we are excited to strengthen our existing ties and become the official banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals," Desert Financial President and CEO Jeff Meshey said in a statement. "Through this expanded partnership, we'll create an even larger impact through initiatives that build up our community and create improved financial well-being. And as true Cardinals fans, we can't wait to share the exclusive Cardinals cardholder benefits that will be available in the near future."