The site of the ECACHL playoffs and NCAA East Regionals in 2008 and 2010 is getting a new name.
Albany, N.Y., County Executive Mike Breslin and Mark Aldam, Publisher of the Albany Times Union, announced Thursday that the newspaper has purchased the naming rights to the Pepsi Arena, effective Jan. 1, 2007.
The agreement for the new ten-year naming rights contract for the Times Union Center will yield more than $3.5 million in cash payments over the term of the contract and provide substantial additional value in marketing and advertising.
“I am pleased to announce that the Arena will be named the Times Union Center,” said Breslin. “Our ten-year contract with Pepsi Bottling Group has been rewarding and our new partnership with the Times Union, which is such an integral part of our community, will bring even more success. I look forward to working with Mark Aldam and his staff to boost event attendance and bring additional revenue to our county taxpayers.”
“We are very excited about this marketing partnership,” said Aldam. “Obtaining the naming and usage rights to this visible and vital entertainment center underscores the Times Union’s commitment to this region.”
The 17,500-seat facility averages 165 events a year. It is owned by Albany County and managed by SMG, the world’s largest private management firm for public assembly facilities.
The Pepsi Arena is home to the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League, the Albany Conquest of the Arena Football II League and the Siena Saints Division I College Basketball. Other sporting events held at the Arena include NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Regionals, NCAA Division I Men’s Wrestling Championship, MAAC Tournament, New York State High School Wrestling Championships and both Men and Women’s NBA pre-season basketball games.
