WCU Athletics Announces Naming Rights Agreement with Champion Credit Union

Press Release

Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina University Athletics has partnered with long-time sponsor Champion Credit Union to rename the premium seating experience, Catamount Corner, at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field. The five-year agreement includes large in-stadium signage and branding on the gameday tents in the seating area located in the southeast corner of the stadium, rebranded the Champion Credit Union Corner.

"Western Carolina University is an important part of the fabric of Western North Carolina, and we’re proud to continue growing our partnership with the university and its athletics program,” said Jake Robinson, President/CEO of Champion Credit Union. “We believe in investing in the people and organizations that make our region stronger, creating opportunities for students, athletes, and our communities to experience more.”

Champion Credit Union Corner provides a unique and exclusive VIP experience for Western Carolina football fans. With a table seating capacity of 50, fans enjoy scenic views of Bob Waters Field and the surrounding Cullowhee mountain valley. Amenities include an in-game meal courtesy of Ingles – The Chef’s Kitchen, with beer and wine service for guests.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with Champion Credit Union in this premium seating experience at Catamount football,” said WCU Director of Athletics, Kyle Pifer. “During his time as a student-athlete in Cullowhee, Jake Robinson was the epitome of what a Catamount represents. We are beyond appreciative to him and his family for their continued support, as well as the employees and all the members of the Champion Credit Union for this extended partnership with Catamount Athletics.”

Heading into the 2026 season, a limited number of seats in the Champion Credit Union Corner remain for qualifying Catamount Club members. For more information Contact Brittany Kicklighter in the Catamount Club at bkicklighter@email.wcu.edu.

Western Carolina opens its 12-game schedule, which features six home dates at Whitmire Stadium / Waters Field in Cullowhee, on Saturday, Aug. 29, hosting Eastern Kentucky for the “Blackout Whitmire” game as the team unveils their new black “Night Cat” Nike uniforms while also showcasing new stadium amenities such as the Western Skybox, new lighting, new field turf, and a new Daktronics video scoreboard. The first 3,500 fans will receive a FREE black WCU T-shirt, with Catamount students receiving 4,000 black thunder sticks, courtesy of The Everson.

The home-opener is presented by Ingles and media partners 99.9 Kiss Country and Star 104.3. Fans are encouraged to wear their black WCU gear to the game.

Before the game, one of the best FCS football traditions returns as we celebrate the 15th Annual Freshmen Run, as WCU's Class of 2030 runs through the pregame tunnel to lead out the Catamount football team. Also highlighting the jam-packed home opener, Catamount Athletics and Vannoy Construction present a special drone light show, produced by SkyElements, that will light up the western North Carolina sky as part of the festivities.