
By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – Fans of the Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association won’t be able to escape the presence of Bloomington’s own State Farm Insurance.
The company and the NBA club announced Wednesday they have reached a 20 year deal to rename the rennovated venue State Farm Arena.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported State Farm is paying the team $175 million to acquire the naming rights.
The Atlanta area is one of State Farm’s three regional hubs, employing more than 6,000 people in metro Atlanta.
State Farm Chairman and CEO Michael Tipsord said in a statement that the naming rights symbolize the company’s pledge to build its brand locally and nationally, and ultimately it will help to grow State Farm.
Team owner Tony Ressler said in a statement that State Farm is one of the country’s most recognizable and civic-minded organizations.
Formerly known as Philips Arena, the facility has undergone a $192.5 million rennovation over the past two years.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]