Mercedes-Benz names first arena in China

A Shanghai arena became the first arena in China to have a naming rights partnership as automobile brand Mercedes-Benz signed Monday a ten-year agreement with the arena.

The arena, which is still under construction, is being jointly developed by Oriental Pearl Group, AEG and the National Basketball Association (NBA). The multi-purpose entertainment destination will officially be known as Mercedes-Benz Arena in 2011.

Klaus Maier, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd., said, "The new Mercedes-Benz Arena will reinforce Shanghai as culturally-rich city on the world map and create a new destination of arts and lifestyle on the international stage."

"Mercedes-Benz Arena will truly become Shanghai' s and all of China' s state-of-the-art showplace for culture, arts, sports and entertainment events when this world-class arena debuts," said NBA China CEO Tim Chen. "With the help of our partners, we are certain this arena will be the premier destination for sports, entertainment and cultural events in Shanghai."

The 18,000-seat arena was designed by Shanghai Xian Dai Architectural Design Group.

Source:Xinhua