Cubs, Under Armour team up on spring facility
MESA, Ariz. -- The Cubs' new spring complex will be named the Under Armour Performance Center at Cubs Park. The stadium itself, which hosts its first Cactus League game on Thursday, remains Cubs Park.
The Under Armour Performance Center, which opened this year, features the largest and most advanced strength and conditioning space in the Cactus League.
"Anyone who has walked through that performance center can see what a huge asset it is for us," Chicago general manager Jed Hoyer said. "It only seems appropriate that it's Under Armour that sponsors it. It seems appropriate -- you watch every Under Armour commercial and their focus is on athletes' performance, athletes' fitness. For them to put their name on this, it means a lot."
The Cubs built the facility on the former Riverview Golf Course, and it includes a two-story weight and cardiovascular facility, hydrotherapy room, 120-seat theater, video room and cafeteria. The Major League clubhouse can house 68 lockers, and the Minor League facility has 206 lockers.
Under Armour has been a partner with the Cubs since 2007, and was the first to have a sign on one of the outfield doors at Wrigley Field. Under Armour joins Starwood and Budweiser as a legacy partner of the Cubs.
"They're brands that have bought into what we're doing and building part of the foundation that we're building here," said Colin Faulkner, Cubs vice president of sales and partnerships.
Faulkner said the Cubs are considering naming rights for the new spring stadium.
"It's 'Cubs Park' right now," Faulkner said. "We think there's a lot of value to have a naming rights partner in the park. We've talked to several people about it. We want to make sure we find the right fit, similar to having Under Armour on the performance center, which is a right fit."
The only new signage expected at Wrigley Field this season will be the addition of a see-through Budweiser sign behind the right-field bleachers.
Wrigley Field also is host to the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game, which features the top high school baseball players from around the world.