Gateshead motor retailer secures Eagles arena naming rights in new deal

A Gateshead-based motor retail group has acquired the naming rights to the arena of the Newcastle Eagles basketball club.

Vertu Motors has acquired the naming rights to the Eagles Community Arena in Newcastle in a five-year deal.

Home to the Newcastle Eagles basketball club, the arena - situated on Scotswood Road - will now be known as the Vertu Motors Arena.

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors, said: “We are delighted to have our name above the door on this important events, sporting and community venue.

“The Vertu Motors Arena is a standout landmark in the city, which is visited not only by sports fans but businesses and local people and to have our name associated with it is an excellent opportunity for the business.

“Newcastle Eagles are an iconic sports team in the North East and one we are already working in partnership with and to extend that collaboration is extremely exciting.”

Sam Blake, chief executive officer of the Eagles Community Foundation, added: “It’s fantastic to have such an incredible investment from Vertu Motors for the future of the foundation, this venue and our community.

“The past twelve months have been a tough road to walk for all of us, so we hope this news brings a much-needed boost and a smile to all of our Eagles families, friends and volunteers.

“We know everyone is looking forward to the return of sport, leisure, education and events over the coming months and we can’t wait to welcome it all to our newly renamed Vertu Motors Arena.”