Mercedes Benz Extends Naming Rights Partnership For Mercedes-Benz Arena In Shanghai

Premium German automaker brand Mercedes-Benz has extended its partnership with AEG and Oriental Pearl Group (OPG) for the naming rights of Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai until 2025 – an additional five years beyond the existing 10-year naming rights deal negotiated by arena operator AEG, which commenced in 2011. The naming rights extension marks a strong testament to a successful partnership and sustainable cooperation of leading brands.

“Mercedes-Benz commenced the naming rights partnership for Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai in 2011. For six years, Mercedes-Benz Arena has connected our consumers and presented them a state-of-the-art venue that is a landmark in both Shanghai and Asia, along with outstanding world-class entertainment and performances. This naming rights extension of Mercedes-Benz Arena will continue to bring prominent returns and splendor both to our brand and consumers,” said Duan Jianjun, EVP of Mercedes-Benz in China.

Mercedes-Benz’ extended partnership with the multi-purpose venue was negotiated by AEG Global Partnerships, an affiliate of AEG that collaborates with more than 120 venues and other AEG assets worldwide. “Today’s announcement is yet another significant moment in the development of China’s booming entertainment industry,” said Todd Goldstein, Chief Revenue Officer, AEG. “Since the arena’s grand opening, together with Mercedes-Benz, we have created China’s most important arena to present the finest in international sports and entertainment programming. While establishing itself as Asia’s top, must-play venue, Mercedes-Benz Arena has been responsible for attracting some of China’s most popular artists as well as a slate of the top international performers to the region.”

“We are very pleased to have this unique opportunity to expand our relationship with Mercedes-Benz,” said Adam Wilkes, President and CEO, AEG Asia. “Our close collaboration with Mercedes-Benz has been an outstanding success for what has evolved China’s premier venue as well as Asia’s top sports and entertainment destination,” Wilkes continued.

In partnership with the Oriental Pearl Group (OPG), AEG was instrumental in the design, development and commercialization of the 18,000-seat multipurpose venue originally built for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, and commercial operations fully commenced with the Mercedes-Benz brand on the building in 2011.

“Over the past six years, Mercedes-Benz Arena has managed to integrate some of the world’s most advanced resources to redefine the live entertainment and service experience for the Chinese audiences, continuously setting new industry benchmarks in China as well as in Asia,” said Huang Jin, Vice President of Culture, Entertainment & Tourism Business, Oriental Pearl Group (OPG).

In 2016 alone, Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai welcomed more than 900,000 guests while presenting 273 ticketed events, thereby making it Asia’s No. 1 sports and entertainment venue. As a destination of choice for international and domestic A-list performers alike, recent tours include artists like Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift alongside China’s top performers Jacky Cheung, Eason Chan, Jay Chou and Faye Wong, drawing fans in the millions to gather at the landmark arena in Shanghai.

Since its inception, Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz Arena has set itself apart through its industry-changing design, operations, programming and array of amenities that put the guests first. AEG, OPG and Mercedes-Benz, together with the venue’s founding partners, have continued to deliver the most entertaining and engaging fan experiences in one of the world’s leading arenas.

For more information: www.mercedes-benzarena.com