The LA Clippers NBA basketball team has announced Pechanga Resort Casino as a founding partner of Intuit Dome, its new arena that is scheduled to open on August 15.
Pechanga is an existing sponsor of the Clippers and will now serve as the team’s exclusive tribal casino. As part of the new deal, Pechanga and the Clippers will host events benefiting fans and the local community.
The Clippers’ community-focused partnership with Pechanga began in June, with the two parties donating laptops and supplies to the Career Center at Ortega High School in Lake Elsinore. Pechanga will also sponsor the team’s annual Feed the Community holiday event.
Intuit Dome will open with a Bruno Mars concert on August 15. The new NBA season will begin in October.
Financial software company Intuit was announced as the naming-rights sponsor of the arena back in September 2021, when the project broke ground, in a 23-year deal reportedly worth more than $500m (£389m/€462m).
Earlier this year, Japanese automotive manufacturer Lexus stepped up its backing of the Clippers by agreeing a deal to sponsor Intuit Dome. Lexus will receive entitlement of the Lexus Courtside Lounge at the arena.
Pechanga is also a founding partner of the nearby SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers NFL teams.
Ken Perez, president of the Pechanga Development Corporation, said: “We are excited to partner and support the Clippers as they open their new home, Intuit Dome. This partnership expands the Pechanga brand and presence in Southern California sports and entertainment while making our communities better and stronger.”
Scott Sonnenberg, chief commercial officer for the Clippers and Intuit Dome, added: “It has long been a priority for the Clippers organisation to use our platform to make a meaningful difference and moving into our new home Intuit Dome has allowed us to create a space that brings even more people together.
“We’re very happy to have Pechanga as an Intuit Dome founding partner and the exclusive tribal casino of the LA Clippers as we continue programs and events that improve the lives of our neighbours.”
Earlier this month, Intuit Dome unveiled its huge Halo Board, which is said to be the largest ever double-sided halo display in an arena setting.
