Izod Wins Naming Rights To Continental Airlines Arena

Finally, a name accurately depicting an arena build on swamp land as New Jersey's Continental Airlines Arena will soon be known as the "Izod Center."

New Jersey's Sports and Exposition Authority awarded a $1.4 million-a-year contract for the naming rights to Izod, a unit of Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. Two other clothing companies, Iconix Brand Group Inc.'s Rocawear and Fort Lee, New Jersey-based Southpole, also were in contention.

But the alligator won.

Continental chose to take its name off the 26-year-old building now that the New Jersey Devils are leaving for their new home in Newark. The Houston-based airline had paid $1.3 million a year for the naming rights, but half of that money came in the form of airline tickets.

The arena logo will be changed a few days prior to the New Jersey Nets first home game on Oct. 31, and the official unveiling will be held during the game, said New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority Chairman Carl Goldberg.

Izod's bid was chosen because the company promised cash as well as a marketing package, added Goldberg. Izod agreed to buy and create advertising for television and
as well as take the lead in buying airtime and print space. Izod's agreement is for five years, though the Nets are expected to move to Brooklyn in 2009.

Then what happens to the Izod Center?