The Heat have signed a multiyear sponsorship with energy provider NRG to develop a solar-powered pavilion on the east plaza outside AmericanAirlines Arena. Financial terms were not disclosed. The project, opening for the '15-16 season, provides roof cover for the 25,000-square-foot space facing Biscayne Bay and gives the Heat more real estate for activation. The agreement with NRG does not include naming rights. Heat Exec VP & CRO John Vidalin said the team is searching for another partner to entitle the space. The arena was recently certified LEED Gold for existing buildings. “As it stands now, the plaza has a tendency to get too hot or too wet and we were looking for an elegant solution,” Vidalin said. “We can now cover the space and it dovetails into our LEED story.” The agreement gives NRG exclusivity across alternative and wind energy systems. The utility will also serve as the official sponsor of the arena’s electric vehicle charging stations when those structures come online in the future, Vidalin said. NRG receives signage in the arena, hospitality and brand presence on the Heat’s website and social media. For NRG, the solar pavilion is its first project at an NBA facility and its second NBA deal behind the Rockets. Separately, NRG has relationships with eight NFL teams among its roster of major league clubs.
