United Supermarkets is set to renew their naming rights agreement with Texas Tech and the United Spirit Arena for $9.45 million, and as part of the deal, the United Spirit Arena is renamed to the United Supermarkets Arena (via Texas Tech):
Funds from the 10-year extension will begin extensive renovations on facilities for Texas Tech volleyball and men's and women's basketball teams. The arena will be renamed United Supermarkets Arena, subject to approval by the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents at its upcoming meeting, May 15-16, 2014.
And from Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt:
"The support from United Supermarkets brings great momentum to our campaign efforts," said Kirby Hocutt, director of Texas Tech Athletics. "Today's announcement will ensure that our arena remains an unparalleled venue in the Big 12 Conference and nation. Thank you to United Supermarkets for investing in our vision and student athletes."
Personally, I have no problem with this. It's part of business in today's market and these improvements will make a facility that's already one of the best arenas in the Big 12 even more desirable. I suppose there may have been a similar "dislike" for the name change with Jones Stadium and now, it doesn't seem odd at all to call it Jones AT&T Stadium.