
The Mandalay Bay Events Center has been renamed as the Michelob ULTRA Arena, as per a multi-year naming rights agreement announced by MGM Resorts International, the owner of Mandalay Bay. This agreement pertains to the 12,000-seat sports and entertainment venue located within Mandalay Bay.
The partnership between Anheuser-Busch and MGM Resorts will showcase a range of assets and activations both inside and outside the Michelob ULTRA Arena. Along with the venue’s naming rights, the partnership grants Anheuser-Busch, the owner of Michelob, the ability to sponsor a variety of promotions and exclusive on-site special events throughout the agreement’s duration.
“Anheuser-Busch, a company we highly admire, is warmly welcomed as our naming rights partner at Mandalay Bay,” stated Chuck Bowling, the President and COO of Mandalay Bay. “Being a leader in the entertainment industry, we are excited to collaborate with the Anheuser-Busch team. Our mutual dedication is to offer guests extraordinary entertainment experiences.”
The Mandalay Bay Events Center, similar to most venues in Las Vegas, has remained silent for the majority of the previous year due to the coronavirus pandemic halting most indoor sports, entertainment, and conventions. However, when it reopens to the public as the Michelob ULTRA Arena, it is expected to provide a refreshed experience to its visitors.
Reinventing an events center
The newest version of a venue that has hosted everything from conventions to concerts and sports events will be the Michelob ULTRA Arena. Throughout its history as a former events center, many of the events held there were conventions and not open to the general public.
The success of Mandalay Bay heavily relies on its space. Business travelers were often attracted to Mandalay Bay during weekdays for conventions. These visitors would then remain at the property to relax, dine, and enjoy themselves.
The sharp decline in business travelers within the past year has led to the closure of many restaurants at the integrated casino resort located at the southern end of the Vegas Strip.
The collaboration between Mandalay Bay and Anheuser-Busch could potentially transform the future landscape of events at the venue. Besides resuming conventions and expos, it could also increase the number of events available for public enjoyment.
Said Matt Davis, Head of U.S. Sports Marketing for Anheuser-Busch:
Mandalay Bay, often at the heart of the excitement, is situated in Las Vegas, one of the globe’s most thrilling sports and entertainment hubs. As the world begins to travel and enjoy entertainment again, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming events at the Michelob ULTRA Arena.
In 2019, MGM Resort carried out substantial renovations to the venue. These upgrades have considerably improved the event experience for guests. The modifications to the venue encompass enhancements to the seating, concourse, in-arena signage, technology, and the lighting system.
The improvements were finished perfectly on schedule for the arrival of the WNBA team, the Las Vegas Aces. The Aces were recently acquired by Mark Davis, the owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Arena naming rights around Las Vegas
Many entertainment venues exist in Las Vegas, but only a few have sold their naming rights to corporations.
T-Mobile Arena, since its inauguration in 2016, has provided numerous promotions to the clients of the mobile service provider. Interestingly, half of T-Mobile Arena is owned by MGM Resorts.
Allegiant Airlines secured the naming rights to a venue located near the Vegas Strip, now known as Allegiant Stadium. This venue serves as the home for the Las Vegas Raiders. It is situated across the I-15 freeway from the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay.
The stadium has several corporate partnerships, including a distinct partnership with a beer brand. One of America’s largest beer brands, MolsonCoors, is a Founding Partner of Allegiant Stadium. Interestingly, MolsonCoors is also the official beer of the Las Vegas Raiders, who are the primary occupants of the stadium.
Casino corporations could potentially recuperate lost revenue through naming rights deals. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, previously known as Hard Rock, is currently seeking a naming rights partner for its entertainment venue, following multiple postponements of its opening.