(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The University of Miami (UM) and BankUnited have entered into a 10-year agreement to rename the university's Convocation Center the BankUnited Center in Coral Gables, FL.
Under the terms of the agreement, BankUnited will be the official bank of the 7,000-seat, $48 million, multi-purpose facility that is home to the University's men's and women's basketball teams and host to various local and national events. Efforts are already underway to transition the BankUnited name and logo to interior and exterior signage. The comprehensive agreement also includes on-site ATMs, alumni and student marketing opportunities, collateral materials, Web promotions and other components.
"Today the University is not only partnering with a fine South Florida company but also with a wonderful UM family," said UM President Donna E. Shalala. "The BankUnited Center will continue to welcome top notch events and be a place for the community to enjoy."
Situated on the University of Miami campus, the Center, mangaed by Global Spectrum, hosted the 2004 US Presidential Debate, The Dalai Lama, Univision Premios Juventud and sell-out concerts, including Coldplay and Kanye West.
Alfred R. Camner, BankUnited's chairman and chief executive officer, and an alumni of the University's law school, said, "This is a wonderful partnership. Our financial support will enable UM to continue to offer outstanding educational opportunities to talented young people. We recruit from UM's pool of alumni and recent graduates, so this arrangement has sentimental significance for many of our bankers. We're pleased to do our part to make South Florida a better place to work and live." — Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
