The Suns are "constructing 16 theater-style boxes at US Airways Center to replace eight larger luxury suites," according to Mike Sunnucks of the PHOENIX BUSINESS JOURNAL. The new four-seat boxes, "set to open in February, will include access to an upscale food buffet and open bar with beer and house wine." They are aimed at "offering buyers a smaller, cheaper option than traditional suites at the downtown arena." Suns Senior VP/Communications & Public Affairs Tanya Wheeless said that the "more intimate boxes may appeal to small and midsize businesses that might not need or be able to afford large suites." The team is also "looking to sell naming rights to the new box and buffet area." Suns VP/Marketing Partnerships and Suites Sales & Service Lynn Agnello said that she and other team officials have "seen mini boxes at some other" NBA venues, including those in Milwaukee and Chicago. She added that "no other Valley teams are offering the theater-box concept, although the Arizona Cardinals offer eight-seat field boxes at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale." Suns execs said that the smaller boxes are "roughly half the cost of a larger traditional box at the arena." The theater boxes have been under construction "since before the NBA lockout." Mini-box ownership "includes parking and a private entrance." Owners also will be able to "use the seats for concerts and other events at the arena" (PHOENIX BUSINESS JOURNAL, 12/30 issue).
