In Phoenix, plant-based fiber firm Footprint has reached a naming rights deal for the city’s basketball arena. The stadium is home to both the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury and seats 18,000.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but the Footprint Center will increase the use of biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable products in its concessions.
Although expensive naming rights are generally scooped up by bigger brands like Staples and Gillette, Suns owner and managing partner Robert Saver tells Bloomberg that Footprint’s mission appealed to the organization. “The more we got to know them, we saw a unique connection to really make a difference with them and that’s exciting,” Sarver says.
Footprint CEO Troy Swope aims to make the arena plastic-free. “We envision transforming the way sporting and stadium events are managed and held today,” he said.