ASU Says Coyotes Can Paint Logo on Ice Arena

Following a report last week that stated the Arizona Coyotes will not be allowed to modify the look of the ice surface at Arizona State University’s (ASU) multipurpose facility, Sun Devils officials spoke with AZCentral to set the record straight.

Below is an excerpt from what ASU told AZCentral about its shared use of the Sun Devils’ hockey facilities next season.

“That language was twisted on social media, including from other media outlets, to assert that the Coyotes would not be allowed to paint their logo on the ice for their games and only ASU’s would be seen. On Wednesday, the school confirmed that is not the case, and both logos will be painted on the multipurpose arena’s ice. 

“The Coyotes and ASU logos will be on center ice, but the Coyotes are prohibited from including any of their other normal in-ice branding as was seen at Gila River Arena, their former home.  They are also prevented from digitally covering up the ASU logo on their broadcasts.”

This is in response to a previous report from The Athletic’s Sean Shapiro and Katie Strang. They reported that according to the venue license agreement between IceArizona Hockey and OVG Facilities, the Coyotes organization is not allowed to change the on-ice surface, which includes the Sun Devils’ logo in the middle of the sheet.

“In-ice advertising will be a revenue source for Arizona State, and the Coyotes aren’t allowed to modify the look of the ice surface – including the Arizona State logo at center ice — on broadcasts to protect ASU’s permanent advertisers in the building. It is noted that this doesn’t and shouldn’t impact opposing broadcasts filming at ASU.”

According to Shapiro and Strang’s report, here is a list of other notices in the agreement.

• If the Coyotes or owner Alex Meruelo become the subject of adverse publicity, contempt, scandal, or ridicule for violating “widely held principles of public morality, failing to conduct its business affairs with a high degree of integrity and honesty and/or failing to act as a good corporate citizen,” Arizona State can get out of its deal with the Coyotes.
• Arizona State must approve any alcohol or beer advertisements.
• Arizona State maintains the right to object to any advertisement that is “not in good taste or is otherwise not in compliance” with ASU’s rules.
• Arizona State will receive the revenue from naming rights for the arena.
• The Coyotes will not be permitted to sell any temporary advertising that is a competitor or in the same category as whomever, ASU sells naming rights to.

» ALSO SEE: Oklahoma Board of Regents Discuss Facility Upgrades

The lease between the two is for three years with an option for a fourth. The multi-purpose facility is set to be ready for the fall of 2022 and will seat 5,000 people.

To read the full story from AZCentral.com, click here.