Arizona’s McKale Center is undergoing a name change following a naming rights partnership with ALKEME Insurance, the school announced Friday.
The agreement, which will change the arena’s name to McKale Center at ALKEME Arena, is for 15 years and $27.7 million. It marks the largest publicly known arena naming rights partnership in the Big 12, the school added.
“In the modern era of college athletics, competition at the highest level requires sustained investment and strong partnerships,” Arizona athletic director Desireé Reed-Francois said in a press release. “This naming rights agreement with ALKEME provides critical resources that allow Arizona Athletics to continue our momentum and position our programs for long-term competitive success.
“ALKEME leadership’s commitment to education and giving back as Arizona graduates reflects a shared belief in excellence—on the field, in the classroom and beyond.”
ALKEME Insurance was founded by Arizona alumni. The partnership will also include a collaboration with the Eller College of Management in an effort to provide leadership and entrepreneurship programming for student-athletes.
“We are proud to partner with Arizona alumni who are committed to giving back and helping prepare the next generation of students to lead, innovate and contribute to their communities,” Arizona president Suresh Garimella said.
“Through ALKEME’s investment, McKale Memorial Center becomes not only a stage for competition, but a platform for experiential education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development that advances our commitment to student success and opportunity.”
Arizona’s men’s basketball team under head coach Tommy Lloyd currently holds the top spot in The Associated Press Top 25 poll, though it is coming off a loss to No. 9 Kansas.
They’re back in action Saturday against No. 16 Texas Tech.
