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Phoenix Suns, Casino Arizona Expand Exising Partnership

Posted: Sept. 29, 2006

The Phoenix Suns and Casino Arizona have expanded their existing marketing partnership agreement, making Casino Arizona the presenting sponsor of the Phoenix Suns through the 2013-14 season, as announced today by Phoenix Suns President and Chief Operating Officer Rick Welts, and Joni Ramos, President of Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC).

The agreement is the first-ever presenting sponsorship in Suns history and establishes Casino Arizona and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community as the exclusive gaming partner of the Phoenix Suns. The presenting sponsorship rights are an expansion of the current partnership agreement between both organizations, which began initially in 2000 and was added to in 2005 with the title sponsorship introduction of the Casino Arizona Pavilion.

“The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and their enterprise, Casino Arizona, are extremely proud of the relationship that has evolved with the Phoenix Suns organization over the past few years. Becoming the presenting sponsor of the Phoenix Suns is an exciting milestone for our business as well as an enhancement of our entertainment image,” said President and CEO of Casino Arizona Jon Jenkins. “This partnership will present numerous opportunities for the Salt River Community, Casino Arizona, the Phoenix Suns and surrounding communities.”

The expanded partnership will also include multiple community outreach programs including an internship program for three college students with the Phoenix Suns and US Airways Center; a mentorship program with the opportunity to study under Suns managing partner, Robert Sarver; and continues the Sunsational Student/Teacher Program, in which one outstanding Salt River Community student and teacher, is selected each month and honored at a Suns home game.

The partnership will also include the development of the Phoenix Suns Academy, where selected youth from the SRPMIC will be provided with personal and professional life lessons.

“We are honored to announce Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and Casino Arizona as the Suns first ever presenting sponsor. The new aspects of our marketing agreement showcase our efforts to become even more involved in community outreach initiatives,” said Welts. “We both share a common goal of improving the quality of life in our community, and these programs help achieve this goal by supporting education and our youth.”