Arizona Coyotes Debut GRRC Patch on Home Jersey
Oct. 7, 2022
Kyle Knox,
Managing Editor
The Arizona Coyotes and Gila River Resorts & Casinos (GRRC) celebrated a milestone in their 15-year partnership on Sept. 22 with the reveal of the new Arizona Coyotes home jersey adorned with a GRRC patch. The businesses also announced a multi-year partnership extension agreement with branding entitlement.
“Today is an incredible day and celebration—not only of a business partner, but a true community partner—and we are honored to have the GRRC logo on the front of what’s considered the most popular jersey in Arizona history for the world to see,” said Arizona Coyotes President and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez.
As the first Latino president and CEO of the National Hockey League, Gutierrez said representation matters. “These are the opportunities we get to bring to the foreground,” he said, adding, “I am so honored that the world will see our partnership and what we and the Gila River Indian Community stands for.”
Kenneth Manuel, CEO of GRRC, said, “Growing up in District 4, I know what it’s like before and after gaming, so to see what GRRC is able to do and give back through these partnerships, it warms my heart, because I know it will all ultimately benefit the Community.”
Manuel said he was amazed to see how the Coyotes partnership has evolved over the years and considers the addition of the GRRC patch a “great honor as a member of the Gila River Indian Community and CEO of GRRC and as a symbol of the ever-evolving [Coyotes] partnership.”
The jersey debut is a landmark moment for GRRC, as it is the first-ever Native American-owned gaming enterprise with its logo on an NHL jersey. Gila River Indian Community Lt. Gov. Monica Antone and GRIC Community Council members attended the festivities at Wild Horse Pass Casino’s Topgolf Swing Suites, where the Arizona Coyotes recognized the Community leadership by presenting the new jersey to each Community Council member.
“This patch represents the Community in a great way, and the Coyotes have always supported our Community youth through outreach activities and sports camps,” said Lt. Gov. Antone. “They always involve our Community so it feels like more like a family.”
District 5 Councilwoman Wahlean J. Riggs said, “I’m very proud that the GRRC and the Community leaders built this partnership to this point. It’s a long time coming, and I’m honored that the Coyotes will have our GRRC logo on their jersey.”
Coyotes fans in attendance got a sneak peek of the jersey and Coyotes swag, and were able to meet Coyotes players Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz and Lawson Crouse.
As a season-long presenting sponsor, GRRC will also participate in various community activations throughout the season. The Coyotes’ first home game will be Friday Oct. 28, where they will wear the new home jersey at Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena.
