AT&T Puts Its Name On Performing Arts Megaplex

We've become accustomed to sports venues selling naming rights but increasingly it's not just the stadiums that get the big deals. Performing arts centers are getting in on the act too. It was recently announced that the new performing arts complex in Dallas, Texas which is set to open October 12 will be called the AT&T Performing Arts Center. The $354 million facility will offer hundreds of performances every year in four different venues and a ten-acre urban park.

It has not been revealed how much AT&T is spending for the honor. Most of the funds for the center have been raised through public donations and the funds from AT&T will help boost the operations budget. The center is part of a growing trend of entertainment facilities which are branded and for technology companies entertainment venues have particular allure. Nokia in particular has lent its name to several theaters across the United States. Given the incredible downturn in private donations to the arts over the past year as well as a trimming in city, state and national arts budgets, it's easy to guess that this will be an ongoing trend.