March 01, 2006
NEW YORK -- The NFL's Indianapolis Colts said today they have signed a 20-year, $122 million deal with Lucas Oil Products for naming rights to the team's new domed stadium. The stadium is currently under construction and is expected to open for the 2008 season, when the deal would kick in.
The California-based oil company's logo will be on the sides and roof of the stadium and on various places inside, including cup-holders.
"It's a very good deal for both of us," Tom Zupancic, the Colts' svp-sales and marketing, told the Indianapolis Star.
Construction on the stadium, which began last year, is expected to cost $500 million. Because it has a retractable roof, Lucas Oil Stadium could be in contention for landing Super Bowl XLV, to be played in February 2011, despite its cold-weather location. That decision could be made later this year at an NFL executive committee meeting. After this year's Super Bowl XL in cold-weather Detroit, the next four will be played in warm climates (Miami, Phoenix, Tampa and Miami again).