One of the NFL’s most formidable venues could soon have a corporate sponsor, as the Kansas City Chiefs are eyeing naming rights for Arrowhead Stadium‘s field.
A key distinction between what the Chiefs are proposing for Arrowhead and traditional naming rights deals is that the field, not the stadium, is up for grabs. To put that in a different term, the end result would be something along the lines of Corporate Sponsor Field at Arrowhead Stadium. In some form, this has been seen in a few deals across the NFL of late, including the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Mall of America Field at the Metrodome, and Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
At this point the Chiefs want to keep the tradition of Arrowhead Stadium going, but are intrigued by the revenue potential that stems from a naming rights agreement. Arrowhead is one of the most recognizable NFL stadiums that is not tied to some corporate partnership. While the team has been pursuing naming rights off and on for several years, Chiefs president Mark Donovan says that discussions remain a priority. More from the Kansas City Star:
“We said pretty vocally and consistently that we’d be looking for a partner that makes sense for Kansas City and a partner that understands the importance of keeping the Arrowhead name,” Donovan said. “We think it’s part of the building.”
What the Chiefs are looking to do, Donovan said, is something similar to what’s been in Denver for the last several years, when the Broncos’ stadium has been called Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium and Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
“That’s what we’re in discussions on,” Donovan said. “There’s nothing to report today. Those discussions and those negotiations typically take longer than your average deal, but we are in discussions as we speak.”
Revenue from a naming rights deal would provide a boost to the Chiefs, but it is a matter of finding a sponsor that wants its name tied to one of the most recognizable stadium monikers in the NFL.
Image courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs.