Gophers partner with Independent Sports & Entertainment (ISE) to explore potential naming rights for Williams Arena.

BleedGopher

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The University of Minnesota Department of Athletics will announce today that it has partnered with Independent Sports & Entertainment (ISE) to explore potential naming rights for Williams Arena.

The historic venue is home to the Minnesota men’s and women’s basketball teams and is one of the most well-known and recognizable buildings in collegiate athletics and in the entire state.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for a company to align themselves with the University of Minnesota and with Gopher Athletics,” said Director of Athletics Mark Coyle. “We look forward to working with ISE to find a naming rights partner that will help us continue to provide world-class experiences for our student-athletes.”

Tens of millions of people have visited Williams Arena since its doors first opened in 1928. In addition to Gopher basketball, the venerable building has hosted NCAA men’s and women’s basketball games, high school state basketball tournaments, Big Ten wrestling championships and was the host venue for the Minnesota Lynx when they won the 2017 WNBA Championship.

“When you have a University with strong leadership, great tradition, in a top conference, and in one of the best markets in the country, there is great opportunity for the right brand partner,” said Owen Shull, Executive Vice President/Head of ISE Properties. “We are excited to partner with Minnesota on this important naming rights search.”


Go Gophers!!
 
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Its nickname is the most used name so this really has minimal impact.
I wouldn't name my kid Shithead and reason that "we can just call him by a nickname, so 'minimal impact.'" It'd be different if it was a new arena, but we're talking about trashcanning tradition for money.
 

I wouldn't name my kid Shithead and reason that "we can just call him by a nickname, so 'minimal impact.'" It'd be different if it was a new arena, but we're talking about trashcanning tradition for money.
I don't disagree with what you are saying but not like this is a new concept or anything. It is unfortunate reality of sports these days.
 



I wouldn't name my kid Shithead and reason that "we can just call him by a nickname, so 'minimal impact.'" It'd be different if it was a new arena, but we're talking about trashcanning tradition for money.
Nothing but shameless promotion. Gotta stay Williams while it lasts.
 






I wouldn't name my kid Shithead and reason that "we can just call him by a nickname, so 'minimal impact.'" It'd be different if it was a new arena, but we're talking about trashcanning tradition for money.
If my parents were given the opportunity to name me Shithead and I'd get a million dollars, I'd do it.
 



Some of y'all are impossible to satisfy. There are innumerable posts throughout this board stating that Coyle is inept and the (comparative) lack of money in the athletic department is typically near the top of the list of reasons why. Here he is pursuing some of the lowest hanging fruit available to generate more revenue and people are bothered. This should have happened 20 years ago.
 






We need cash to compete. Let's get some more (as long as they keep the Williams Arena name in there somehow). Like Williams Arena at The Pillsbury Center.
Forget the name Williams. He wasn't a basketball coach to boot. Why cant we get 50M from Glen Taylor and name it the Glen Taylor Family Arena? The guy is 80+ and he cant take it with him so why not leave a lasting memory?
 

The University of Minnesota Department of Athletics will announce today that it has partnered with Independent Sports & Entertainment (ISE) to explore potential naming rights for Williams Arena.

The historic venue is home to the Minnesota men’s and women’s basketball teams and is one of the most well-known and recognizable buildings in collegiate athletics and in the entire state.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for a company to align themselves with the University of Minnesota and with Gopher Athletics,” said Director of Athletics Mark Coyle. “We look forward to working with ISE to find a naming rights partner that will help us continue to provide world-class experiences for our student-athletes.”

Tens of millions of people have visited Williams Arena since its doors first opened in 1928. In addition to Gopher basketball, the venerable building has hosted NCAA men’s and women’s basketball games, high school state basketball tournaments, Big Ten wrestling championships and was the host venue for the Minnesota Lynx when they won the 2017 WNBA Championship.

“When you have a University with strong leadership, great tradition, in a top conference, and in one of the best markets in the country, there is great opportunity for the right brand partner,” said Owen Shull, Executive Vice President/Head of ISE Properties. “We are excited to partner with Minnesota on this important naming rights search.”


Go Gophers!!

Why can't we get 50M from Glen Taylor and name it the Glen Taylor Family Arena? Or 50 M from the Wilf and name it The WilF Arena? It's that simple.
 

Some of y'all are impossible to satisfy. There are innumerable posts throughout this board stating that Coyle is inept and the (comparative) lack of money in the athletic department is typically near the top of the list of reasons why. Here he is pursuing some of the lowest hanging fruit available to generate more revenue and people are bothered. This should have happened 20 years ago.
Don't lump everyone you disagree with into one group. You've never heard me complain about Coyle or a lack of money.
 


Some of y'all are impossible to satisfy. There are innumerable posts throughout this board stating that Coyle is inept and the (comparative) lack of money in the athletic department is typically near the top of the list of reasons why. Here he is pursuing some of the lowest hanging fruit available to generate more revenue and people are bothered. This should have happened 20 years ago.
The beauty of the internet.....no matter what the topic you can always find someone who will complain about it. :)
 


With us lacking in NIL funds and having to bargain shop to create our roster, clearly Best Buy Arena makes a lot of sense. Or the Dollar Store Barn.
 





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