FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 12, 2004

Credit Union Centre RENAMED CREDIT UNION CENTRE

The board of directors and management of Credit Union Centre Association Inc., Saskatchewan’s premier sports & entertainment facility, are pleased to announce that a 10 year agreement has been reached to rename the venue CREDIT UNION CENTRE.

The primary participating group of credit union partners include: Saskatoon Credit Union and PAGE Credit Union of Saskatoon, BCU Financial of North Battleford, Conexus Credit Union of Regina, and Advantage Credit Union of Melfort. More that 50 credit unions and affiliates thoughtout Saskatchewan are involved in the venture as second-tier partners.

This is a natural fit. It only makes sense that Saskatchewan’s premier entertainment facility be directly associated with the Credit Union brand. Both exist to build and enhance community. Our efforts will ensure that Saskatchewan continues to attract world-class acts and events that will bring business, tourism and quality-of-life benefits to communities across the province.

“This is very exciting for the Saskatchewan credit union network,” says George Keter, CEO of Saskatoon Credit Union. “The direct name association with Saskatchewan’s #1 sports and entertainment facility demonstrates our commitment as business and community leaders. It’s a first-class venue and the largest multi-use facility in Canada to be named for credit unions.”

“Our strong business presence throughout the province makes credit unions a very effective partner for the facility,” says Brian Maunula, CEO of BCU Financial in North Battleford. “This partnership will give us great exposure. It will also add a new dimension to our marketing initiatives.”

“Sask Place’s Board of Directors are very pleased to join a growing list of facilities with Title Sponsorship,” states Susan Milburn, President of the Sask Place Board, “we are thrilled to have been able to reach an agreement with a successful and prominent business group represented by these Credit Unions, and we anticipate a mutually beneficial relationship for the community overall.”

“We are extremely pleased to be entering sponsor partnership with these fine Saskatchewan credit Unions,” says Ken Wood, the facility’s General Manager, “our organization both strive to serve all walks of Saskatchewan people and we look forward to the development and delivery of a cooperative program that provides benefits both our organizations’ customers and employees.”

Saskatchewan’s credit unions serve an impressive 570,000 members throughout the province. Credit unions are leaders in their respective communities and focus on supporting local and provincial initiative.

The newly named CREDIT UNION CENTRE boasts 11,300 seats for major sporting events and up to 14,000 for full-mode concerts. The facility will be installing a new multi-screen LED scoreclock by fall and currently has a total of 25 (sold out) corporate suites, catering facilities for up to 6,000 patrons, a fully-licensed lounge and additional space for various corporate or community needs. The Centre averages between 135 and 175 event days per year, with a projected attendance of approximately 800,000 people in 2004.

In the past 15 years, the facility has hosted virtually every major touring act. Recent shows include the sold out performances of Elton John, CHER, Nickeback and Metallica; upcoming sold-out shows include Shania Twain and Aerosmith with a second Shania Twain date and a Sting & Annie Lennox concert recently put on sale. The long lists of artists have ranged form Snoop Dog to Supertramp, AC/DC to Alabama and hundred of others in between. This past March, the highly successful NOKIA BRIER added another dimension to the venue’s impressive list of successful national and international sporting events.

Such facilities have experienced venue name changes in virtually every market throughout North America, including football and baseball stadiums, arenas, theatres, performing arts centres and high profile events.

Media Inquiries

Credit Union Centre contacts:

Ken Wood General Manager
Brian Swidrovich Business Development Manager

For questions relating to naming rights activities in North America:

PERFORMANCE SPONSORSHIP GROUP

Judy Haber Senior Partner

PSG packages and sells naming rights and secondary packages for facilities throughout North America. On behalf of Sask Place, PSG identified and created the naming rights package of the Credit Union Group.

Credit Union Partnership Group Spokesperson:

George Keter CEO, Saskatoon Credit Union
Brian Maunula CEO, BCU Financial, North Battleford
Jim Thiessen CEO, Advantage Credit Union, Melfort
Harvey Granatier CEO, Conexus Credit Union, Regina
Mark Lane CEO, PAGE Credit Union, Saskatoon

Does your community or organization have ticketing requirements for an upcoming event? Credit Union Centre manages a computerized ticketing system with an extensive range of outlets around the province. For information on these services contact Will Antonishyn at .
Credit Union Centre has joined forces with TicketMaster. You can now purchase tickets to events at Credit Union Centre online.

NEWS - Ice Rentals

How about a skate at Credit Union Centre for your team, company or organization? We have limited times available at reasonable rates. Call Cam Oleniuk at for further information.