Coyotes, casino enter into arena-naming agreement

Aug 13, 2014 - 8:14 PM Glendale, AZ (SportsNetwork.com) - The Arizona Coyotes announced on Wednesday that the club and Gila River Casinos have agreed to a nine-year partnership agreement which includes exclusive naming rights to their hockey venue.

The new business pact is pending Glendale City Council approval, which is set to take place on Sept. 9.

"On behalf of the entire Arizona Coyotes organization and IceArizona, we are thrilled to partner with Gila River Casinos and the Gila River Indian Community," said Coyotes president and CEO Anthony LeBlanc.

"Like the Coyotes, the Gila River Indian Community prides themselves on their commitment to business excellence and to their community. Pending Glendale City Council approval, we are looking forward to having Gila River's prestigious and reputable name associated with our great hockey team and our state-of-the-art arena. This will be a great fit for both the Coyotes and Gila River Casinos."

The Coyotes, who played in downtown Phoenix upon their arrival from Winnipeg prior to the 1996-97 season, moved into their current arena in December of 2003. It has been known as Jobing.com Arena since 2006.

"As a long term partner of the Arizona Coyotes, Gila River Casinos and the Gila River Indian Community are delighted to partner with the Arizona Coyotes as a naming partner, said Deborah Griffin, president of the Board of Directors for Gila Casinos. On behalf of Gila River Casinos, I would like to thank the Arizona Coyotes and Rosette Law for working so diligently to complete the naming rights agreement. We extend our sincerest gratitude to both organizations for their continued support and partnership."