Hughes Federal Credit Union Unveils $5 Million in Fox Tucson Theatre’s Expansion

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on August 19, 2026

Hughes Federal Credit Union recently announced a $5 million multi-year investment in the Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation, supporting a transformational expansion of the historic downtown theatre. This commitment reflects the credit union’s longstanding belief that strong communities create stronger futures for local families, businesses, and the region as a whole.

For Hughes, the Fox was a natural partner. For nearly a century, the theatre has served as one of Tucson’s most treasured cultural landmarks while expanding access to arts, education, and community programming across Southern Arizona.

“As a member-owned cooperative, our board makes decisions on behalf of our members. Supporting the Fox’s expansion reflects our belief that investments in cultural and educational institutions create lasting value for our community,” said Fabian Cordova, Board Chairman of Hughes Federal Credit Union.

The investment, one of the most significant corporate commitments ever made to a Tucson arts nonprofit, names the new Hughes Federal Credit Union Event Center at the Fox Tucson. To be known as the Hughes Center at the Fox, it will serve as the new Stone Avenue entrance to the expanded performing arts complex and provide space for performances, community events, educational programming, and community partnerships throughout Southern Arizona.

(L-R) Andrew Britton, President and CEO of Hughes Federal Credit Union, and Bonnie Schock, Executive Director of the Fox Tucson Theatre

“For nearly 75 years, Hughes has stood with Tucson families helping children build savings, students pursue education, and neighborhoods grow stronger,” said Andrew Britton, President and CEO of Hughes Federal Credit Union. “The Hughes Center at the Fox carries that commitment forward by creating opportunities for young people to learn, create, and connect. This is an investment in Tucson’s future.”

As the credit union views investments in community institutions as investments in its members, it is also launching a new Fox Tucson Theatre affinity debit card. For every affinity debit card instantly issued, Hughes will donate $5 to the Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation, giving members a direct way to support the organization.

For the Fox Tucson Theatre, Hughes’ investment represents a significant milestone in the organization’s long-term vision for growth and community impact.

“This is a transformational moment for the Fox and for our entire community. Hughes Federal Credit Union’s extraordinary generosity is an investment in our city’s cultural vibrancy, equitable access, education, and the future of the performing arts in Southern Arizona,” said Bonnie Schock, Executive Director of the Fox Tucson Theatre.

(L-R) Irlanda Cuevas, Phoebe Chalk-Wadsworth, Elisa Ross, Valerie Fanelli, Bonnie Schock, Laura Alexander

The Fox’s KITT (Kids in the Theatre) program serves more than 15,000 young people annually through school matinees, family programming, educator workshops, summer camps, and special events. The new event center will significantly expand that reach by adding dedicated space for youth education and community partnerships.

Together with the historic Fox Tucson Theatre, the Hughes Center at the Fox will form a multi-faceted performing arts complex projected to welcome more than 150,000 guests annually and generate an estimated $18 million in annual regional economic impact. Key features include a 350-capacity flexible performance space dedicated to youth programs and regional artists, a grand lobby and bar, a catering kitchen, a rooftop terrace with downtown views, and full ADA accessibility.

“To lend our name to a space that will welcome more than 150,000 visitors annually, improve accessibility, and serve as a hub for arts and community programming is both a privilege and a lasting commitment to Tucson’s future,” Britton said.

The Fox Tucson Theatre, which opened in 1930 and is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its full restoration this year, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 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 centennial and closely following Hughes’ own 75th anniversary in 2027.

Posted in Arizona, Community Impact, Regional Member News.