(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Office Depot Center in Sunrise, FL, home to the NHL Florida Panthers, has been renamed BankAtlantic Center as part of a 10-year naming rights agreement with BankAtlantic, with an additional 10-year option. Additionally, the arena's new theatre configuration debuting in October, will now be known as the Sinatra Theatre presented by BankAtlantic.
"We have been a part of the South Florida community for over 50 years and we are elated to affix our name to such a prestigious facility," said BankAtlantic President Jarett Levan. "The BankAtlantic Center, one of the most dynamic entertainment venues in the world, shares many philosophies with the Bank — serving the community, open seven days a week, providing outstanding services and being an active and important participant in the energy of South Florida."
BankAtlantic will also be known as "The Official Bank of the Florida Panthers" and will become the primary bank for Sunrise Sports & Entertainment. Some other elements featured in the partnership include entitlement signage, exclusive right to numerous BankAtlantic ATM locations throughout the venue, sponsorship of overtime in Panthers games and 7 pm weekday start times for Panthers games, promoting the fact BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week, as well as numerous other marketing and promotional opportunities. Also as part of the deal, BankAtlantic's "7" Mascot is invited to attend every Panther game, concert and event.
"Sunrise Sports & Entertainment and BankAtlantic are the perfect partners for this venture and the timing is also ideal," said SSE Chief Operating Officer Michael Yormark. "The two companies are similar in their approach to business, their unrelenting focus on customer service and their dedication to the South Florida community. What started out as a traditional sponsorship, expanded into a major long term commitment and we couldn't be happier. This announcement is a reflection of the progress our company has made over the last couple of years. BankAtlantic already has 78 stores; this deal makes our facility their 79th location."
The Sinatra Theatre presented by BankAtlantic debuts on October 8 with Liza Minnelli. Other upcoming theatre shows include The Beach Boys (23), Patti LaBelle (28), Kenny Rogers (November 26), Linda Ronstadt (January 13), Johnny Mathis (22), Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme (February14), Donna Summer (18), Engelbert Humperdinck (21), Lily Tomlin (March 3), Paul Anka (18), Natalie Cole (25), Frank Sinatra Jr. (May 6) and Don Rickles (TBA).
Last year Billboard magazine ranked the venue 13th in North America in 2004 total gross ticket sales for concerts and shows. This year?s performer have included Elton John, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Destiny's Child, Motley Crue, Yanni, Josh Groban, and Green Day, among others.
Sunrise Sports & Entertainment, parent company of the arena, noted that Office Depot has restructured its partnership regarding the final seven years of the previous naming rights deal. Office Depot will continue to be one of the premier partners of SSE. The new Office Depot partnership includes arena signage as well as print and promotional benefits. Office Depot will also receive advertising in SSE's monthly entertainment publication Live On Stage.
"We're pleased to continue our association with Sunrise Sports & Entertainment, which gives us the opportunity to maintain a strong presence in our home state," said Chuck Rubin, executive vice president and chief merchandising/marketing officer for Office Depot. "Our ongoing relationship with the Panthers hockey team and the BankAtlantic Center reinforces a key aspect of our business philosophy, which is to positively impact all of the communities in which we live and work." — Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
