I’ve been ‘venue-ing’ for most of the summer. (Yes, around here ‘venue-ing” is a proper word) I can’t seem to stop my snickers at some of the venue names. I know the game. The venues want the money, the corporations want the exposure, they make a sweet deal and we are stuck excitedly telling friends, “I’m going to Whataburger Field tonight!” Sounds like something from a Chevy Chase movie…I expect to see the Griswold’s walking in with me.
A couple observations: The only dog you’ll find at PETCO Park in San Diego is in a bun. All animals are banned from PETCO Park. It’s not right. You can’t buy a taco at Taco Bell Arena at Boise State University in Idaho. False advertising. Imagine needing a late night snack and seeing the giant Taco Bell Arena sign and thinking you’ve found Chalupa Mecca only to have the cruel truth revealed. It’s a cold, hard world.
Has any venue ever declined a name? For example, would they allow Preparation H Field or the Imodium Ice Palace? How about something political? What if MoveOn.org or a Right to Life group wanted to throw its name up on the brick? Where's the line? Or isn't there a line when money enters the picture?
I wonder why places like Amazon.com, Google, Zappos and Facebook don’t dive into the venue naming pool. I like the sound of Zappos Arena. Like lightning striking. Amazon Stadium would undoubtedly give my team an advantage as it conjured up images of powerful women warriors.
And my vote for a well-named arena: Red Bull Arena located in Harrison, New Jersey. Red Bull Arena is home to the MLS team the New York Red Bulls. Opening in 2010, this soccer arena will be state of the art with a ‘cool’ factor that’s off the charts. Check out their logo. I don’t even like Red Bull and I’m ready to go out and buy a pack.
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