As a Chrome Club sponsor, CB&T and SDFC
will create community programs aimed at financial literacy, small
business support, and youth leadership development
SAN
DIEGO, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/
-- California Bank & Trust (CB&T), one of
California's premier financial
institutions, has announced a multi-year commitment with San Diego
Football Club (SDFC) as an elite Chrome Club Partner. This founding
sponsorship also names CB&T the Official Bank of SDFC, as the
team gears up for its inaugural 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS)
season in San Diego.
"We are proud to welcome California Bank & Trust as the
Official Bank of San Diego FC and a founding Chrome Club Partner,"
said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. "Their deep
commitment to the local business community and financial innovation
aligns with our vision for long-term growth and impact. Through
this partnership, we will create meaningful opportunities for fans,
businesses, and the broader community, reinforcing the strong
foundation we are establishing for SDFC's future."
As a Chrome Club sponsor, CB&T will enjoy exclusive
partnership elements, including access to a league first "on the
pitch" premier suite, title sponsorship of the May 31, 2025 home game against Austin FC,
co-branded content features, prominent signage inside Snapdragon
Stadium, and special retail promotions. Additionally, as the club's
Official Bank, CB&T will work with SDFC to integrate banking
products and services into the club's ecosystem. Bank customers and
their families will also gain access to exclusive soccer
experiences and discounts throughout the season.
"This partnership is a natural fit between two organizations
deeply rooted in San Diego," said
Eric Ellingsen, President & CEO
of CB&T. "SDFC's commitment to excellence, innovation, and
community mirrors our own approach to banking. This partnership not
only strengthens our brand presence but also allows us to engage
with consumers and business owners in meaningful ways—through both
financial empowerment and unforgettable fan experiences."
A Shared Commitment to Community and Growth
CB&T
and SDFC share a vision for unlocking San
Diego's potential by engaging the local community and
businesses. Together, they will launch initiatives aimed at
financial literacy, small business support, and youth leadership
development. These efforts will include:
- Delivering exclusive small-business events to support local
entrepreneurs and a thriving economy
- Developing a youth leadership program that inspires the next
generation of leaders in San
Diego
- Creating a financial education program for SDFC players,
staff, fans and youth academy to promote economic empowerment
- Supporting SDFC's Right to Dream Academy, a
scholarship-based academy committed to offering top tier education
and soccer training to students
"San Diego's new MLS team is
set to energize the region—bringing new excitement, economic
growth, and tourism," added Ellingsen. "MLS has a track record of
enriching cities across the country, and we look forward to seeing
its lasting impact right here in San
Diego."
The SDFC sponsorship is one of many ways CB&T supports
communities throughout the state. To learn more about how CB&T
is committed to building a strong California, visit www.calbanktrust.com.
Celebrating the Partnership at Snapdragon Stadium
To
kick off this exciting collaboration, CB&T presented a Premium
Member Event at Snapdragon Stadium on Thursday, February 6, featuring Jocko Willink, retired U.S. Navy SEAL,
New York Times bestselling author, and
SDFC Founding Club Partner. Willink delivered a motivational
address during the exclusive gathering.
About California Bank & Trust
(CB&T)
Headquartered in San
Diego, California Bank & Trust has been helping
California families and businesses
thrive for over 70 years. With local decision-making backed by
regional strength, CB&T's knowledgeable bankers provide
personalized solutions that go beyond what traditional banks
offer.
CB&T has earned consistent recognition, including being
voted:
- "Best Bank" by San Diego Union-Tribune readers for 14
consecutive years
- "Best Commercial Bank" for 11 years running
- "Best Bank" in The Orange County Register and Sacramento Bee
readership polls
CB&T is a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. (NASDAQ:
ZION) and has been recognized for its excellence in Middle-Market
and Small Business banking by Greenwich Excellence Awards.
To learn more about CB&T's commitment to empowering
California communities, visit
www.calbanktrust.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About San Diego FC
San Diego FC is an expansion team in Major League Soccer, scheduled
to begin play at Snapdragon Stadium in 2025. San Diego FC is
jointly owned by Sir Mohamed
Mansour, a distinguished entrepreneur, investor and
philanthropist with global ties in the sport, and the Sycuan Band
of the Kumeyaay Nation, the first Native American tribe with a
significant ownership stake in a men's professional team, across
all major sports leagues. Manny
Machado, San Diego's
perennial MLB All-Star, is an investor in the Club. San Diego FC is
a proud member of the Right to Dream community, a group of youth
academies and professional football clubs around the world. San
Diego FC's stated vision is to become the epicenter of football
excellence and innovation in North America.
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SOURCE Zions Bancorporation
