American Airlines Theater (NYC)

[burkey]

INTRODUCING THE AMERICAN AIRLINES THEATRE---

New York's newly renovated Selwyn Theatre will be named the American Airlines Theatre in exchange for our underwriting the Roundabout Theatre Co., a not-for-profit classic theatre company. The theatre is the new home of the Roundabout.

"American Airlines has a long history of supporting the arts," said Tom Gleason,
eastern regional vice president of sales. "We are delighted to have been able to present Roundabout with a meaningful endowment that will help the company take
full advantage of its magnificent new facility."

Our name will appear on the theatre's 42nd Street marquee as well as on other materials associated with the theatre, including all tickets and advertising.

Source: AMR Corporate

[RichG]

I used to think we were above such things in New York.... but then again, maybe they'll be increasing the seat pitch.

[burkey]

Just as long as it's not with the old seats their taking out of the aircraft, right?? Thought some of the NY Conti folks would like this.

[Catman]

FUnny burkey!!!

But it's sad that EVERYTHING is being SLAPPED with a corporate name on it.

Next thing you know Flyertalk will get a corporate name/pre=fix.

Like: the Fancy Feast Cat Food Flyertalk Forum.

(It has to be a non-travel related sponsorship as to avoid conflict of interest issues.)

[UK Stages]

well, livent led the way with their deal in several cities - including NYC - for the 'ford center for the performing arts'... and the shubert organization is currently negotiating with GM to rename the winter garden the 'cadillac winter garden.'

there was a wonderful cartoon on the ediotorial pages of the NY times today playing off the AA announcement and speculating on future corporate marketing opportunities including...

a coupon for a 'free slushy' printed on a 'death of a salesman' ticket...

ushers showing patrons to their seats while asking if they're happy with their long distance carrier...

the box office of the 'shoe-bert' theatre offering tickets, as well as size 8 loafers.

very funny... and very sad.

we do, of course, have theatres named after individual benefactors - the mitzi newhouse for instance - but i believe we should maintain the tradition of naming theatres after actors, writers, composers, directors and -gulp - even critics.