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AEG Facilities nets long-term Gila River Arena extension

The AEG Facilities division of sports and entertainment giant AEG has reached an agreement to continue the management of Gila River Arena, home of NHL ice hockey team the Arizona Coyotes.

AEG Facilities’ new five-year deal with the City of Glendale will run until June 30, 2026.

AEG Facilities has managed the 18,000-capacity arena for the past two years, during which it has helped secure Professional Bull Riders and Ultimate Fighting Championship events for the venue.

It has also secured performances from the likes of Coldplay, Pink, Elton John, Sam Smith, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Roger Waters, Queen, WWE, Chainsmokers, Panic! at the Disco and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. AEG Facilities noted that in the past year, Gila River Arena hosted more concerts, sold more tickets and generated the highest gross ticket sales at the venue since 2009.

“AEG Facilities has done an exceptional job of overseeing all aspects of the operation of the Gila River Arena,” Glendale city manager Kevin Phelps said.

“From day one, AEG Facilities has provided the arena the best set of resources, operational expertise and economic vision to further the venue’s outstanding reputation. Through our partnership with AEG, we have clearly established Gila River Arena as one of the most important arenas in the region.”

AEG Facilities provides services such as event programming and content development, purchasing, vendor venue services, advertising, marketing and event-day operations for Gila River Arena.

Dale Adams, general manager of the arena and vice-president of event development for AEG Facilities, added: “We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with the City of Glendale for years to come. Gila River Arena is a first-class venue that continues to attract the most popular events on tour today.”

Image: AEG Facilities