The March Madness makeover keeps going at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
On Thursday, FDU announced it has signed a multiyear naming rights deal for its basketball arena with Bogota Savings Bank. The deal will change the name of the Rothman Center to the Bogota Savings Bank Center.
The announcement is the latest way FDU is cashing in on its stunning No. 16 vs. No. 1 seed victory over Purdue during last year’s NCAA Tournament.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it makes FDU the only Northeast Conference member with a corporate naming rights partner for its primary indoor venue. It follows a broadcast deal with the YES Network to show some of its games. Both announcements came after the school updated its athletic identity with a new logo.
The first athletic event inside the Bogota Savings Bank Center will be FDU women’s basketball’s home NEC matchup with Stonehill at 7 p.m. Friday.
FDU officials said the announcement solidifies a longstanding partnership between the Knights and Bogota Savings Bank, one of the oldest banks in New Jersey, founded in 1893.
“This announcement was a logical next step in our longstanding friendship with Bogota Savings Bank,” FDU Athletic Director Bradford Hurlbut said. “We are proud to continue to align with an organization that is ingrained in the fabric of New Jersey — specifically in our home of Bergen County — to make a positive difference in our area and beyond.”
In addition to the naming rights, Bogota Savings Bank will open a branch inside the center to serve the Hackensack and FDU communities. Other elements of the partnership include a financial literacy program for student-athletes and ATMs throughout FDU’s Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck.
Bogota Savings Bank CEO Kevin Pace obviously was pleased by the news.
The building’s history
The 40,000-square-foot Bogota Savings Bank Center only holds 1,852 fans, but it has been host for numerous dignitaries, including former Presidents Barack Obama, George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Former Vice President Al Gore, Leah Rabin, the wife of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin, and esteemed poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou also have spoken there.
“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Fairleigh Dickinson University Athletics,” he said. “This partnership is not only about supporting a great athletics program, but also reflects our belief in the power of education and athletics to shape a stronger community.”
Pace said the sponsorship goes beyond traditional branding.
“It’s about investing in the future of our community,” he said. “By aligning with FDU Athletics, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, both on and off the court. The Bogota Savings Bank and FDU Athletics partnership represents a significant milestone, blending sports, education and community development in a synergistic alliance that has a positive lasting impact.”
FDU President Michael Avaltroni said the school is thrilled to continue to benefit from its big win.
“FDU continues to seize the moment and build momentum from last season’s March Madness run,” he said. “As we formulate new partnerships through our strategic plan, ‘FDU Will Soar,’ I’m proud we will be expanding this alliance, which will no doubt elevate our Metropolitan Campus and the FDU brand by continuing to partner with Bogota Savings Bank.”
