The Arizona Cardinals Football Club and Desert Financial Credit Union announced a multi-year partnership on Tuesday that makes DFCU the "Official Banking Partner of the Arizona Cardinals."
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. In addition, Desert Financial also becomes the presenting partner of Arizona Cardinals training camp with plans to enhance the fan experience in a number of ways.
The partnership will have state-wide reach with a focus on community impact. Starting in 2025, Desert Financial's entitlement 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 AZ 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.
At State Farm Stadium, Desert Financial will enhance the game day experience for thousands of fans through the entitlement of the Cardinals Flight Deck. The Desert Financial Credit Union Flight Deck features an oversized LED video wall and gourmet concessions available for purchase, with additional activations coming to life in 2025. In addition, Desert Financial will activate a game day entitlement takeover on an annual basis with exciting fan engagement across Arizona at nearly 50 Desert Financial branches.
As the Cardinals' official commercial and retail banking partner and credit union, Desert Financial will be the exclusive provider of newly designed Cardinals-branded debit cards. Cardinals cardholders will soon receive exclusive benefits at State Farm Stadium.
Desert Financial 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.
Arizona's largest local credit union 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. Desert Financial will also collaborate with the team on ongoing charitable programs and initiatives.
"The partnership between the Cardinals and Desert Financial is entering its third decade and has always been more than simply a business relationship," Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said. "Both organizations are deeply rooted in in this community and committed to making a positive impact. That is why so many aspects of this enhanced partnership directly affect and intentionally improve the lives of individuals throughout Arizona."
"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," Jeff Meshey, President and CEO of Desert Financial, said. "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."
