Talks between MillerCoors and the Brewers regarding an extension of the Miller Park naming-rights deal are "likely to commence within the next year," but the brand "will not be the naming-rights sponsor" at the Bucks' new arena, according to Rich Kirchen of the MILWAUKEE BUSINESS JOURNAL. MillerCoors "will establish a presence both inside and outside the new venue" for the Bucks. MillerCoors CEO Gavin Hattersley on Friday said that his company is "proud to continue as a sponsor with the Bucks" as a foundational sponsor of the new arena. Hattersley noted that the venue includes "'three specialty areas' featuring MillerCoors products," with one being "dedicated to Coors Light, another to MillerCoors-owned Leinenkugel's an a third to 'Miller Brewing.'" Kirchen also noted MillerCoors has a 20-year naming-rights deal for Miller Park, which opened in '01. Sources said that the brand pays an estimated $2.1M annually for the deal running through '20. Hattersley said of initiating talks with the Brewers, "We'll get to that when we get to it" (MILWAUKEE BUSINESS JOURNAL, 12/8 issue).
