Nokia Acquires Naming Rights To NextStage At Grand Prairie

Mobile Communications leader Nokia has inked a naming rights deal with AEG-operated NextStage at Grand Prairie. The 6,500-seat venue, located between Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas, has been renamed Nokia Live at Grand Prairie. AEG purchased the operating rights in September 2002; the venue open in February 2002.

"As the merging of mobility and entertainment is becoming an increasingly important focus for Nokia, our affiliation with this state-of-the-art facility represents a natural progression of this trend," said Jo Harlow, vice president of marketing for Nokia, Americas. "People around the world are today enjoying games, music and images on their mobile phones. In the future, wireless devices will be used to access even more varied forms of recreation, and Nokia Live at Grand Prairie will reinforce that connection between Nokia and entertainment."

"AEG is committed to creating and producing the best performances from the best artists at the best venues worldwide," said Timothy J. Leiweke, president and CEO, AEG. "We thank Nokia for sharing our vision and look forward to developing new and unique opportunities to enhance our relationship in the months and years to come."

"Nokia is the ideal company to lend its name and for us to work with at this facility," said Jay Marciano, chief strategic officer, AEG LIVE. "Nokia's already strong commitment to the community and desire to offer a first-rate, state-of-the-art experience to their customers is completely in line with how we will continue to operate Nokia Live at Grand Prairie. We look forward to working together with Nokia to bring the biggest names and must-see productions to the Dallas-Fort Worth area." — Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner