American Airlines has signed a 20-year, $40M naming
rights deal for the Heat's new bayfront arena, according to
Colon & Chardy of the MIAMI HERALD. The airline will
display its logo and designs in the arena "on everything
from the carpet to the popcorn containers to the roof --
where the outline of a jetliner will be visible from the
air." Heat Managing General Partner Micky Arison: "We
really believe we're addressing the next generation of
naming rights deals with this unique partnership." After
yesterday's naming rights ceremony, Metro-Dade Mayor Alex
Penelas and city commissioners "approved" a $37.6M land deal
with Miami that "ensures the arena's construction." Penelas
said construction could start "as early as next month"
(MIAMI HERALD, 10/22). In Ft. Lauderdale, Katherine Hutt
puts the deal at $42M over 20 years, and reports that the
Heat also talked "informally" with NationsBank, Citibank,
AT&T, and Carnival Corp. regarding naming rights. The
facility will be called American Airlines Arena. Hutt adds
the deal "underscores American's status as the largest
airline in Miami" (Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL, 10/22).
