In Houston, Arena Operating Company, manager of The
Summit, has reached an agreement with Houston-based Compaq
Computer Corp. in which The Summit will be renamed Compaq
Center. Through the deal, Compaq will provide $5.4M over
the next six years to upgrade the arena, including updating
the telescreens, installing a new ice floor, replacing light
fixtures, recovering the seats and upgrading the elevators
and escalators. The renaming of the arena is subject to
approval from the Houston City Council (Compaq).
COMPAQ COMPETING? In Houston, John Williams writes that
one of the Rockets' corporate partners is Compaq "rival"
Hewlett-Packard. Hewlett-Packard holds advertising rights
inside the arena during Rockets games. Williams reports
that Rockets officials "were unclear" about whether they
would "try to prevent" Compaq from advertising inside the
arena. In other news, Compaq officials said that "they will
explore putting computers at fans' seats so patrons can get
statistical updates and, possibly, order food and drinks"
(John Williams, HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 10/10).
