As the result of a naming rights agreement between the San Jose State Spartans and Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFU), the team’s stadium is now known as CEFCU Stadium. Per terms announced by the Spartans, this comes as the result of a $8.7 million, 15-year deal between the two sides.
“CEFCU Stadium — Home of the Spartans” will host its first football game Sept. 10 against Portland State. The California State University Board of Trustees approved the stadium renaming and broader agreement at its July 19 meeting.
“We are very pleased to extend and enhance our relationship with CEFCU to include the naming of the stadium. Since 2011, CEFCU has been a loyal partner with San Jose State Athletics and we’ve valued its presence in Spartan Stadium. Today’s announcement is a long-term extension of our ongoing relationship with CEFCU,” Athletics Director Gene Bleymaier said about the renaming of the 30,456-seat venue built in 1933.
This is the only such agreement for a football stadium in the California State University system and one of three in the Mountain West Conference.
“There are many opportunities to invest in student success here at San Jose State,” University Advancement President Paul Lanning said. “We hope this partnership motivates other Silicon Valley institutions–public and private–to join with us.”
The agreement will help with the funding of scholarship commitments for student-athletes, support and strengthen athletics operations, and improve the stadium and other facilities.
“CEFCU has been proud to support San Jose State University for many years. Since community involvement is extremely important to CEFCU, this new opportunity allows us to continue to support San Jose State through an even stronger partnership while furthering our commitment to the San Jose community. CEFCU is honored to be associated with an institution that excels in both academics and athletics,” CEFCU Community President Mark Hoffmire said.
Image courtesy of the San Jose State Spartans.