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Delta named official airline of LA’s Staples Center, LA Kings, Grammy Museum

File photo: Delta plane.
File photo: Delta plane.
(
David McNew/Getty Images
)

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Delta named official airline of LA’s Staples Center, LA Kings, Grammy Museum
Delta named official airline of LA’s Staples Center, LA Kings, Grammy Museum

Entertainment giant AEG has been busy rounding up corporate partners for its downtown L.A. venues – the ones in place and the ones it hopes to build.

Delta Airlines is the latest company on the list.

AEG has worked out a deal with Atlanta-based Delta to be the official airline of the Staples Center, the L.A. Kings and the downtown Grammy Museum. It calls for an advertising blitz on flashing signs during Kings hockey games, big screens around L.A. Live and magazines throughout the city.

Delta’s Tim Mapes sees the deal as a step towards conquering L.A. the way its planes first glided into Atlanta some 70 years ago. “Delta’s growth in Los Angeles is a major part of what will enable Delta to become L.A.'s hometown airline.”

The Delta deal could also serve as a framework for other corporate sponsorships that could help pay for AEG’s proposed downtown L.A. football stadium. That’s what L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is rooting for.

“Dot all the I’s and cross all the T’s," said Villaraigosa, "and get a football stadium here, downtown. How ‘bout that!”

Last week, AEG executives announced a naming rights deal with Farmers Insurance for their proposed downtown football stadium and event center. It’ll be Farmers Field – if it’s ever built.

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