For 25 years we have known the Sacramento Kings' arena in Natomas as ARCO Arena, but the building's naming rights are set to expire in 2011 and the gas company opted not to renew its contract. Almost lost in yesterday's Bee interview with Joe Maloof was this bit on the arena naming rights:
In another development, sources close to the situation confirmed the Kings are on the verge of announcing a new multi-year naming rights deal. In other words, Arco Arena won't be Arco Arena much longer. Asked to provide details, Joe Maloof would say only, "I can't talk about that right now. You'll just have to wait. But everybody is going to be surprised."
Today, a credible source told Sactown Royalty that the Kings have agreed in principle to a five-year deal with Power Balance LLC to rename the arena the Power Balance Pavilion. This is not a joke, and Joe Maloof was right. Everybody is going to be surprised.
Power Balance is an Orange County based company founded in 2007 that pitches wristbands and bracelets that are said to improve your balance and athletic performance. Power Balance claims to "use holographic technology" to "work with your body’s natural energy field." You might have seen their commercials.
Well Kings fans, what do you think?
UPDATE: Dale Kasler and Tony Bizjak of The Bee have independently confirmed the news. Announcement expected Thursday.