In January, the doors will open at the US
Airways Center, formerly America West Arena, in downtown Phoenix.  The new
10-year agreement follows the merger between America West Airlines
and US Airways, completed September 27.The naming conversion is scheduled to take place over the next few months,
and plans call for it to be completed and unveiled shortly after the first of
the year.  Designs are currently under review with the City of Phoenix.  Until
then, the arena will continue to operate as America West Arena.
  “Because of the comprehensive and dramatic enhancements completed over the
past few years, today we really have a state-of-the-art building again
compared to the one that opened in 1992,” said Suns Chairman and CEO Jerry
Colangelo.  “It is the sports and entertainment facility of the future, so it
is most appropriate that it be identified with the airline of the future in
name and spirit.”
  “Since its inception in 1992, America West Arena has been a great source
of pride to our employees and now a much larger employee base can see US
Airways’ commitment to the Phoenix community and the Suns organization,” said
US Airways Chairman, President and CEO Doug Parker.  “As the hometown airline
of Phoenix, we are excited that the US Airways Center will be both a symbol of
our future and a tribute to the proud history of our airline.”

“We’re not just writing a new chapter in the book on Downtown Phoenix,”
said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, “we’re writing a whole new book.”  “With the
expanded Phoenix Civic Plaza convention center, light rail, a new Arizona
State University campus and a host of other residential, retail and business
projects, the US Airways Center will continue to be at the heart of Phoenix
sports and culture.”
——-