Partnership highlights Canvas’s continued dedication to investing in CMU and the surrounding Western Slope community
At today’s groundbreaking for the Stocker Stadium expansion, Colorado Mesa University Athletics and Canvas Credit Union announced a five-year partnership that will officially name the new football complex the Canvas Credit Union Champions Center — celebrating community and inspiring champions.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to build on our partnership with Colorado Mesa University and to be part of a project that will have an impact well beyond the CMU campus,” said Canvas Credit Union Chief Community Engagement Officer Steve Ferrero.
Through the Building Maverick Champions capital initiative, CMU is entering a new era of Maverick Athletics rooted in community, making Canvas the clear choice for CMU’s first corporate naming rights partnership. Canvas invests in Mavericks through sponsorships and enriches the lives of Coloradans with human-centered service and a strong commitment to progress.
“Canvas Credit Union is a true partner of CMU. They continually invest in our students, give back to our community and make an impact through brighter banking. We look forward to embarking on this new journey of corporate partnerships with Canvas and welcoming our student-athletes and the community to the Canvas Credit Union Champions Center —celebrating community and inspiring champions,” said CMU Director of Athletics Rob Courtney.
The naming of the all-new football complex represents the most viable expression of Canvas’s commitment to CMU. Since February 2025, Canvas has invested in students as the institution’s student banking partner. This initial investment focused on arming students with essential financial skills but transformed into fostering community through numerous event and club sponsorships and in-game activations across CMU Athletics. Notably, Canvas has sponsored a semi-annual contest for students to design gameday t-shirts with a chance to receive CMU scholarship funding. These are only a few examples of Canvas’s commitment to community.
As part of the Canvas Credit Union Champions Center agreement, the stadium will retain the name, “Stocker Stadium,” preserving the historic significance and city-wide contributions of Ralph Stocker. Additionally, the development project leans on the strong partnerships between CMU, Canvas, the City of Grand Junction and Mesa County Valley School District 51 to improve the venue’s gameday experiences for student-athletes, fans and the community at every level.
“This facility will create a great home for CMU student-athletes while continuing to serve local high schools, families and the broader Grand Junction community. We’re proud to play a small part in something that will benefit so many people for years to come,” said Ferrero.
The partnership will also promote Canvas as the official sponsor of CMU’s Parents’ Weekend, a celebration that happens every September.