In Atlanta, Tim Tucker writes Hawks & Philips Arena CEO Steve Koonin "declined to discuss whether there’s a possibility of ending" the team's arena naming-rights deal with Philips one year early to "align a new name with the completion of renovations this fall, seemingly a logical time for such a rebranding." The Hawks’ 20-year deal with Philips expires after the '18-19 season, and the Netherlands-based tech company "doesn’t plan to renew it," so the Hawks are "actively seeking" a new partner. Koonin said there has been “a lot of interest” from potential sponsors, “but no deal is imminent.” Philips in recent years has "transitioned to a health technology and lighting company with less need for an expensive sports naming-rights deal" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 3/23).
WHAT'S IN A NAME? In Philadelphia, Matt Breen noted the Phillies on Thursday met to "rename the team’s indoor training facility" in Clearwater, Fla., the David P. Montgomery Baseball Performance Center after the Phillies Chair. The ceremony, a "surprise to Montgomery, was attended by every major- and minor-league player and coach in the organization, front office members, and team owners." The Phillies opened the $4M facility in '13, and it is "used by the team year-round" for training, rehab and daily workouts (PHILLY.com, 3/22).
WATCH IT GROW: In Ft. Worth, Bill Hanna noted the Rangers' Globe Life Field project will "start rising out of the ground" as this season progresses, and the retractable roof is "scheduled to be completed" by October '19. On March 7, the city of Arlington sold $465.4M in bonds for the new $1.1B ballpark that is "scheduled to open" for the '20 season (Ft. Worth STAR-TELEGRAM, 3/22).
