First Community Stadium ‘Community First’ Gateway Project

Article posted by Coliseum, October 20^th, 2026

Image: Rice University

The Rice University (Houston, Texas, US) and the not-for-profit financial cooperative – the First Community Credit Union – have signed a 20-year football stadium naming rights and campus collaboration agreement.

‘news.rice.edu’ stated that the above was announced by the Rice University Interim Athletic Director Eric George.

Gateway Project

The Gateway Project is a $120 million master renovation and campus integration initiative by the Rice University that transforms the historic Rice Stadium (newly renamed the First Community Stadium through a 20-year naming rights deal with the First Community Credit Union) into a modern, community-focused ‘stadium in a park’. The Gateway Project is currently underway.

The Rice Stadium is now being recognized as the First Community Stadium. As part of the above agreement the First Community Credit Union becomes the official financial institution of Rice Football (Rice Owls), Rice Athletics (the intercollegiate Sports Department representing the Rice University) and the Association of Rice Alumni (the official organization for the former students of the Rice University).

The William Marsh Rice University, also known as the Rice University, is a private research university in Houston, Texas, United States. Established in 1912, it spans 300 acres.

Chesterfield (US)-based the First Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned and operated by its Members. It is the largest credit union in Missouri and amongst the Top 10 financial institutions in the region. Its membership continues to grow as they fulfill their mission to provide quality products and affordable financial services for nearly 90 years.

The First Community is a full-service financial institution and trusted financial partner for the individuals, the families and the 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, the First Community proudly serves 41 Texas Counties thus delivering the comprehensive financial solutions, personalized service and a commitment to strengthening the financial well-being of the Members and the communities it serves.

The 47,000-seat First Community Stadium (formerly the Rice Stadium) is an American football stadium located on the Rice University campus in Houston, Texas (US). It has been the home of the Rice Owls football team since its completion in 1950.

‘Community Connection’

Enthused George, “I am excited about this groundbreaking partnership between the Rice University and the First Community Credit Union. The First Community’s commitment to serving the Houston community perfectly aligns with the Rice Athletics’ goal of further enhancing our connection with the community through the Gateway Project. In addition to their support of athletics the First Community will provide the financial services, the educational programs and the career development opportunities for our entire campus community. We look forward to this multifaceted partnership and for the First Community Stadium being a place where the Houstonians can come together for years to come.”

Significant Renovation

‘news.rice.edu’ further stated that originally opened in 1950, the First Community Stadium will undergo a significant renovation as a part of the ongoing Gateway Project, a transformative initiative that will reimagine the West side of the campus and seamlessly connect the university with the vibrant Rice Village (a historic, 16-block shopping, dining and mixed-use district located immediately West/Northwest of the Rice University’s campus).

‘Deep Commitment’

Remarked Reginald DesRoches, President, Rice University, “The Rice and the First Community Credit Union share a deep commitment to Houston, our community and college athletics. I am grateful for the First Community’s partnership and excited about the opportunities this historic collaboration will create for our students, the faculty, the staff, the alumni, the 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.”

‘Stronger Communities’

Added TJ Tijerina, President and Head Honcho, First Community, “Founded in 1954 by the educators in Spring Branch ISD the First Community was built on the enduring principle that investing in people creates stronger communities. 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 the educational achievement, strengthen the community connections and contribute to the continued success of greater Houston and beyond.”

Fully-integrated Campus Partnership

In addition to naming the football stadium the First Community and Rice have established a fully-integrated campus partnership that will see the First Community engaged with financial literacy education across the campus, establish the internship programs for the Rice students and engage with the Center for Career Development to provide opportunities for the students after graduation. The First Community will also offer banking services and special programs to the students, the alumni, the faculty, and the staff. The fans will soon be able to show their Rice spirit by taking advantage of the First Community’s Rice Athletics branded debit and credit cards thus providing exclusive access to Rice Athletics special events and the other perks.

Forge Deeper Connections

The national search for a stadium naming rights and campus partner for the Rice University was led by Elevate, a global, integrated agency network committed to helping the properties, the brands and the universities forge deeper connections with their audiences to unlock the growth.

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