Open Air Theatre Gets a New Name
The on-campus amphitheater will be renamed Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre.
Two of San Diego’s most respected institutions, San Diego State University and California Coast Credit Union, are partnering on the renovation of the Open Air Theatre at SDSU. The on-campus amphitheatre will be renamed the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre under a new agreement, the two announced today.
The 10-year naming rights agreement will officially go into effect January 1, 2014. The Open Air Theatre sponsorship is just the start of a new partnership between the two entities, as California Coast will also open a branch and ATM along the courtyard within the much-anticipated Aztec Student Union scheduled to open this January. The credit union will also partner with Associated Students of SDSU to provide financial seminars for students in Aztec Student Union.
Forming a new partnership
“We're very pleased that California Coast Credit Union has decided to partner with us," said Tom McCarron, SDSU’s Vice President of Business and Financial Affairs. “The credit union has a long legacy of serving the educational community and was founded by local teachers, so we are excited to partner with them to help serve the financial needs of our students, faculty and staff and to add to the success of the Open Air Theatre into the future.”
The agreement will help the university make needed improvements to the facility, such as replacing the stage roof, seating and restrooms, and expanding the concourse. The credit union will also provide an ATM at the amphitheater.
Historic venue
Opened in 1941, the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre is one of the area’s longest running outdoor venues and features state-of-the-art staging and sound. The 4,600-seat venue has played host to an outstanding mix of entertainers such as Madonna, The Offspring, Franz Ferdinand, Adele and The Fray. Its history also includes a 1964 speech by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and performances by Joan Baez, Benny Goodman with the SD Symphony, Frank Zappa, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley and Bill Cosby. Operated by the Associated Students of SDSU, Live Nation is the concert promoter for the venue.
“The Open Air Theatre has a fascinating history in San Diego and we are very proud and excited to partner with SDSU and the Associated Students to contribute to its future success while helping the students, faculty and staff achieve their financial goals,” said Marla Shepard, California Coast’s president and CEO. “As we begin to celebrate our 85th year of service, partnering with the university reflects our commitment and gratitude to the educational community and to San Diego.”
Signage reflecting the new name will soon be installed on the main entrance of the OAT and the university’s marquee on I-8, as well as in locations throughout the amphitheater, on campus maps and directional signage.
The naming rights agreement was brokered by Premier Partnerships. It is the first time the Open Air Theatre has had a naming rights sponsor.
