STCU has made a 10-year commitment to Spokane’s newest public venue for athletic competitions, concerts and community events: The Podium Powered by STCU.
[june 28, 2022]
“This sponsorship is a vote of confidence for a vibrant community that embraces visitors,” said STCU President and CEO Ezra Eckhardt. “It is an investment in Spokane’s continued economic and cultural growth.”
The venue’s impact to the local economy will be on full display June 30-July 3, when it hosts the USA Karate National Championships. The Spokane Public Facilities District expects more than 4,500 athletes, coaches and spectators, most of whom have never before visited Spokane. They will fill 3,000 hotel rooms and have an estimated economic impact of nearly $7.5 million.
Two other big events scheduled for The Podium Powered by STCU this year are expected to bring nearly $4 million into the community: The USA Wrestling Northwest Bigfoot Battle, and the collegiate Spokane Invitational indoor track and field meet. Gonzaga University has projected that the venue will account for 25,000 visitors and $33 million in annual spending.
“The Podium shows how partnerships make great things happen. Thanks to the support of local leaders, we’re bringing indoor track and field to Spokane, and maximizing the investment to include other sports, graduations and concerts,” said Stephanie Curran, CEO of the Spokane Public Facilities District. “I am thrilled to welcome STCU into our family of partners.”
“Spokane is already known as a sports town. This world-class facility strengthens that national reputation.”
With the West Coast’s only 200-meter hydraulic banked indoor track, The Podium Powered by STCU has drawn buzz since opening in December. In February, it hosted 450 elite athletes for the nationally televised USATF Indoor Championships. By then, the venue had already seen its first world record, for the distance medley relay at the Lilac Grand Prix track and field event in January.
When the track is not needed, the floor can be configured for up to 16 volleyball, nine basketball courts, or 21 wrestling mats. In addition, the Podium fills an important niche for high school graduations and other events.
Enhancements being installed this summer will benefit visiting bands and fans by improving acoustics and seating. A Day to Remember will play the venue’s first rock concert in October.
STCU’s sponsorship runs through 2031, at an initial cost of $100,000 a year. Signage for The Podium Powered by STCU will appear on interior and exterior spaces. Outside the new facility, visitors will find the STCU Plaza, a gathering place at the top of a switchback path leading up from Riverfront Park. Inside, a glass-walled space will be branded as the STCU Room.
“It’s an exciting time to be going into this partnership with the PFD,” Eckhardt said. “Spokane is already known as a sports town. This world-class facility strengthens that national reputation.”
About STCU
Founded by Spokane educators in 1934, STCU is a not-for-profit credit union with 38 branch locations, including one just across Riverfront Park from The Podium Powered by STCU. The credit union’s 250,000 members enjoy access to their accounts through 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide, online banking and the STCU mobile app.
About the Spokane Public Facilities District
The Spokane PDF creates event spaces that make guests say “Wow!” It is a public entity overseen by a board of local residents, to ensure the development, upkeep and operation of The Podium Powered by STCU, Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Spokane Convention Center, and First Interstate Center for the Arts, which hosts STCU Best of Broadway productions.