Arizona Coyotes' home now officially Gila River Arena

The home of the Coyotes officially became Gila River Arena Wednesday, signaling the beginning of a nine-year partnership between the organization and Gila River Casinos that was approved by the Glendale City Council Tuesday in a 6-1 vote.

"This is an exciting day for us," Coyotes President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc said Wednesday following a ceremony outside the arena to recognize the name change that had Gov. Jan Brewer, Gila River Community Gov. Gregory Mendoza, President of the Board of Directors for Gila River Casinos Deborah Griffin and Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers in attendance along with General Manager Don Maloney, coach Dave Tippett, captain Shane Doan and goalie Mike Smith. "It's a culmination of many months of working to ensure that we have a naming rights partner that we feel proud of, that we feel we can help, that we can help each other."

This deal marks the first federally recognized tribal naming-rights deal for a sports venue with a major professional sports league in the U.S. In addition to naming rights, Gila River will receive premier signage on the facility which the team is hopeful will be up by Opening Night Oct.9.

"That's definitely what we're aiming for," LeBlanc said.

Originally known as Glendale Arena, the building was built in 2003 at the price tag of $220 million and holds about 18,000 fans. In 2006, it became Jobing.com Arena. Last summer, the Glendale City Council approved the Coyotes for a 15-year, $225 million-lease agreement that included the ability to terminate the naming rights contract with Jobing.com.

"I am committed, fully invested and committed to help make this team a success in Glendale," Weiers said. "The key to this success is the partnership we see here today."