Submitted rendering Pictured is the entrance of 7 17 Credit Union Field at Eastwood that will greet Mahoning Valley Scrappers fans June 2 when the Strappers host the State College Spikes to open the MLB Draft League season opener.

NILES — 7 17 Credit Union continues to build its financial offerings and diamond presence after obtaining naming rights to 7 17 Credit Union Field at Eastwood, home of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

The Trumbull County-based operations celebrated the announcement Thursday at the Eastwood Event Centre with approximately 200 in attendance.

Approximately six months ago, 7 17 obtained the naming rights to the Akron RubberDucks’ field, then known as Canal Park. When Akron opens its Minor League Double-A season April 2 against Reading, fans will be entering the gates of 7 17 Credit Union Park.

“When you look at 7 17’s geographic presence, you know it was formed here in the Mahoning Valley,” said John Demmler, 7 17’s CEO, after the news conference. “And as we move westward and expand with our branches in Summit, Stark and Portage counties, Akron sits kind of at the heart.

“Niles sits at the heart of the Mahoning Valley, and so it made a lot of sense to tie into a branding in both of those markets.”

Akron’s name rights run through the end of the 2031 season. No other details were disclosed for either partnership.

“Like any marriage, you hope it lasts forever,” Demmler said.

Jordan Taylor, the Scrappers’ executive vice president, touted the team’s entertainment and economic strengths. More than 3 million fans have attended Scrappers contests since their opening season in 1999.

“[The Scrappers] … generate close to $6 million each year in direct economic impact for the Mahoning Valley,” said Taylor, who has been with the team for 25 seasons.

“[The] organization takes great pride in providing the community with a destination for affordable family fun,” he said. “We’re proud of our tradition and looking forward to the future of Mahoning Valley Scrappers baseball.

“7 17 Credit Union has been a partner with the Scrappers since our inaugural season. … Each season, we meet to explore ways to expand our partnership.”

Promotions involving the credit union have attracted crowds to the Niles ballpark. Its Financial Wellness promotion generates record-breaking crowds annually. A 7 17 Credit Union credit card promoting the Scrappers was released last season.

“This partnership marks our largest community investment to date in the Mahoning Valley,” Demmler said. “We hope 7 17 Credit Union Field at Eastwood will serve as a space for baseball, community events and an even larger symbol of the area.”

Demmler said baseball is special. He recalled the time he attended his first minor-league game as a 5-year-old watching the Columbus Clippers.

“It was Dime Dog Night. It was something that the family could go out and do,” he said. “And when I look at what the Scrappers do to bring families together here in the Valley, that is something that resonates with me. And 7 17 has always been a part of that.

The credit union and Scrappers also highlighted financial deals and baseball outings.

* Valley First Auto Refinance Program: Anyone in Ohio can bring their auto loan to 7 17, and get the lower of its stated rates or 2% off current rate down to a floor of 3.99%. The promotion runs until Scrappers opening day, June 2.

* Financial Wellness Night at the Ballpark on July 17. The credit union will buy out the ballpark once again.

* Dollar Dog Kids Club partnership, offering kids free tickets to home games and giving out ice cream for any grand slam hit at a Scrappers home game to kids in the program.

* A VIP benefit program for members who have a Scrappers Affinity Partner Credit Card.

The Scrappers are owned by the HWS Group, a sports management firm that owns and operates professional franchises. In addition to the Scrappers, HWS owns the Dayton Dragons, a High-A Minor League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.