ONTARIO, CA (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
The new city-owned 11,000-seat sports and entertainment arena, which has just received final design approval, in Ontario, CA, will be named Citizens Business Bank Arena. Terms of the 10-year multi-million dollar naming rights agreement were not released.
Set for an October 2008 opening, the AEG-operated, multipurpose facility will be the biggest and most modern arena within the Inland Empire.
"We are very pleased that Citizens Business Bank, which has its corporate headquarters right here in Ontario, has chosen to join in the City's efforts to provide a first class sports and entertainment for our residents and business as well as those of the entire Inland Empire," said Ontario Mayor Paul Leon. “Just as the City chose last year to support the phenomenal growth Citizens Business Bank by selecting them as the City’s bank. We are pleased that this partnership is benefiting the entire region. We will continue to work together to make the Inland Empire and even better place for us all to live, work and play."
“With the tremendous population growth and housing boom we are seeing throughout Ontario and the entire Inland Empire, the timing is absolutely perfect to develop a world-class arena for this area,” said Dana Warg, senior vice president, Facilities, AEG. "As the leading financial institution in the region and a tremendous supporter of not only the community’s growth but of so many important civic causes and initiatives, Citizens Business Bank is the perfect partner for us and the City in so many ways.”
In addition to naming rights, the multi-tiered agreement calls for Citizens Business Bank to receive a variety of exposure, promotional opportunities, hospitality elements, community presence and marketing opportunities including interior and exterior signage, Internet presence, advertising inclusion, sponsor and customer relations amenities, promotional inclusion, freeway marquee exposure and on-site presence including ATM locations.
“At Citizens Business Bank we are excited about this partnership," stated Christopher D. Myers, president and chief executive officer. "AEG brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the project. It is an honor to be associated with an organization that is known worldwide for its successful venue and event operations Ontario is our home base. We have benefited from being a part of the tremendous growth of the area. Our involvement in this partnership is indicative of Citizens Business Bank’s strong commitment to the local community and its future success. We look forward to completion of the arena and enjoying the events with our many customers and friends."
Citizens Business Bank Arena will be the centerpiece of Piemonte at the Ontario Center, a massive mixed-use project, with large-scale office, retail, hotel, entertainment and urban living components. Built on a 37-acre area in the middle of the project between Haven Avenue and Milliken Avenue and Fourth Street and the I-10 Freeway, the arena will include 9,500 fixed seats with additional portable seating risers to accommodate capacities of 11,089 for concerts, 9,736 for ice hockey and 10,832 for basketball. The 225,000 square foot venue will also feature 36 suites located on two levels and a continuous concourse hosting a variety of refreshment stands and merchandise kiosks, a VIP club and other fan amenities. –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
