No, they aren't moving -- but Delta has failed to purchase the rights to name the arena -- another company bought the rights to naming the stadium "EnergySolutions Arena" -- the new name.
SALT LAKE CITY -- The Utah Jazz's arena has a new name which is sure to get some notice.
EnergySolutions, a nuclear waste services company based in Salt Lake City, has bought the naming rights to the downtown arena that has been known as the Delta Center since it opened 15 years ago.
Jazz owner Larry Miller said Monday that negotiations with Delta Air Lines to keep the original naming rights in place stalled.
Miller said he was apprehensive at first when approached by EnergySolutions, which runs a radioactive waste disposal facility 75 miles west of Salt Lake City.
"I really think that this is something that does not need to be a controversial topic if people understand what it's about before they just panic and throw their hands in the air when the word nuclear is first used," Miller said after a brief news conference. "As I was able to spend time learning about it, I got much more comfortable with it."
Giant banners with the EnergySolutions logo were hanging outside the arena Monday afternoon. Miller and EnergySolutions chief executive officer Steve Creamer unveiled a new logo on the basketball court, which reads "EnergySolutions Arena."
Creamer wants people to look past the stigma associated with nuclear waste. He said joining more recognizable companies with their names big and bold outside arenas and stadiums throughout the country is a good start.
"We looked at lots of different ideas and when this came available we felt like it was a great opportunity," Creamer said. "We think it's a great way for us to help people feel more comfortable and help our education efforts."
Delta is trying to emerge from bankruptcy. Long before its financial troubles, the airline had a 10-year agreement for the Jazz arena name rights with a 5-year option, which expired Sept. 30.
The two sides couldn't agree on a new deal, so the Jazz started looking at other options. Delta will still advertise in the 19,911-seat arena, but the name and logo will no longer be part of the city's western skyline.
"We were working to re-negotiate a new contract, but in the end we were unable to reach an agreement on naming rights," Delta spokesman Anthony Black said from Atlanta.
Come on, we can find a better name for a company that deals with nuclear waste and disposal!
Let's have a REAL naming contest for the old Delta Center -- see who can come up with the best name.
How about:
- Glow in the dark Center (hmm, too long)
- Nuclear Jazz Center
- Toxic Waste Center! (they could use this slogan "Come Glow with Us")
Come on, what name can you come up with?
