Hughes x Fox Press Release | Fox Tucson Theatre
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Hughes x Fox Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 4, 2026

FOX TUCSON THEATRE AND HUGHES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCE $5 MILLION NAMING RIGHTS PARTNERSHIP FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPANSION

Multi-year leadership gift names new Hughes Federal Credit Union Event Center at the Fox; marks one of the most significant corporate gifts to a Tucson arts nonprofit.

TUCSON, Ariz. — The Fox Tucson Theatre and Hughes Federal Credit Union today announced a landmark $5 million multi-year naming rights partnership for a transformational new event center connected to the historic Fox. The new Hughes Federal Credit Union Event Center at the Fox Tucson — the Hughes Center at the Fox — will serve as the Stone Avenue entrance for the expanded performing arts complex and as a gathering space for performances, community events, and educational programming of all types and sizes. The gift is one of the most significant corporate contributions made to a Tucson arts organization.

“This is a transformational moment for the Fox and for our entire community. Hughes Federal Credit Union’s extraordinary generosity is not only an investment in a building but also in our city’s cultural vibrancy, economic prosperity, equitable access, education, and the future of the performing arts in Southern Arizona. Both Hughes and the Fox have been part of Tucson’s fabric for generations. Hughes has been around for nearly 75 years, and the Fox for nearly 100. That shared commitment to what is unique about this community makes our collaboration truly special.”

— Bonnie Schock, Executive Director, Fox Tucson Theatre

This leadership commitment marks a major milestone in Fox Tucson’s $26.6 million capital campaign, bringing the campaign to approximately the halfway mark. Hughes has issued a challenge to the broader community to match their commitment with gifts or pledges of $100,000 or more, made before December 31, 2026, to expedite the groundbreaking and construction timeline.

“This gift represents both confidence in the Fox’s vision and a call to action. We are deeply grateful to Hughes Federal Credit Union for its leadership. Their challenge inspires others to step forward as we work to secure additional six- and seven- figure commitments that will bring this project to life.”

— Dave Volk, Board President, Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation

The expansion will significantly deepen the Fox’s capacity to serve youth and families across Tucson. The Fox’s KITT program — Kids in the Theatre — already brings more than 15,000 young people into the performing arts each year through school matinees, Storytime, autism-friendly events, family shows, educator workshops, and summer camps. Thousands of complimentary tickets go annually to Title I schools, teachers, and caregivers through community partners, ensuring that a child’s zip code never determines their access to the arts. The new event center will substantially expand that reach, adding programming space for youth education and community partnerships.

Together with the existing historic Fox Tucson Theatre, the Hughes Center at the Fox will create a multi-faceted performing arts complex projected to welcome more than 150,000 guests annually — generating an estimated $18 million annual economic impact for the region. A full summary of the facility’s features is included in the accompanying project fact sheet.

“At Hughes, we believe a community’s health and economic vitality depend on more than financial services — they depend on access to education, the arts, and the kinds of experiences that open doors for young people. The Fox has been making that happen in Tucson for nearly a century. This partnership is a natural extension of our priorities and our deep roots here. We are proud to be Tucson’s hometown favorite for nearly 75 years, and we are proud to help secure the Fox’s future so it can continue to bring the arts to life in our community.”

— Elisa Ross, Chief Experience Officer, Hughes Federal Credit Union

For nearly 75 years, the credit union has invested in the financial futures of Tucsonans at every stage of life — from early childhood financial literacy programs that give young people their first understanding of money and independence, to community partnerships that extend opportunity across the region. Hughes is a longtime supporter of organizations, including Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, which builds confidence and leadership in young women, and Earn to Learn, which helps low-income students access and complete higher education. The Fox Tucson partnership deepens that same thread: a belief that access to transformative experiences, whether financial, educational, or artistic, should never be determined by circumstance.

The Fox Tucson Theatre, originally opened in 1930 and celebrating the 20th anniversary of its full restoration this year, stands as one of Southern Arizona’s most treasured cultural landmarks and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The expansion is designed to preserve its legacy while positioning the organization for its next century. Architectural design approval from the City of Tucson is anticipated in 2027, with groundbreaking in 2028 and a grand opening in 2030, coinciding with the Fox’s 100th anniversary.

For more information about the campaign or the expansion, visit foxtucson.com/the-future-is-right-around-the-corner or use the QR code.

