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, a global, integrated agency network committed to helping properties, brands, and universities forge deeper connections with their audiences to unlock growth.
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 a global, integrated agency network committed to helping properties, brands, and universities forge deeper connections with their audiences to unlock growth. Serving more than 1,000 clients across sports, entertainment, consumer products, retail, and more, Elevate transforms followers into devoted fans.
An agency rooted in innovation, Elevate leverages EPIC, its proprietary intelligence platform powered by advanced data and AI technology. EPIC integrates tools for consumer insights, ticketing, property analytics, and more, empowering clients to maximize ROI, enhance fan engagement, and craft campaigns that foster lasting loyalty.