VyStar Credit Union has partnered with professional basketball franchise the Orlando Magic: The Jacksonville, Florida-based financial institution is now the official credit union of the NBA team. However, its members are the big winners.
“The Orlando Magic are thrilled to welcome VyStar Credit Union to the Magic family,” said J.T. McWalters, the Magic’s senior vice president of global partnerships. “This partnership will not only provide members with unforgettable experiences, but also bring together two organizations that care deeply about supporting our local community. We look forward to an incredible partnership with VyStar and all that will mean for Magic fans and VyStar members.”
Through the association, the credit union and the Magic, one of the most popular Florida-based professional franchises for over three decades, will provide community support and co-branded debit and credit cards. Perhaps the V in Vystar stands for VIP: Members can access unique content on the Magic’s social media platforms and receive special ticket offers.
“We are committed to working together to create amazing experiences and look forward to seeing our members at future Magic games,” said Lysa Barbano, VyStar’s senior vice president and Florida market president.
Teaming Up With the Magic
There are plenty of perks to being a credit union member, such as access to great rates and direct deposit up to two days early, low or no fees, rewards on credit cards, and member-centric services. Through the new partnership, credit and debit card holders can access exclusive Magic ticket offerings and exclusive fan experiences, including in-arena signings during all Magic home games.
The Magic have been in Orlando since 1989. The team plays home games at the Amway Center, Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal’s 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. The Magic can be proud of their triumphant history of 50-plus win seasons. They slam-dunk the Eastern Conference, winning six division championships in 1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2019.
The NBA powerhouse strives to be world champions on and off the court. It gives more than $2 million annually to the surrounding community through sponsorships of events, autographed merchandise, grants, and donated tickets. In addition, approximately 100,000 kids are impacted annually by the Magic’s community relations programs, and a staffwide initiative contributes over 7,000 volunteer hours.
Also, over the past 32 years, the pro basketball team’s Orlando Magic Youth Foundation has helped at-risk youths by distributing more than $27 million to nearby nonprofit organizations.
The Credit Union’s Commitment to Supporting Communities
“This exciting partnership with the Orlando Magic demonstrates our commitment to supporting communities throughout Central Florida and providing our members with unique opportunities to enjoy top local attractions,” said Barbano.
VyStar is expanding its footprint in Florida by partnering with the Magic. It’s the second-largest credit union headquartered in the Sunshine State and the 13th-largest credit union in the United States.
The financial institution currently serves over 875,000 members with over $13.5 billion in assets. Membership is available to anyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of North and Central Florida and 26 Georgia counties. It also welcomes all military members, past and present, and their families worldwide.
The National Credit Union Administration insures the credit union. And it’s a significant employer in the area, with over 2,000 employees across the regions it serves. Currently, the financial institution has 69 full-service branches in Florida and Georgia, with more than 15 locations across Central Florida, including downtown Orlando, Winter Garden, Sanford, and Lake Mary, which opened in February 2023. It plans to open two more credit unions in Winter Park and Altamonte Springs before the end of the year.
VyStar Perks
The financial institution’s primary goal is to provide excellent service to its members to help them achieve their financial goals. As a credit union that started at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in 1952, it is committed to bettering the lives of past and present military members, their families, and the communities members call home.
The credit union believes in building improved, stronger communities that everyone can enjoy. Therefore, it supports many initiatives and offers members many enjoyable perks.
The Orlando Magic share the Amway Center with AA hockey team the Orlando Solar Bears. The credit union offers members season-long discounts and free tickets to specific hockey games.
Credit union members are also welcome to great deals on events at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, which hosts concerts, sporting events, and other assorted forms of entertainment.
Members can go to the ballpark without breaking the bank. The credit union offers members multiple ways to save money on minor league baseball club the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp tickets and merchandise. And Florida State University Athletics provides discounted tickets to the Seminoles college baseball games at Dick Howser Stadium to credit union members.
Family fun is affordable, too. Members can get discounted tickets to the Unidos en la Música festival, which features Latin music, art, games, workshops, and dance. In addition, members can visit their favorite animals at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens at a discounted rate. The credit union also sponsors a weekly free day at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville once weekly so members can explore the ever-changing exhibits all year.
Members can roam the Museum of Science & History in Jacksonville with discounted tickets for up to four people. Certain days of the year, VyStar welcomes members and the public to wander the exhibits and views of the St. Johns River from the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in North Florida.
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando offers members special discounts for various events. Members can also make the most of their visit to the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention in Gainesville because they’re eligible for membership discounts and savings at the gift shop. In addition, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford offers members of the credit union discounted tickets to ride the zoo’s new train.
The financial institution certainly does its part to make the arts accessible to all. For example, it offers exclusive opportunities and discounts on tickets during the FSCJ Artist Series Broadway in Jacksonville and Opening Nights at Florida State University performances.
It is a title sponsor for the Emerald Trail 5K and 10K Run/Walk and Ride. Credit union members get a discount on the registration fee. Proceeds from the race go to Groundwork Jacksonville, a nonprofit that partnered with the city to build the Emerald Trail and restore McCoys Creek and Hogans Creek.
Members in Georgia enjoy special offers for events at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah throughout the year. And fans of the minor league hockey team Savannah Ghost Pirates can get co-branded debit and credit cards to show their team pride and discounted tickets.
VyStar’s Savannah members are also welcome to discounted tickets to specific shows at the Johnny Mercer Theatre located in the Savannah Civic Center.