Arizona Coyotes unveil Gila River Arena to Public

Gila River Arena is now the official home of the Arizona Coyotes. Welcome home, Desert Dogs!

The team made it official on Wednesday with a press conference held just outside the Arena. Coyotes CEO Anthony Leblanc, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers and Gila River Indian Community Governor Gregory Mendoza were in attendance for the historic event.

“It gives me great pride to be the first to officially welcome everyone to the Gila River Arena,” Leblanc said as he christened the arena’s brand new name.

““I would like to thank and congratulate Mr. Anthony Leblanc, his ownership group and the Arizona Coyotes for all of their efforts to bring this historic agreement to fruition, and further commencing the relationship between the Arizona Coyotes and our community.”- Gregory Mendoza

The naming rights partnership is indeed historic, as it marks the first occasion that a major American Indian Tribe in North America will be the major sponsor of an arena or stadium in any of the four major sports leagues.

“I would like to thank and congratulate Mr. Anthony Leblanc, his ownership group and the Arizona Coyotes for all of their efforts to bring this historic agreement to fruition, and further commencing the relationship between the Arizona Coyotes and our community,” Mendoza Said.

Coyotes CEO Antohny Leblanc added that the partnership between the Gila River Arena and the Coyotes is just the latest in a long line of brand new business relationships. Leblanc reiterated partnerships that have been struck with Fox Sports Arizona, Levy Resturant Group, Ticketmaster, and Fanatics, but Leblanc said that Wednesday’s announcement was one that the team takes particular pride in,

“The relationship with Gila River began long before IceArizona purchased the Coyotes; however, over the past year, I am proud to say that we have fostered an even closer relationship that culminates in today’s announcement,” Leblanc said.

As well as the name change becoming official, the team also unveiled the arena’s new logo, which is on display outside the arena.

The new agreement is a big boost for the city of Glendale, who will now see a new source of revenue- they will take in 20 percent of the money earned from the naming rights deal.

The deal would net approximately $600,000 for the city of Glendale, according to the Arizona Republic. 

Is the name starting to grow on you? What is your leader in the clubhouse for its new nickname? Comment below, or weigh in on Twitter.