Phoenix’s US Airways Center to be renamed
Sep 3, 2014, 10:01 AM | Updated: 10:01 am
PHOENIX — Another Valley arena will soon be sporting a new name.
The Phoenix Suns confirmed reports Wednesday that US Airways Center would be no more, a few weeks after the Arizona Coyotes announced Jobing.com Arena would switch to Gila River Arena.
Suns President Jason Rowley said the airline, in the process of merging with American Airlines, did not opt to renew naming rights.
The team has been aware of the decision and is searching for a new naming rights partner.
“This isn’t coming as any surprise to us,” Rowley said. “American Airlines has two other NBA arenas across the country that they already have naming rights on.”
The airline, which owns naming rights of arenas in Dallas and Miami, decided it made no sense from a marketing standpoint to have three buildings. Rowley said the parting was amicable and the organization is excited to hear offers.
“We’re actually pretty excited to be able to go out to market and find a new partner,” he said, adding that the team has already received inquiries.
The deal with US Airways does not expire until October 2015. Rowley said the team plans to take its time before signing off on a deal.
“We’re not going to rush ourselves,” he said. “We’re going to do it right and find a partner that works for us, works for the city of Phoenix and reflects well on our brand and the community.”
The new name will be the arena’s third. It was branded America West Arena when it opened in 1992 and was changed to US Airways Center in 2005.
In addition to the Suns, the arena is also home to the Phoenix Mercury and hosts concerts.
KTAR’s Clayton Klapper contributed to this report.