 

ABOUT THE FOX TUCSON THEATRE

The Fox Tucson Theatre is a nonprofit performing arts organization, a central community gathering place, and one of Southern Arizona’s most beloved cultural landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally opened in 1930, the fully restored Fox Tucson presents world-class entertainment to 100,000 guests each year across music, film, comedy, and the performing arts while serving more than 15,000 youth and families each year through its KITT (Kids in the Theatre) education programs. Learn more at foxtucson.com.

ABOUT HUGHES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Hughes Federal Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution serving more than 190,000 members with over $2.5 billion in assets. Since 1952, Hughes has remained deeply committed to improving its members’ financial well-being while maintaining strong local roots in Southern Arizona. Built on a foundation of trust, service and community impact, Hughes offers a full range of financial products and services designed to meet the evolving needs of its diverse membership. Hughes has earned recognition for its commitment to member value and service, including being named among the best credit unions in the state by Forbes. Driven by a people-first philosophy, Hughes continues to invest in innovative solutions, financial education, and community partnerships, helping members and communities go further.

MEDIA CONTACTS

FOX TUCSON THEATRE

Norma Gentry  |  Pro Ventures  |  520-237-4670

HUGHES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Elisa Ross  |  Chief Experience Officer  |  520-794-8341 x5741

Caliber Group on behalf of Hughes Federal Credit Union

For more information about the campaign or the expansion, visit foxtucson.com/the-future-is-right-around-the-corner or use the QR code.

 

PROJECT FACT SHEET

Hughes Federal Credit Union Event Center at the Fox Tucson

THE PARTNERSHIP

  • $5 million multi-year naming rights gift from Hughes Federal Credit Union to the Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation
  • Names the new event center the Hughes Federal Credit Union Event Center at the Fox Tucson (the Hughes Center at the Fox)
  • The most significant corporate naming of a performing arts facility in Tucson
  • Structured as a charitable donation reflecting shared mission and values — not a marketing investment
  • Represents the largest single commitment in Fox Tucson’s $26.6 million capital campaign, bringing the campaign to approximately the halfway mark
  • Hughes has issued a challenge: gifts or pledges of $100,000+ made before December 31, 2026, will help trigger groundbreaking

ABOUT THE HUGHES CENTER AT THE FOX

  • New event center will serve as the Stone Avenue entrance to the expanded Fox Tucson performing arts complex
  • Flexible, state-of-the-art design accommodating performances, community events, corporate and nonprofit gatherings, and educational programming

Key facility features:

  • 350-capacity flexible second-floor performance space dedicated to youth programs, local and regional artists, and more intimate touring performances
  • Grand lobby and bar for community events, receptions, and pre- and post-show experiences
  • Catering kitchen to support Tucson’s culinary community in conjunction with performances and events
  • Rooftop terrace with downtown views and outdoor entertainment
  • Additional restrooms for improved guest comfort
  • Full ADA accessibility — including public and service elevators and accessible curbside drop-off — making the Fox accessible for the first time in its history
  • New Stone Avenue entrance connecting directly to the historic theatre
  • Enhanced spaces for education and community programming

THE EXPANDED FOX TUCSON PERFORMING ARTS COMPLEX

  • The Hughes Center at the Fox combines with the existing historic Fox Tucson Theatre to form a multi-faceted performing arts complex
  • Projected to welcome more than 150,000 guests annually
  • Expected to generate more than $18 million in annual regional economic impact
  • The historic Fox Tucson Theatre (National Register of Historic Places) will be fully preserved — no changes except doorways integrating the two buildings

PROJECT TIMELINE

  • 2026: Capital campaign challenge period — match Hughes’ gift with pledges of $100,000+ by December 31
  • 2027: Final architectural design through the City of Tucson approval process
  • 2028: Groundbreaking
  • 2030: Grand opening — timed to coincide with the Fox Tucson Theatre’s 100th anniversary

MILESTONE ALIGNMENT

  • Fox Tucson Theatre: originally opened 1930; celebrating 20th anniversary of full restoration in 2026; centennial in 2030
  • Hughes Federal Credit Union: founded in 1952; 75th anniversary in 2027
  • Two of Tucson’s most enduring community institutions, reaching historic milestones and investing in each other’s future

YOUTH & COMMUNITY IMPACT

  • The Fox’s KITT program (Kids in the Theatre) serves more than 15,000 young Tucsonans annually through school matinees, Storytime, autism-friendly events, family shows, educator workshops, and summer camps
  • Thousands of complimentary tickets are distributed annually to Title I schools, teachers, and caregivers through community partners
  • New event center will add space for youth education and expand partnerships with schools, districts, and nonprofits
  • Hughes supports financial literacy programs reaching thousands of youth and adults annually, and recently expanded from STEM to STEAM programming

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