The Arizona Cardinals and State Farm have announced an 18-year naming-rights agreement that results in the team’s home being renamed State Farm Stadium. The facility, formerly known as University of Phoenix Stadium, will be fully rebranded for the 2018 season.
“We were intent on finding a relationship that was an ideal fit with our organization and this community in terms of values, priorities and culture,” Cardinals president Michael Bidwill said. “With State Farm, we absolutely did that. While this is a comprehensive marketing agreement, there will be a major focus on community programs that will have a positive impact across our state. State Farm is one of the most-respected and recognizable brands in the world and Phoenix is fortunate to be one of its three hub markets.”
“State Farm is committed to making a difference and so are the Arizona Cardinals,” said State Farm chairman and chief executive officer Michael Tipsord. “Working with them gives us the chance to build even stronger communities in Arizona and helps us build our brand nationally.”
Arizona is home to one of three of State Farm regional hubs. State Farm is an active member of the local community employing approximately 7,000 individuals. State Farm prides itself on activating its workforce in the communities they reside. Over the past four years, State Farm staff has volunteered over 2 million hours in their respective communities.
The process of integrating State Farm Stadium branding assets throughout the stadium and other team platforms will take place over the coming weeks and much of it is expected to be in place by the Cardinals regular season opener vs. Washington on September 9.
Until today, the venue had been known as University of Phoenix Stadium since its inaugural season of 2006. University of Phoenix will remain heavily connected to the Cardinals as the team’s Official Education Partner.
Since it opened in 2006, the stadium has become one of the most iconic and well-known landmarks in the state of Arizona. The building has hosted some of the most incredible and unforgettable sporting events in America. In addition to 126 consecutive sold-out Cardinals home games and the Fiesta Bowl annually, the multi-purpose facility has also hosted two Super Bowls, the 2015 Pro Bowl, three college football national championship games and the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four in 2017. It was recently selected to host Super Bowl LVII in 2023 and the Final Four again in 2024. In addition, State Farm Stadium will host a College Football Playoff semifinal game three times between now and 2026.
This is the second major naming-rights announcement concerning State Farm in the past week, as the insurance company and Atlanta Hawks (NBA) announced an agreement for State Farm Arena last Wednesday.
Image courtesy Arizona Cardinals.