The University of Arizona (a public land-grant research university in Tucson, Arizona) and the Casino Del Sol (Tucson’s best casino and entertainment venue), an enterprise of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe (a Federally recognized tribe of Yaqui Native Americans in the State of Arizona) recently announced a landmark 20-year naming rights agreement for the Arizona Stadium valued at more than $60 million, the largest such agreement in Big 12 Conference (a collegiate athletic Conference in the United States) history.
It is a partnership based on shared commitment and community and culture.
‘arizonawildcats.com’ stated that under the partnership the venue will be known as the Casino Del Sol Stadium.
The Arizona Stadium is the home of the University of Arizona football team, now officially named Casino Del Sol Stadium after a 20-year naming rights deal announced in November 2025. Located on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson this historic outdoor college football stadium was originally built in 1929 and has been expanded multiple times to its current capacity of over 50,000 fans.
‘arizonawildcats.com’ further stated that Casino Del Sol joins Arizona Athletics’ top tier of corporate and community investors as a Pillar Partner with category exclusivity in casino, gaming and resorts beginning next fiscal year. The naming partnership includes new exterior and interior branding, field logos and digital platforms along with expanded integration into national television broadcasts.
The collaboration prioritizes the roles the U of A – as Arizona’s flagship, land-grant university – and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe have in benefiting the students, families and communities across Southern Arizona. Through new programs and co-created initiatives the partnership will deepen academic, cultural and economic links between the university and the tribe.
The Arizona Sports Enterprises (ASE), the Arizona Athletics’ multimedia rights and corporate partnerships partner, conceived, negotiated and executed the agreement. The ASE led a comprehensive process including asset valuation, market testing, term modeling, brand safety reviews, and community consultation with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe to structure a long-term, values-aligned deal that advances both organizations’ strategic goals.
The agreement underscores the U of A’s commitment to building meaningful collaborations that advance the Bear Down Blueprint, strengthens the university’s ties with the tribal nations and is an important part of Athletics sustainable financial foundation for Arizona Athletics.
The Bear Down Blueprint is a five-year strategic plan for the Arizona Athletics Department designed to guide it through 2030. It is based on the values of respect, integrity, community, excellence, and resilience, and is organized around four strategic pillars: Graduating leaders, winning championships, galvanizing community, and organizational strength.
Alongside the partnership, Arizona Athletics will pursue a multiyear facilities enhancement plan to modernize fan amenities, student-athlete spaces and event operations across key venues. This will include evaluating premium seating, concourse upgrades, accessibility, technology, and back-of-house improvements to elevate the gameday experience and drive long-term growth.
Stated Suresh Garimella, President, University of Arizona, “For many here in Southern Arizona and around the United States Arizona Athletics offers a first glimpse of the University of Arizona. By naming one of our campus landmarks for Casino Del Sol we are telling that audience how proud we are to partner with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. Our land-grant mission calls us to engage with our community and this collaboration is an innovative expression of that imperative. I’m proud of our shared purpose to expand opportunity, strengthen belonging and build a stronger future for our region and I look forward to what we’ll accomplish together.”
Added Julian Hernandez, Chairman, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, “The Pascua Yaqui Tribe values partnerships grounded in respect and opportunity. Our collaboration with the University of Arizona reflects our shared commitment to education, cultural preservation and community strength. This agreement honors the tribe’s deep roots in this region and creates pathways for prosperity that will benefit our people and Southern Arizona for generations.”
Averred Amanda Sampson Lomayesva, head honcho, Casino Del Sol, “This partnership gives us the opportunity to share our story on one of the biggest stages in college athletics. From the heart of Tucson to fans across the United States Casino Del Sol is proud to stand with the University of Arizona in celebrating community, culture and the Wildcat spirit that unites Southern Arizona.”
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