All Access with the Iowa Events Center: Announcing the Casey's Center

Key takeaways

Casey's Center will replace Wells Fargo Arena as of July 1, 2025, marking a new phase for both the venue and the brand.
The partnership aims to bring Casey's iconic pizza and other products directly to arena attendees, enhancing the fan experience.
Strong community engagement and strategic promotional opportunities will be pursued as part of the new naming rights partnership.
The Iowa Events Center continues to host major events, including NCAA tournaments and concerts, while revitalizing its branding in partnership with Casey's.
The conversation around naming rights highlights the importance of long-term partnerships that engage with local communities.

Summary

Announcement of Casey's Center

The podcast opens with the announcement of the new naming rights partnership between Casey’s and the Iowa Events Center. Effective July 1, 2025, the past 20-year naming of Wells Fargo Arena will be replaced by Casey's Center. This shift marks a significant change for both organizations, highlighting Casey's expansion and commitment to the Iowa community.

Interview with Darren Rebelez - CEO of Casey’s

Darren Rebelez discusses Casey's long-standing presence in the Midwest and the excitement surrounding the new partnership. With almost 60 years of history in Iowa, Casey's aims to bring its brand closer to communities excited to see the integration of Casey's iconic pizza within the arena. Darren highlights the introduction of a dedicated Casey's store within the arena and the anticipation of fans enjoying their famous breakfast pizza during events.

General Manager Chris Connolly Talks Partnerships

Chris Connolly, General Manager of the Iowa Events Center, emphasizes the importance of forming partnerships that go beyond mere branding. He reflects on the successful 20-year relationship with Wells Fargo and looks forward to developing a collaborative relationship with Casey's that will benefit both organizations and enhance the visitor experience at the Casey's Center.

Future Plans and Community Engagement

Both Darren and Chris discuss the plans for enhancing community engagement through new promotions and local events. They acknowledge the potential for Casey's to help in reaching new audiences outside traditional venues due to its extensive network across 20 states, thereby creating new opportunities for event promotions and partnerships.

Event Announcements and Venue Updates

The episode concludes with various updates about upcoming events at the Iowa Events Center, including NCAA tournaments and notable concerts. They discuss how the arena is actively updating its branding and services to accommodate these events, emphasizing that the new Casey's branding will bring a fresh look and new experiences to attendees.

Show notes

Polk County and Oak View Group, operators of Iowa Events Center, have announced a new 10-year naming rights partnership with Casey’s, the third largest convenience retailer and fifth largest pizza chain in the country, to rename the 15,000-seat multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue, Casey’s Center, effective on July 1, 2025.

We sit down with Casey's CEO Darren Rebelez and Iowa Events Center general manager Chris Connolly following the big announcement!
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