ALLENTOWN, Pa. – One of the Lehigh Valley’s most prominent corporations quietly closed a deal to keep its name front and center at a marquee gathering spot, LehighValleyNews.com has learned.
PPL Corp. signed a new naming rights deal for the PPL Center in Allentown back in 2021, Ryan Hill, vice president of corporate communications, confirmed last week.
“There's nothing that's changed there. We’re committed to the city, committed to having naming rights at PPL Center, and that's not changing,” Hill said.
The Allentown-based company initially paid an undisclosed sum in 2013 for the naming rights to the city's $177 million hockey arena at Seventh and Hamilton streets.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but the agreement put PPL’s name and logo on the 8,500-seat sports arena for at least a decade — a deal that would have expired this year.
PPL will now retain the naming rights in what Hill called a 10-year extension, with those terms also under wraps.
'They came to us early'
Rob Brooks, co-owner of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, said that PPL initiated the extension.
"I guess we just looked at it as an extension and it’s great. We all know PPL is great for our community and definitely has a dedication to Allentown, and they came to us early," Brooks said.
He said when PPL made the approach to renew, it was an easy thing to get done.
"It was several years ago, and like I said, we really like the success of the arena and the success of the revitalization downtown, and they wanted to extend," Brooks said.
"I think the arena was always set as the catalyst to revitalize Allentown and that’s why they got involved, because they wanted to show their support on that. It was something we hadn't gone out to anyone about.
"Again, it just shows their dedication to the community and the arena."
PPL making moves
PPL, with 2024 first-quarter reported earnings of $307 million, currently has about 1,200 employees in Allentown.
The company recently moved operations from its namesake tower at 2 North Ninth St. to a new corporate headquarters at Two City Center several blocks away.
The move to the 11-story complex on the northeast corner of Seventh and Hamilton was part of “right-sizing” as PPL focuses on “operational efficiency,” a spokesperson said in February.
PPL signed a 20-year lease at Two City Center at the time, it was also revealed.
In March, PPL announced a tentative $9 million agreement to sell its former tower building and office complex to Pennsylvania-based developer D&D Realty Group.
PPL Center eyes a milestone
The PPL Center opened on Sept. 10, 2014, and is celebrating its 10th year in Allentown. It’s the home of the Phantoms, the primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers.
The arena has hosted major concerts, sports and entertainment events over the past decade.
Notable concerts have included Tom Petty, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Imagine Dragons, Stevie Nicks and more.
Monster Jam, Disney on Ice, Sesame Street and World Wrestling Entertainment have also packed the venue.
In June, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) will hold its first ever event in Allentown. A week later, The Brooks and Dunn reboot tour also will roll through.
"I think the 10 years goes so fast. It’s remarkable how quickly, but we’re real excited about it," Brooks said.
"When you start looking back at it you sometimes forget all the shows and the events we’ve had. We’ve had over 1,300 events already since we’ve opened and well over 4 million people here.
"We love being here and we’re committed and we’re excited about what we can do in the next 10 years, and that PPL helped set the stage for that."
