The Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community have announced a multiyear naming rights agreement for the teams’ downtown arena that will rename the venue Talking Stick Resort Arena.
“Like Talking Stick Resort, this venue has become an iconic destination for entertainment in Arizona,” said President Diane Enos of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the owner and operator of Talking Stick Resort. “Thousands of families and individuals have created long-lasting memories at this venue which makes its new name, ‘Talking Stick Resort Arena,’ all the more meaningful. We have a shared commitment with the Phoenix Suns in building a sense of community in the Valley and we are honored to help them provide a place for so many people to gather and celebrate.”
The facility’s naming transition to Talking Stick Resort Arena, from US Airways Center, is expected to be completed before the beginning of the 2015–2016 Phoenix Suns season. The name change will visible throughout the facility, with Talking Stick Resort Arena being prominent on the exterior of the building; beneath the center hung scoreboard; on the arena’s rooftop; and featured on the Suns and Mercury basketball courts. The Casino Arizona Pavilion—the arena’s main lobby area—will retain its name.
“We could not be more excited about our expanded relationship with Talking Stick Resort,” said Phoenix Suns President Jason Rowley. “Talking Stick Resort and Casino Arizona has been a trusted and valued partner of the Phoenix Suns for many years. This naming rights agreement brings our partnership to a new level and will have an astral impact on the visibility of their support for the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and the entire community.”
Talking Stick Resort is owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The 240,000-square-foot property includes 496 guest rooms, 11 restaurants and lounges, a spa, a 650-seat showroom, a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom and more than 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space.