Simmons Bank buys naming rights to Verizon Arena for $10.5 million

Verizon Arena announced Friday (Nov. 9) that Simmons Bank has acquired the naming rights to the 18,000 seat multi-purpose civic center located in North Little Rock for $10.5 million. The 15-year naming rights contract will begin in 2019.

Verizon Arena has annual traffic of more than 400,000 for events such as concerts, sporting events, conventions and meetings, entertainment attractions and more.

Built in 1999, the arena has hosted hundreds of top industry artists such as Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, The Eagles, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, George Strait, Garth Brooks, and Stevie Wonder. In addition, the arena has welcomed many family shows and sporting events including Disney on Ice, Cirque Du Soleil, Harlem Globetrotters, Monster Jam and the Arkansas Razorbacks.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Simmons Bank, and we are proud to be associated with an organization that does so much for our economy, while providing some of the best entertainment in the region,” said George Makris, Chairman and CEO of Simmons First National Corporation.

“Sponsorships are an increasingly important component of our marketing strategy, and naming rights opportunities have only grown in value. It’s a wonderful channel to engage consumers,” Makris said.

“We are very excited about having Simmons Bank as our new naming rights partner,” said Rhett Tucker, Chairman of the Arena Board. “Their investment in our arena will allow us to make improvements and continue to bring top quality events to Arkansas.”

“This is a great day for the arena. This partnership will keep our building updated and ready for the future. We look forward to making great music together,” said Michael Marion, General Manager of the arena.

Simmons First National Corp. is the parent company of Simmons Bank. It is headquartered in Pine Bluff, but has a major presence in central Arkansas and downtown Little Rock.