FORT MYERS, FLA. - Florida Southwestern State College (FSW) announces a partnership with Suncoast Credit Union to commence plans to build the Suncoast Credit Union Arena. The arena will be located on college property and plans call for groundbreaking in the summer 2015 with an estimated completion by fall 2016.

Suncoast Credit Union Arena will be approximately 75,000 square feet and will host the FSW Buccaneers’ basketball and volleyball teams and a student athletic center. The arena will seat approximately 3,300 fans and include six skyboxes, a hospitality event center, competition courts that convert into recreational courts, athletic office space and staff, and faculty and student wellness centers. In addition there are plans to host concerts and local, regional and national events.

“When you bring two, established institutions together with a common vision that benefits the community, everyone wins,” said Dr. Jeff Allbritten, President, FSW. “Suncoast Credit Union is an exceptional company led by individuals who are passionate about not only providing excellent service to their clients, but also investing in the community. Their belief in Southwest Florida means that we can now begin construction of our Suncoast Credit Union Arena, which will stand proudly on the corner of Summerlin Road and Cypress Lake Drive on our Fort Myers campus.” 

The collaboration between the two partners will include more than the establishment of a building. Suncoast will actively pursue a community wide initiative to bring a financial literacy component to students and the larger population and there will be new scholarship funding for students as well.

 “For decades, FSW has offered educational opportunities and career paths for thousands of students, many who stay in this region to work, raise families and give back,” said Tom Dorety, President & CEO, Suncoast Credit Union. “Education is a key component of that. Our partnership with FSW is much more than having our name on the arena. We will be working together to offer scholarships, plus educational and internship opportunities that lead to solid careers.”

About the Suncoast Credit Union Arena:

• Approximately 75,000 square feet
• Home of the FSW Buccaneers’ basketball and volleyball teams
• Seat 3,300 fans
• Competition court
• Competition court converts to three recreational courts
• Six sky boxes
• Second floor hospitality event center
• Athletic Center with:
  • Fitness pavilion
  • Men’s and Women’s locker rooms
  • Weight training area
• Offices for athletic staff

Anticipated Uses:

• Home of the FSW Buccaneers’ basketball and volleyball teams
• Student recreation
• Student, faculty and staff wellness
• Concerts
• Local, regional and national events

Construction Timeline:

• Break ground Summer 2015
• Completion late Fall 2016