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Honda extends naming rights to Ducks arena

The US arm of Japanese automotive manufacturer Honda has agreed a 10-year extension to its naming rights partnership with the home arena of NHL ice hockey team the Anaheim Ducks.

The arena first became known as the Honda Center in October 2016 through a 15-year contract agreed with Anaheim Arena Management (AAM). Honda last year marked its 60th anniversary in the US, with the extension taking its arena naming rights through to 2031.

Highlights of the partnership include Honda Center exterior signage, freeway marquee placement, integration throughout all forms of media, car displays on two exterior corners of the arena, and the continuation of the annual Anaheim Ducks Fan Appreciation Night sweepstakes where one Ducks fan takes home a new Honda vehicle.

Jay Joseph, vice-president of the marketing division of automobile sales at American Honda Motor Co, said: “We’ve been partners with the arena and Anaheim Ducks for over 13 years and are pleased to support the vision and financial resources that (Ducks owners) Henry and Susan Samueli invest in the building to maintain it as a state-of-the-art facility.

“For over 60 years Honda has been proud to partner with high profile events and facilities in Southern California, including the Rose Parade, the Aquarium of the Pacific, Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and Disneyland Resort. We view the Honda Center as one of these essential SoCal institutions we are pleased to support and help grow.”

Through the support of Honda and its presenting sponsorships of the Anaheim Ducks Golf Classic and Dux in Tux, the Anaheim Ducks Foundation has helped raise over $4.5m (£3.48m/€4.14m) since the start of the Honda partnership in 2006.

Those funds support the mission of the Anaheim Ducks Foundation to facilitate and support programs that produce positive change for children and families throughout Southern California by providing educational opportunities, broadening access to the sport of hockey, and addressing the health and wellness needs of the community.

Honda became the naming rights partner of the arena after Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water elected to end its deal after 13 years.