Gesa Credit Union and Seattle Thunderbirds Sign Exclusive Five-Year Partnership
Gesa Credit Union and Seattle Thunderbirds Sign Exclusive Five-Year Partnership
RICHLAND, WASH. (September 15, 2026) – Gesa today announced a five-year partnership as the exclusive credit union partner of the Seattle Thunderbirds in Kent, Washington.
Beginning September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2031, the partnership includes in-arena advertising at accesso ShoWare Center, home of the Western Hockey League club, along with new opportunities for Thunderbirds fans and Gesa members beginning this season:
· Gesa Military Member of the Night: At every home game, one military member will be recognized for their service and receive four tickets and a commemorative co-branded item.
Gesa Credit Union Military Member of the Night – Seattle Thunderbirds
· First Responders’ Night: Gesa will serve as the presenting sponsor of the team’s annual First Responders’ Night.
· Member Nights: Gesa members will receive discounted Thunderbirds tickets on two designated nights each season, with dates announced through Gesa’s social media.
“For the past 50 years, the Thunderbirds have created a place where families come together and lasting memories are made,” said Brandon Allison, VP of Community Impact at Gesa Credit Union. “We’re proud to join that tradition through a partnership that builds on our longstanding commitment to local heroes, creates memorable experiences for our members and strengthens our shared commitment to the community.”
“We’re excited to welcome Gesa as a partner that shares our commitment to our fans and the greater South Sound community,” said Jason Thomsen, VP of Corporate Partnerships at the Thunderbirds. “From recognizing military members at every home game to supporting First Responders’ Night and offering special opportunities for Gesa members, this partnership will make the Thunderbirds experience even more meaningful for the people who make our community special.”
The Thunderbirds open their 2026-27 season on the road on Saturday, September 19th in Wenatchee and will return home on Saturday, September 26th, for their first home and the first Gesa Military Member of the Night will be recognized at accesso ShoWare Center in Kent.
Gesa Credit Union is one of Washington’s largest credit unions, with $6.8 billion in assets, and is more than 322,000 members strong. Gesa is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and is a full-service financial institution that offers a complete array of consumer, mortgage, and business products and services. Headquartered in Richland, Washington, Gesa operates 46 branches, loan centers, full-service student-operated campus branches at Washington State University, and 25 student-operated high school branches across Washington state. The Gesa Community Foundation, established in 2022, further supports Gesa’s ongoing commitment to local communities and charitable giving, which includes support for schools, Local Heroes groups, and community organizations through its Affinity Debit Card Program, as well as through its annual youth scholarships, and free financial and educational resources available to members and the general public. For more information, visit gesa.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Xiamara Garza-Urbieta (Curator PR for Gesa Credit Union) Phone: 928-259-4375 Email: [email protected]
MEDIA CONTACT (Thunderbirds):
Erin Crooks (VP Marketing and Communications)
Phone: 253-856-6836 Email: [email protected]
