WT Announces Field Naming Rights Deal with First United Bank

Copy by Brent Seals, 806-651-4442, bseals@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University Athletics and First United Bank today announce a field naming rights agreement at the University’s on-campus football stadium.

Under the terms of the agreement, all events at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium over the next 10 years will be played on First United Field, including the home season opening game Sept. 9.

“We are truly grateful to First United Bank for their continued support of our student-athletes and West Texas A&M University. The Bain and Schaeffer families are the epitome of the giving spirit of the Texas Panhandle,” said head football coach Josh Lynn. “Taking the field at one of the premiere facilities in the nation is special to our coaches and student-athletes, and we are excited to kick off the season.”

Photo:The West Texas A&M University Buffs will play on First United Field in Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium for the next decade, following a new field naming rights agreement.

The on-campus football stadium, named the premiere stadium in all of Division II Athletics , was renamed for the families in 2022 , following a $5 million combined gift to WT’s historic, $125 million One West  comprehensive fundraising campaign.

“Two families exemplify a generation commitment to making WT an exceptional university serving the Panhandle region and, from here, the world,” said WT President Walter V. Wendler. “The Bain and Schaeffer families embody Panhandle values like rugged individualism, hard work and a commitment to something larger than self, which we see carried on by younger members of the family. The second and third generations are continuing the legacy of support at WT for the good of all the Panhandle region.”

The One West campaign is the fuel for the long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World .

That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign — which publicly launched in September 2021— has raised more than $125 million and will continue through 2025.

First United Bank will enjoy significant brand exposure with signage and logo placement throughout Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium, as well as broadcast, video and other marketing and advertising opportunities.

“On behalf of First United Bank, we are ecstatic about expanding our partnership with WT to include naming rights of the field at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium. We believe athletics teaches student athletes the value of teamwork, self-discipline and further assists in the development of mental toughness” said Stuart Sutton, executive vice president of First United Bank. “We are honored to have this unique opportunity to show support for our hometown team as it further strengthens our commitment to WT, the Canyon community, and the entire West Texas region in which we serve. Our founder, Ray M. Bain, would be proud of this partnership as he was a devoted supporter of WT and WT Athletics.”

About First United Bank

First United Bank was originally chartered in Dimmitt, TX in 1907 and currently reports total assets of more than $2 Billion. First United Bank operates seventeen (17) locations throughout thirteen (13) cities in West and North Texas. Additionally, First United Bank operates two (2) mortgage origination offices under the name of Spirit Mortgage in Amarillo and Lubbock, TX. First United Bank currently has more than 250 dedicated, community-oriented employees. Our foundation of the Ultimate Customer Experience is built on the founding principles of generosity, loyalty, integrity, and community. For more information about First United Bank, visit us online at FirstUnited.bank .

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WT—